Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--The Console Versions - E
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is the video game based on the movie version of the third book in the Harry Potter series. The themes here are darker than in the previous two games. When trying to decide between the console and the PC versions of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, know that the console version is harder to play, more intense in its confrontations with magical creatures, and more challenging in its gameplay. That said, the overall format of the PC game is better conceived and therefore kid-testers liked playing the PC game more. The scary Dementors are present here, so parents of younger children should gauge their ability to handle these creepy, wraith-like creatures.
Families can talk about the Harry Potter series and how true this game is to both the book and the movie. Do you like that you have to switch between Harry, Hermione, and Ron to solve various puzzles. How about when you are being attacked by several magical creatures at once – how does that feel? Do you enjoy playing this game or reading the book more?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jinny Gudmundsen
The three console versions of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for Xbox, GameCube, and PlayStation 2 are basically the same, but they differ from the PC game. While the structure of the console version is similar to the PC game (an action/adventure game with tasks), the gaming aspects are different and more complex.
The gameplay in the console version is more complicated than the PC game because players control when they switch among the three main characters (Harry, Ron, and Hermione). Players must figure out when each character's unique capabilities should be used. Harry is best at climbing and jumping. Ron's special talents allow him to find hidden things like secret passageways. Hermione has more spells at her disposal, and she can fit into places the bigger boys can't.
The console game's tasks are more challenging than those found in the PC game, and less obvious in their solutions. The puzzle aspects have multiple steps; and the magical creatures are more vicious. In the PC version, you only deal with one kind of creature at a time. In the console games, you can have several types of magical creatures causing chaos at the same time. And at times, figuring out how to manage the creatures can be baffling. As a consequence, the pace of the game feels intense.
The graphics in the console versions, while good, are not nearly as detailed as those presented on the PC. Nor do they offer the 360 degree camera views found in the PC game.
The console version does offer extra Bonus Activities not found in the PC version. In these, players can participate in Dueling Club, race owls, and fly on a Hippogriff. With the PlayStation 2 version, kids can also unlock six separate games that utilize the Sony's Eye Toy, a video camera that allows kid's images to be placed in the game. Players use their hands to control these games, which include reaching for the elusive Golden Snitch in Quidditch, or clapping your hand to catch Chocolate Frogs.
The console version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is exciting and intense – perfect for the kid who loves Harry Potter. However, our teen-testers, who played both the PC and console version, found the console game could be frustrating when they spent hours searching for the way out of a room. They enjoyed both but thought the PC version was more fun.
Families who enjoy this game should also explore the other games in the series: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, and Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup. Playing the game might also kindle interest in reading or rereading the book Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
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ViolenceYou will battle fantasy monsters by casting spells with your wand. |
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Social BehaviorConquering fear is a huge theme here. Cooperation between friends, love, bravery, and loyalty are always major themes in the series. So is the idea of making good choices. Diverse cast and strong female characters, but all major characters are white. |
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CommercialismThis is part of the Harry Potter franchise that started with the books and has expanded into video games, movies, toys, and collectibles. |
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Educational ValueThe puzzles challenge you to think, and the game play requires good hand-eye coordination. |
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