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Developer: Argonaut Games
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Genre: Adventure
Region: NTSC
Format:
Release Date: 12 May 08
User Rating
9.4 (5 votes) -
Overview
The game is based loosely on the Harry Potter books and movie. The storyline is presented by a narrator turning the pages of the book, which tells the tale of Harry Potter, who possessed great potential in wizardry. The game takes place in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry is enrolled for training as a wizard.
Gameplay
If you're expecting a platformer along the lines of Pitfall 3D or Croc, then this will disappoint you. Harry Potter plays more like an adventure game (think Zelda) than your run-of-the-mill platformer. To show how different it is, you don't have a jump button. When close to a wall, Harry automatically climbs on it, and the same goes if he want to jump from one ledge to another. The simplicity and responsiveness of the controls is a big plus for the game.
The game progresses by accomplishing certain objective. You explore the compounds of Hogwarts, opening doors and examining objects. You also meet characters from the movie, for example the twins, who then asks you to bring the earwax flavour candies in exchange for a password. The objectives start off easy, but becomes more difficult as you progress.
To learn all the skills and spell casting in the game, you attend classes. The classes will get you started with the basics, while you'll have ample chance to hone your skills by taking the quests of the various characters.
One gripe that I have with the game, and a major one at that, is the camera angle. When you move, the camera follows in an unnatural fasion, like it's being forced to stick with you. This results in quite a lot of jerky moments. You can use the sholder buttons to rotate the camera, but this still doesn't change things a lot.
Graphics
Graphically, this is one of the best looking PS One title in a long while. The characters look decent enough, with average polygons being employed. But what strikes me most is the background, which is very detailed for the most part. You'll recognised certain locations from the movie, which is a nice touch.
Fun Factor
Harry Potter is certainly an enjoyable game. The quests/objectives are very varied, so you won't get bored getting through the game. Then there's the Quidditch game, which you can play throughout the course of the game against other houses. This adds to the game's replay value enormously.
Overall
Overall, Harry Potter could have been a great game, if not for the disconcerting camera angles, which is a major gameplay issue. If you love the book or movie, then you might want to give this one a try.
- Gameplay
7.0 - Graphics
8.0 - Fun Factor
8.0 - Overall
8.0
