PlayStationUniverse interview with lead designer of The Golden Compass Video Game, Dax Berg.

PSU: How closely will The Golden Compass video game follow the movie or book? Will there be added side stories and characters?

Specific gameplay areas are intended to be extensions of the Screenplay adaptation while other areas expand upon interaction in environments that are only in the book. There are a few places in these additions that we take slight liberties with to provide a solid “game environment” but first and foremost we tried to keep with the locations from the book and its screenplay. More depth is added to many of the minor characters but for the most part we felt it important to stick to Pullman’s vision.

PSU: How will transitioning work for changing from one character to another?

Some gameplay environments are Lyra and Pan specific while others are full Iorek combat moments. There are also a few levels that are a mix of both. For example, Lyra can dismount Iorek and move into locations he cannot access, which enable Lyra to accomplish immediate goals. The player can then go back to Iorek and continue on their path.

Transitioning from one playable character to another is part of the unique gameplay experience. An example would be where Lyra has to reach a certain location and Iorek will help toss her to areas she could not reach on her own. This involves interactively timed button presses which help to make character transitions more enjoyable. After the character transition is complete the player is now fully in control of Lyra and gameplay continues.

PSU: What unique abilities will these characters have and how can the players use them to accomplish tasks or defeat enemies?

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 Pan’s variety of forms allows the player access to areas that Lyra could not reach without Pan’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.

Continue interview at PSU.com

The Golden Compass Video Game is scheduled for a December 4 release.

For additional information: Visit Spy Fly’s Game Page and www.goldencompassgame.com