Zathura (video game)

Zathura is an action-adventure game developed by High Voltage Software and published by 2K for PS2 and Xbox in 2005. The game is based on the 2005 film Zathura: A Space Adventure, which, in turn, is an adaptation of the 2002 children's book Zathura by Chris Van Allsburg. The game was released on November 3, 2005, in the USA, coinciding with the then-upcoming film's release on November 11. A Game Boy Advance version was planned, but was later canceled.

Zathura
Developer(s)	High Voltage Software
Publisher(s)	2K
Platform(s)	PlayStation 2, Xbox
Release	NA: November 3, 2005[1] EU: January 27, 2006 AU: 2006 (PS2)
Genre(s)	Action-adventure game, platformer
Mode(s)	Single-player

Gameplay

Zathura is a third-person action-adventure game. You play as brothers Danny and Walter as they navigate through space-themed levels, battling enemies and solving puzzles to complete the Zathura board game and get back home.

The game combines platforming and combat elements. You can switch between Danny and Walter, each with their own abilities. Walter is bigger and can move heavy objects; Danny is smaller and can fit in tight spaces. Zathura is designed for younger players, featuring simple controls and easy difficulty. However, some platforming sections and camera issues can be challenging. You can complete the game in 2–3 hours.

Reception

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
	PS2	Xbox
Metacritic	43/100[2]	48/100[3]

Review scores

Publication	Score
	PS2	Xbox
4Players	17%[4]	17%[4]
GameSpot	5.6/10[5]	5.7/10[6]
IGN	3.4/10[7]	3.4/10[7]
Jeuxvideo.com	7/20[8]	N/A
PlayStation Official Magazine – UK	3/10[9]	N/A
Official Xbox Magazine (UK)	N/A	3/10[10]
PSM3	26%[11]	N/A
TeamXbox	N/A	6.7/10[12]
VideoGamer.com	3/10[13]	3/10[13]

The game received "unfavorable" reviews on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.^[2][3]