Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

"This is what we mean when we say 'awesome'"

Harry Potter, the world-known wizarding boy who has spread magic across the world has now come to a video game. EA Games always does a really good job with the Harry Potter series, but this is just excellent. It's a game you really want to play again once you finish it, as there are secrets all around the castle, lots of bonus games, and best of all - play as Harry, Ron, or Hermione.

Story: 6/10
The only thing this game lacks is a story. I mean, sure, it's the ol' "Sirius Black is coming for Harry Potter" thing with dementors, creatures, hippogriffs, like it should be. However, this game rushes through the story. Honestly, if I hadn't read the book, I wouldn't know what the heck is going on.

Graphics: 10/10
Oh. My. Gosh. The graphics are amazing! Way above the standard level. Hogwarts, it seems, is now in a new location but the scenery is amazing! It really makes you feel you want to be there, and once you're there you never want to leave. The fire effects are pretty cool, it almost does look like real fire. The characters were awesome looking, and I can't see anything wrong with any of the graphics. Simply amazing.

Music: 9/10
While glitchy and shaky in some areas, this game's music fits right with the scenery and graphics - you want to be there, it makes you feel good. It sounds so enchanting and fits in the game. One of the best pieces of music is when you fight a dementor, the music gets really exciting and climactic. I love it.

Gameplay: 10/10
Another perfect aspect of the game. The gameplay is smooth, always giving you direction so you're never lost, and best of all is IT'S NOT EASY. The previous two games have been famous for their ease factor, but this game really sets a standard for it's hard level. When Ron is fighting hinkypunks, for example, I had to start over a good amount of times before advancing in the game. Awesome, just awesome.

Replayability: 5/10
It depends on your tastes. If you loved this game, by all means play it again. If you hate it, I would stick to playing it once and getting all the secrets on the last day.

Rent or Buy?
Again, it depends on your tastes. If you're a big fan of Harry Potter, by all means buy it. If you're not sure about this game, I'll tell you it's a lot like the Legend of Zelda games, so if you like those buy it. If you're truly not sure go ahead and rent it.

Happy playing!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 06/12/04