Games Database
PS2
Adventure
| Also for: | PC, Xbox, GameCube | ||
| Viewed: | 3D Third-person, floating camera | Genre: | Adventure |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Electronic Arts | Soft. Co.: | Electronic Arts |
| Publishers: | Electronic Arts
(GB) |
Released: | 28 May 2004
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | EyeToy USB Camera, Memory Card | ||
| Features: | Analogue Control Compatible: analogue sticks only | ||
Video
Summary
Rather out of season considering the previous two films' yuletide releases but, nevertheless, it's Harry Potter frenzy time, with the third movie soon to hit the screen, bringing its magical spark to the lives of the millions of young (and a shocking amount of adult) HP fans. As is consistently the case, EA is on hand to deliver the respective gaming accompaniment, which, much like the book/film, has taken a slight change in direction and now benefits from a much darker tone.
In keeping with tradition, it's the third book so therefore the third year at Hogwarts for master Potter and co. Obviously nothing is about to run smoothly for the young trainee spell-caster, and stirring things up this time is the arrival of one Sirius Black, escapee of the wizard prison Azkaban. Along with the Dementors, the sinister guards of Azkaban, Sirius is about to cause more than a few problems for the three young friends.
For the first time in the HP series, Prisoner of Azkaban sees you assume the roles of not just Harry but also those of his chief sidekicks Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. In similar vein to a number of recent action/adventures, throughout the game you have the ability to switch between the three characters, thus making best use of their key skills and attributes in order to overcome the various challenges and enemies. And top of the list in the fight against Harry's new nemesis is the mastering of a variety of new spells.
The gameplay itself treads pretty much the same territory as the previous two HP games, in the fact that it's generally a case of exploring a host of JK Rowling's fantasy locales, interacting with the residents, solving puzzles, and defeating enemies. This time around, however, the aforementioned three-way gameplay element means that you need to take advantage of all three characters in order to progress through the game. For example, Harry's grappling spell serves as a means to reach those hidden ledges and, at one particular point, Harry and Ron have to work together when battling Malfoy on a train.
Also new to the proceedings in the PS2 version is support for Sony's rather splendid EyeToy, courtesy of a host of bonus mini-games. Obviously more something for the younger player, the roster of games on offer includes such objectives as de-gnoming Hagrid's garden, squishing chocolate frogs, and matching cards - all via the wonderful method of prancing around rather embarrassingly in front of your TV.
In keeping with tradition, it's the third book so therefore the third year at Hogwarts for master Potter and co. Obviously nothing is about to run smoothly for the young trainee spell-caster, and stirring things up this time is the arrival of one Sirius Black, escapee of the wizard prison Azkaban. Along with the Dementors, the sinister guards of Azkaban, Sirius is about to cause more than a few problems for the three young friends.
For the first time in the HP series, Prisoner of Azkaban sees you assume the roles of not just Harry but also those of his chief sidekicks Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. In similar vein to a number of recent action/adventures, throughout the game you have the ability to switch between the three characters, thus making best use of their key skills and attributes in order to overcome the various challenges and enemies. And top of the list in the fight against Harry's new nemesis is the mastering of a variety of new spells.
The gameplay itself treads pretty much the same territory as the previous two HP games, in the fact that it's generally a case of exploring a host of JK Rowling's fantasy locales, interacting with the residents, solving puzzles, and defeating enemies. This time around, however, the aforementioned three-way gameplay element means that you need to take advantage of all three characters in order to progress through the game. For example, Harry's grappling spell serves as a means to reach those hidden ledges and, at one particular point, Harry and Ron have to work together when battling Malfoy on a train.
Also new to the proceedings in the PS2 version is support for Sony's rather splendid EyeToy, courtesy of a host of bonus mini-games. Obviously more something for the younger player, the roster of games on offer includes such objectives as de-gnoming Hagrid's garden, squishing chocolate frogs, and matching cards - all via the wonderful method of prancing around rather embarrassingly in front of your TV.
Artwork
