PlayStation 2

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

This is definitely a fun and addictive adventure game that will grow on the youngest or oldest of Harry Potter fans. It’s difficult enough to be challenging for all ages, but easy enough for all ages to enjoy as well … and even some issues here and there won’t stop the fun. In addition, it even provides a solid title for those who aren’t as into the books or movies, and could stand on it’s own as a good action game even without the big name attached.

I think that just about anybody will get his or her money's worth with this game. But for genuine Potter fans, this is an absolute must buy. The way in which developer Eurocom has brought Diagon Alley, Hogwarts, Quidditch and the cast of the Potter books to life in videogame form is brilliant. There is so much to see and do in the Harry Potter universe here that the game is practically a virtual library of Potter related locations, items, and characters. And the topper is that the Chamber of Secrets storyline is presented with equal flair and detail.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a marked improvement over the last Harry Potter game--it has a stronger game design and a lot more polish. Although the graphics are the weak link in the package, the game is still very playable and fun for fans of the series. The rich gameplay and engaging story give the game an appeal that very nearly rises above the rough visuals, and they definitely capture the spirit of the books.

La Chambre Des Secrets est un titre ma foi plutôt agréable, qui exploite bien la licence du jeune sorcier. La progression essentiellement basée sur la récolte et l'utilisation de sorts n'est pas déplaisante et on regrette simplement que le titre ne s'adresse qu'aux lecteurs du livre, plus à même de suivre l'histoire.

Sure it's single player only, but it's of a decent length, and the story unfolds over what feels like a long time. It's well worth the money, especially at $99.95 (NZD). Guys, your girlfriend will love it. Dads, your kids will love it. Wives, your husband will love it. If you're looking for an excellent quality game, that will appeal to kids of all ages, give this a go.

Let me preface my remarks by saying this: If you’re shopping for a certified J.K. Rowling fanatic this holiday season, this game should do well enough to fill their Potter-centric gaming needs. If you’re young, and in love with a fictional wizard from England, you’ll probably eat this up like a box of Bertie Botts Every Flavor Bean! Woo-hoo! Hey, how’s that for a pull quote? Moving on, let’s discuss whether or not Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is worth the recycled plastic disc it’s burned into. In a word, no.

The game, however, does offer a goodly amount of variety in its vaguely mini-Zelda-ish episodes, and the ability to charge your many different magicks and cast them without any spell points to worry about is kinda fun. The sound effects are the game's most solid aspect with talented voice-actors (imitators, not the real thing) spewing scads of Britishisms. Just try not to flip out the hundredth time you hear Flipendo.