Golden Compass, The (DS)
© 2007 Sega
Here's a typical side-scrolling adventure with multi-chapters for a variety of hardware platforms. This review pertains to the Nintendo DS version; the only two-player option of the game available. Note that the screen image is from a console version of the game -- not the DS version. You switch between three of the movie characters (Lyra, Pan and Lorek) in order to kill wolves, collect things and free trapped friends. Doing so takes a lot of exploring of each maze-like level, each with a clearly stated goal. Some reading is required, and switching between characters can be frustrating, even at the easy levels. Testers noted that the DS touch screen was used infrequently. If you die, say by falling into a icy crevice because of a miss-timed jump, you helpfully returned to your most recent save point. Not a big deal. The chapters are directly taken from the movie, which in turn comes from a book by Philip Pullman. They use the Alethiometer, or Golden Compass -- a truth-telling device that will help lead the way. For an older child stuck on a long car trip and needing something to do, or for an avid fan of the movie, this is a possible consideration; but our testers noted that there are some frustrating moments. For example, running and jumping requires holding two keys simultaneously, so while there's plenty of problem solving to be had in this game, sometimes it's the wrong kind. Features include both single card download play or multi-card player, for one or two players. The game can be toggled between four languages (Spanish, English, Italian, French or Dutch), and detailed game play records are kept automatically in one of three game slave slots. The Nintendo DS version was created by A2 (Artificial Mind and Movement, Inc.) for Sega. Prices are $50 for Xbox 360 and PS3, $40 for Wii, $30 for PSP and PS2, and $20 for PC and DS. Borrow it.
$20, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii*, PlayStation 2*, Nintendo DS*, PSP, Windows
Teaches: some problem solving and reading, spatial relations, fine motor skills
CTR Rating: 76%