Film licensed games have historically been terrible — especially those aimed at children — but Spiderwick Chronicles bucks that trend. This is an enjoyable adventure romp that will appeal to young and old alike. The game starts slowly — collecting items and exploring the pretty New England environs — but goblin bashing and platforming sections soon up the pace. Players get to control all the main characters, each with their own skills, and variety isn't a problem. Film clips are interspersed with the action and the game as a whole feels nicely put together. The Pokemon-style sprite collection is annoying - particularly the way you have to "paint" to catch them - and the very young may get lost in the poorly signposted forest. The game is quite short too, although children — obviously the target audience — shouldn't feel shortchanged. Older gamers with an interest in the books and/or adventure-type games will also find much to enjoy here.