Dax Berg reveals more details about Sega’s The Golden Compass
Based on the book by Philip Pullman, Sega‘s upcoming game, The Golden Compass, shows us that the fantasy adventure genre has yet unmeasured depths yet to be plumbed. In an interview by PSU with Dax Berg, lead designer of the game, he gives us some in depth info about The Golden Compass.
Sticking closely to the plot of the book, the game features Lyra Belacqua and her shape-shifting daemon companion, Pantalaimon, as they travel through the frozen wastes of the North in search of their friend after being kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers.
Dax Berg tells us in detail about the unique abilities Lyra’s companion has to help her on her quest:
When the player takes on the role of Lyra, they play as both Lyra and Pan – one cohesive unit. Pan can shape- shift into many different forms, all of which perform a unique set of tasks for the player. In the traversal aspect of play, using PanÂ’s variety of forms allows the player access to areas that Lyra could not reach without PanÂ’s help.
Shifting from one form to the next while moving across familiar (and unfamiliar universe environments) provides a very entertaining gameplay element. Pan can become 4 animal daemon shapes including a hawk, which allows Lyra to glide across areas that might be too far to jump. An ermine, which helps her to balance on unstable or narrow beams. A wild cat, that enables her to climb up walls. And a sloth form that, like a monkey, gives her the ability to swing from platform to platform. When a player controls Iorek gameplay shifts into a more interactive 3rd person combat game with attack combos and special action throws.
There won’t be any multiplayer or online capabilities for the game, however it has been revealed that it will be utilizing the SIXAXIS wireless controller for some of Lyra’s skills and some of the interactive mini-games involved.
The Golden Compass is slated for a release this December 4, three days before the actual film’s release. It will be coming out on all platforms, including the PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS and Wii.
Based on the book by Philip Pullman, Sega‘s upcoming game, The Golden Compass, shows us that the fantasy adventure genre has yet unmeasured depths yet to be plumbed. In an interview by PSU with Dax Berg, lead designer of the game, he gives us some in depth info about The Golden Compass.
Sticking closely to the plot of the book, the game features Lyra Belacqua and her shape-shifting daemon companion, Pantalaimon, as they travel through the frozen wastes of the North in search of their friend after being kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers.
Dax Berg tells us in detail about the unique abilities Lyra’s companion has to help her on her quest:
When the player takes on the role of Lyra, they play as both Lyra and Pan – one cohesive unit. Pan can shape- shift into many different forms, all of which perform a unique set of tasks for the player. In the traversal aspect of play, using PanÂ’s variety of forms allows the player access to areas that Lyra could not reach without PanÂ’s help.
Shifting from one form to the next while moving across familiar (and unfamiliar universe environments) provides a very entertaining gameplay element. Pan can become 4 animal daemon shapes including a hawk, which allows Lyra to glide across areas that might be too far to jump. An ermine, which helps her to balance on unstable or narrow beams. A wild cat, that enables her to climb up walls. And a sloth form that, like a monkey, gives her the ability to swing from platform to platform. When a player controls Iorek gameplay shifts into a more interactive 3rd person combat game with attack combos and special action throws.
There won’t be any multiplayer or online capabilities for the game, however it has been revealed that it will be utilizing the SIXAXIS wireless controller for some of Lyra’s skills and some of the interactive mini-games involved.
The Golden Compass is slated for a release this December 4, three days before the actual film’s release. It will be coming out on all platforms, including the PC, Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS and Wii.
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