Golden Compass

If you enjoy your fantasy titles and indeed liked the movie version of the Golden Compass, then you’ll want to know everything about the mobile version of the game.

As tough as it may be, try to contain your excitement just a little as I’ve said many times before, it appears that nearly every movie which is turned into a game for the mobile fails to ever give you the satisfaction or presence that the film creates. So how does this game compare?

Sadly not too well as this is alas a prime example of a lack-lustre poor effort in capitalising on a big name. Although it follows the story by being broken down into five levels, this is sadly as creative and as original as it gets. You play the part of Serafina who explores the levels by running through a fairly straight forward number of platformed rooms, corridors, windows and rooftops. Armed with nothing more than an unlimited supply of rocks which temporarily incapacitate your enemy (which come in the forms of people, birds, dogs and cats) – you must try and accomplish the level successfully.

Your first mission starts in Jordan College, where Serafina must locate the Alethiometer (which helps you navigate your way to the next stage by asking you a simple riddle). To do this, you must avoid being hit by birds or dogs and bumping into people who’ll hurt you and cause you to end the game too soon. These actually aren’t too difficult to beat armed with your trusty stones. To throw you must use the action key, a quick tap and you’ll chuck the stone a short distance – holding the key will throw the stone further on release. Be warned that the more distance you throw, doesn’t mean the shot’s any more powerful and it could leave you open to attack if you’re unlucky.

The various other levels are very easy to work your way round and are actually pretty short. In truth I completed all five levels of the game in less than half an hour! I was really surprised that this was the end as it felt rather abrupt – and yes, I know the movies (and the books they’re based on) are a trilogy, but I felt there’s far too few references to the movie to give it any true depth and it was just screamed a rushed and rather hash job.

In truth, the most enjoyable part for me was using Pan (the ferret) to do tasks and to fight one daemon was the highlight. He should have been used more than the two instances as he made the game better.

Ultimately if you enjoyed the movie you’ll no doubt find the game a perfect complement to your collection of memorabilia. However, if you’re a serious or even an occasional gamer you’ll be finding yourself feeling rather short-changed from the whole experience. There are plenty of other really enjoyable games which would suit your needs far better than this.

Rating 56%

Positives

The graphics on the characters in the conversation screens and the story

Mildly entertaining

Being able to use Pan (the ferret) to get objects or fight daemons was good.

Mini-games in the form of battles and simple riddle solving offers some change of pace and breaks up the monotony

Negatives

Game can be completed in minutes and offers little point in repeat play

No option to change difficulty setting

Graphics of the game are awful – truly disappointing

Long loading times between each screen

Pretty dreadful controls (caused you to get injured by falling unnecessarily)

No aiming ability with your throw other than distance is pretty poor