 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban--PC Version
- Windows
- Price: $25
- Genre: Action/Adventure
Common Sense Media says
Fabulous game continues the magic of Harry Potter.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's it about?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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AGE
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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AGE
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
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AGE
A little too easy...
It's kind of fun, but too easy. I like the first and second better. It's better for really young kids, but I thought it was a tad boring.
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AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 22, 2011
AGE
This game is brilliant, only spell violence, 8+
This game is brilliant, I was really sad because I couldn't get it to work and then I finally managed to get it to work on my computer and I was so happy :D ! The only violence is with spells and it's easy to play. I highly recommend this game to Potter fans and non-Potter fans alike.
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Platforms: | Windows |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts |
| Release date: | June 8, 2004 |
| Price: | $25 |
| ESRB rating: | E |
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