Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"This is pure gaming excellence"

Introduction
Harry Potter is a giant craze which started when the first Harry Potter books were released. It introduced a weird and wonderful magical world where magic is existent and blurred very secretively into our own. The craze is now so big there is now a gamecube game produced for it, as well as a pile of other Harry Potter merchandise.
Although the film and book may be brilliant, whether the game for it is or is not is a different question. It can be hit or miss with TV or film related video games as some are brilliant or worthwhile while others are just a pile of rubbish.
Story
If you have read the book or seen the film of Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets then you will already know the story of the game. Harry Potter is returning to Hogwarts for a second year of magic mastering, though he does not know he will be in grave danger…
It is not a lot I know, but I am afraid that is all I know.
Gameplay
This is a very addictive game with plenty to offer. The gameplay is just excellent; you can use and learn loads of different spells throughout the game, as well as the basic platform fun. Then of course there are the mini-games, which can be great fun. Never have I had such fun hurling gnomes over a garden wall!
During the game there are loads of secret paths to explore, puzzles to think about and items to collect! This has got to be one of the greatest platform/adventure games out there so far.
You will enjoy playing this game, that is a guarantee. You will love casting Harry's vast collection of spells, playing the hugely addictive mini-games and uncovering secrets within the game!
You also get to chose the main controls (except the A and Z button) so you alter the gaming control to your style. There is the ideal platform style gameplay in the game, as you jump across platforms, climb up ladders and annihilate enemies. This is an extremely enjoyable game to play.
Graphics
The games characters look as though they have been taken straight from the film, the graphics are that detailed. The backgrounds and landscape are incredibly detailed and also look as though they have been taken out of the film as well. It is almost as though you are really there. You will look at the game screen in awe as you look at the introduction sequence and at some of the in game screens as well. It is a pity that some of the graphics of later releases make this look out-dated, though these are some beautiful graphics to look at.
Sound
The voiceover's are a great addition to the game, making it an ever greater experience. The music perfectly fits the levels and then sound effects are almost perfect. The sound fits in perfectly with the rest of the game.
Replay ability
You will spend hours playing on this game. Even when you have completed it, you will still come back for more. There are hundreds of items to collect, spells to learn and secret areas to find. This will keep you glued to your gamecube for a long while. The mini-games will also keep you back for “one more go”.
Final Recommendation
If you are a Harry Potter fan you must have this game. Even if you are not too keen on Harry Potter, this game is not to be discounted. This game is almost perfect in every aspect. Buy this game, buy it now.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/28/03, Updated 01/28/03