The Golden Compass

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
40

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 13 out of 17
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. Worth Playing
    72
    This title is for children who would or have enjoyed Pullman's novels, and likewise the movie adapted from the first book of the trilogy. Based upon this reasonable criteria, The Golden Compass is a good game and deserves a score commensurate with that determination - the largest demerit here is that the game has only niche appeal, even for some kids without a taste for "His Dark Materials."
  2. Cheat Code Central
    60
    Despite its uninspired gameplay, the simple tasks and challenges may appeal to a younger audience, especially those that've seen the film. But if you're part of the "+" demographic in The Golden Compass' "E10+" rating, then you'll likely be bored soon after Iorek's opening wolf-whuppin' battle sequence.
  3. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    50
    As in many of these cases, if you liked the movie you’ll probably enjoy revisiting the story and characters. But that doesn’t make it a good game. [Jan 2008]
    All this publication's reviews
  5. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    50
    If this were a PS2 game, we'd still consider the graphics a bitter letdown. [Feb 2008, p.98]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. GameSpot
    45
    The Golden Compass is just another family-friendly film cash-in with few redeeming qualities.
  7. Play Magazine
    45
    Anyway, not to belabor the point, but the most golden of compasses will point in the only direction that truly matters. Away. [Jan 2008, p.51]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. PTGamers
    45
    The Golden Compass is just another one of those games based on movies, that only exist to strengthen the preconceived notion of lack of quality in these adaptations.
  9. Gamer 2.0
    42
    There’s not really much more to say about the game other than just ranting about our horrible experience with it. Surely, that would bore you, our respected readers. We’re actually somewhat sorry that you’re being exposed to this game in the first place. Please, look elsewhere for gaming if you want to do yourselves a favor.
  10. PSX Extreme
    41
    The Golden Compass really isn't anything more than yet another game based on a movie that falls well shy of "quality." ‘sigh' The trend may never die.
  11. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    40
    Ultimately, The Golden Compass proves way too easy, and much of the "game" feels a lot more like "chore". [Jan 2008, p.82]
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Kombo
    40
    The Golden Compass, the book, has received more critical praise than it can count. Unfortunately, the same doesn't hold true for the movie or the video game.
  13. AceGamez
    40
    Ugly, repetitive and painfully boring, its mercifully short length and rousing orchestral score are its only redeeming qualitites.
    All this publication's reviews
  14. IGN
    35
    Even if you were completely charmed by Philip Pullman's work or enjoyed the movie adaptation, there's absolutely no reason to give this game a try. Even the music, as pretty as it is, can't redeem such poor gameplay and atrocious presentation.
  15. Game Informer
    33
    It pains me to say this, but turn off your TV and just read the book or head to your local theater. This is a story everyone must experience, just don’t try interacting with it.
  16. Play UK
    32
    The game will sap you until all that's left is a dry, withered husk. [Issue#162, p.89]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. GameSpy
    30
    The Golden Compass isn't the worst game based on a movie, but it's close. It's a combination of uninspired platforming, poorly implemented mini-games and slow and broken storytelling.
  18. Game Revolution
    0
    In general, playing the game is a sinusoidal process of momentary elation as you uncover a new element, quickly followed by deep disappointment as you discover it’s a piece of crap.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best PS3 Game of 2007
88
#88 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2007

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.8

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 8 out of 16
  1. DanishAbdullah
    Feb 10, 2008
    0
    This game should not exist because it brings total shame to video games. All the people that like this game are kids and won't grow up ifThis game should not exist because it brings total shame to video games. All the people that like this game are kids and won't grow up if they continue playing this horrible game.When my little bro bought this game, I yelled at him for wasting his money on a game that got such low ratings. No body I know would enjoy this. This game is one of the most horrible games I ever played. This game was more worse than the movie.… Full Review »
  2. AliL.
    Dec 29, 2007
    6
    The Golden Compass may not be "hard" or what most gamers would want to play. But it is a good game, at least to me. Its far from the bet game The Golden Compass may not be "hard" or what most gamers would want to play. But it is a good game, at least to me. Its far from the bet game I've played, though the graphics, again to me, are pretty good. It for people who want an easy game to play where they don't have to think much.… Full Review »
See all user reviews »