Video Game Reviews
Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Review rating: ***
Platform/console: GameCube, Playstation2, Xbox, PC
Release date: November 2002
Genre: Adventure / Fantasy
Players allowed: 1
ESRB rating: E
Production company: Electronic Arts
This game Harry gets to cast spells, battle creatures and
learn more at his studies at Hogwarts in this faithful adaptation
of the J.K. Rowling books and the films. The mini games, interactions
between the characters and interactive environments, including
the Quidditch field, will definitely satisfy most younger
players.
Special items such as Wizard cards and helpful characters/screen
text help players quickly adapt to Harry’s controls
and surroundings. The somewhat linear storyline provides great
character development as Harry explores colorful 3-D settings
while helping other characters and battling evil.
The controls are a bit slow to react sometimes, but offer
many options for Harry to achieve his goals such as sliding
against walls when in a tight space and jumping automatically.
Harry can also gather beans in various ways especially when
you’re getting rid of pests at the Weasley’s house
near the beginning of the game. You bump the yard pests who
sometimes leave beans then pitch them over the wall. If the
beans land near a rock, then you won’t be able to get
them, so be careful where you knock these pests out. You also
get bonuses for the length of distance you throw them (distance
from the wall really doesn’t matter, it’s all
in the release). Overall a very creative game ideal for gamers
who crave problem solving and challenging levels.
Review by Michael Siebenaler
© Electronic Arts
®
