The Golden Compass
SCORE: 66
The Golden Compass has been making controversial waves all over
America. Some have labeled it anti-Christian hate speech (the books
anyway), and others call it deceptive propaganda. I really spend more
time treating people as Christ treated them, and encouraging all haters
to embrace God’s love. The Xbox 360, and PS3 versions of The Golden
Compass make me want to weep. The little girl Lyra has a daemon that is
a visual representation of her soul. This daemon Pan can shape shift
into different animals that assist her in progression through the game.
The player is also expected to deceive other character in various lying
mini games.
The Golden Compass has some images that will easily scare children.
Players get to take on the role of a polar bear. Mauling wolves did not
bother me too much, but treating human beings the same way was
disturbing. The player is not allowed to control the camera which led to
quite a few frustration. There is a mini game early on where the player
spits on scholars and laughs. The animation is a little off, and the
graphics overall are not that good.
The ESRB was correct to label The Golden Compass with language as there
are some definite issues with that. There are also sounds that will
scare children. The most disturbing to me were the polar bear as he
would go into a rage hurting humans. There was just something completely
backwards about that aspect of this game to me. Pan and Lyra’s voices
are so close to one another that I had trouble differentiating.
There are hidden items, and meanings to be found of the symbols of the
alethiometer. But if you really want to know what those meanings are
they can be found on the internet easily.
The Golden Compass suffers greatly in the game play section. The
deception mini games are either quick nuisances, or annoyingly
difficult. The violence found within this video game falls under the
boring column. Reading the golden compass itself is a lesson in
frustration. Whoever came up with the meanings for the symbols has a
very warped outlook on the world.
The Golden Compass is one of those video games that gave me a headache
after playing it. Sure the graphics had something to do with it, but the
content as well. Lyra starts out completely attacking authority figures,
lying to them, and acting like she knows better. Our elders have wisdom
to impart, and should be properly respected. The stereotypes of the
Eskimo type people really bothered me since I am part Cherokee. There
are also witches that are revered, but eventually fought by the player.
- Paul
Graphics: 62%
Sound: 69%
Replay/Extras: 77%
Gameplay: 65%
Family Friendly Factor: 59%
System: Xbox 360/Playstation 3
Publisher: Sega
ESRB Rating: 'E10+' for
Everyone 10+
{Mild Language, Mild Fantasy Violence}
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