Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - E

First Potter video game is a high-flying romp.

Publisher: Electronic Arts/Maxis Category/Genre: Video Games - Role Playing Games Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox Price: $39.99 Graphics: Hogwart's is impressive, but the 3-D graphics are only average for this type of game. Playability: Not difficult for most game-play. Controls are quite simple; the character even jumps and climbs when necessary, no buttons to push. Reading Level: Medium Release Date: 09/25/2003 ESRB Rating: E

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this is a game based on the movie version of the first Harry Potter book. The main actions in this game involve finding items, exploring scenes, and occasionally battling fantasy beings. The worst damage seen is that Harry faints or his opponent runs away. Some parents may be concerned about the presentation of witchcraft and wizardry, but the story is presented in a fantasy-based and light-hearted manner rather than as advocating a serious or realistic life pursuit. The story provides good role modeling of courage and ingenuity while addressing the realities of bullies and some other issues children face.

Families can talk about the Harry Potter series. Does this video game stay true to the book? Is it how you had imagined this world to look? Do you like the books or video games better? Who are your favorite characters? How do you think the game handles the issue of being bullied? If you got to choose an animal your first year at Hogwarts (owl, toad, cat, or rat) which would you bring? If your whole family was sorted into houses, who would be where? Would you be in the same house like the Weasleys or split up into different houses?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Erik Lande

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE is a fun video game that is based on the book and movie, but can also stand alone in its own right. It provides numerous and diverse activities. You explore Hogwart's, finding secret rooms and prizes while interacting with characters from the story. There is also a series of missions to carry out, derived from the story. These can range from learning spells, to collecting items like fire seeds for Hagrid the giant, to outrunning the Ogre and saving Hermione. The game also allows you to play Quidditch, a ball game played on broomsticks.

The game is quite enjoyable, especially for younger children as it doesn't require high levels of coordination to play. It may be easy for older players, but they often can be held by the joy of exploring Hogwart's. The game offers a wide variety of missions, so it is likely there will be something for everyone.

This is a fantasy game about a boy at a wizard's school, but it doesn't appear to advocate negative views of religion, and in general the story provides good role modeling of courage and ingenuity while addressing the realities of bullies and some other issues children face.

In summary, Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone is enjoyable and engaging both as a result of its story and the design of the game.

Families who enjoy this game might want to explore the other games in the series: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, 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 Sorcerer's Stone or watching the movie on DVD.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content
Violence What little violence occurs is more along the lines of comic mischief, i.e. the bad guy sits down with stars around the head. Some slightly spooky characters for younger children, as seen in the movie.
Language
Message
	Social Behavior
	Commercialism Minor, the game will appeal to book and movie lovers.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco
	Educational Value Could interest a child in reading the story.