Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--PC Version (Windows)

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.

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.