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Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--PC Version

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Fabulous game continues the magic of Harry Potter.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Tasks challenge kids to think logically, use quick hand-eye coordination, and apply creativity to puzzle-solving.
  • Messages:

    Not an issue.

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    The frightening Dementors, the prison guards from Azkaban who can suck out a person's soul, look like the wraiths depicted in the movie.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--PC Version was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

Parents need to know that "charmed skeletons" come to life when their bones are disturbed, but they can be dealt with by casting a spell. The frightening Dementors, the prison guards from Azkaban who can suck out a person's soul, look like the wraiths depicted in the movie: gray-robed creatures that float ominously with only a mouth in their hooded head. The game does a good job of having Harry pass out or else performs the Expecto Patronum spell before the Dementor become too overwhelming.

Families Can Talk About

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  • Families can talk about how playing out the action in the game compares with reading the book or watching the movie. Do you prefer one format over another -- book, movie, or game? For fans of the book, does the game change your impressions of the original story? Does the game enhance or detract from your appreciation of the Harry Potter books?
Did this review help you decide?

OK for Your Kids to Play?

Do you play it? Review It!

More on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--PC Version

What’s the Story?

Kids experience Harry Potter's third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry by becoming one of the main characters: Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, or Hermione Granger. The story unfolds through a series of video scenes that are nestled among the action that the player controls.

The game is played by accomplishing a series of tasks, including flying Buckbeak the Hippogriff, battling the Monster Book of Monsters, and traversing the Hogwarts castle to make it to classes. These tasks challenge kids to think logically, use quick hand-eye coordination, and apply creativity to puzzle-solving. A large part of the game is spent going to classes and learning spells, but this is not dry bookwork. When characters are taught a new spell, they master it by going on a Spell Challenge.

Is It Any Good?

Not only will kids have a great time reliving the events in the book, but the spectacular graphics of this game make the world come alive. Water flows, fabrics billow, and the Hogwarts castle is presented in amazing detail as kids turn the camera 360 degrees to view vaulted ceilings or mosaic floors. This PC game is less complicated and easier to play than the console version, making it the ideal choice for families with kids ages 8 and up. The two previous Harry Potter PC games were great, and this one is even better - this game is a fabulous way to continue the magic of going to the movie or reading the book.

Publisher’s Details

Developer: Electronic Arts
Released on: 06/08/2004, Price: $25
ESRB Rating: E

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    Scary for kids 8 and below but good for kids 10 and up

    I played this when I was younger and got up to the charmed skeletons.. freaked my little mind off. I had nightmares for ages!!! Other than that, MOST of the other "minigames" are appropriate. The game is not really like the movie. Hermione's rabbit challenge is great for kids.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    it is easy

    this is fun for pc you guys need to try strong bads cool game for attractive people i played it at my friends house and it is on my birthday list and spiderman 2 i have it5 and it is the best game for pc

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

  4. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 1.0

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    SCARY SKELETONS!

    THIS GAME IS AWESOME! THE EFFECTS ARE BEAUTIFUL, DOWN TO THE SUNLIGHT STREAMING THROUGH A WINDOW, DOWN TO THE SHADOWS! The amazonian salamanders are cool, but the charmed skeletons are pretty scary. This game is NOT for children under 10, as it includes some frightening ideas.

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