Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

"A huge improvement from the first game."

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second and the latest game in the Harry Potter series. This game, like the first game follows the storyline of the book closely and is also developed by EA Games. This game was released on November 16th. It was also release for the Playstation 2, Gamecube, XBOX, Gameboy Advance and the PC. The fact that EA Games made it hugely multi-platform is excellent. Although I think it is a huge improvement from the first game, there are some features which just doesn't seem right. I'll explain, just read on.

Graphics:8
The graphics are okay. The background design and surroundings are poorly done and look like carbon copies from the first game. The active objects in the game are okay, except for the faces of everybody, even Gilderoy Lockhart, who's supposed to look handsome. I didn't experience any slowdown which is a good thing though.

Sound:10
Like in the first game the sound are excellent in this game. The voices sound same from the movie except I can't understand one thing. When Harry changes into Crabbe, or was it Goyle, anyway he shoots Flipendos towards some objects Moaning Myrtle and he sounds like Harry. I mean he's supposed to be Crabbe/Goyle. The sound effects in this game are good, too. The music starts at the right time and has the right effect. Well done here, EA.

Controls:8
Again, there's no jump button. Spell casting is the same. By pressing X, Harry cast spells. But one good thing is that they have made Incendio like Flipendo. Just charge, aim and shoot.Also, controlling Harry is smooth. Okay controls.

Gameplay:6
Okay what I don't understand is that how come there is no Charms class, Transfiguration is absent and Potions is so short. Also how come the hallways are so long. I'm sure that J.K.Rowling wouldn't have made Hogwarts like that. Also it's really confusing to remember where all the classes or rooms are. And how come all the shops except two in Diagon Alley are closed? Even Gringotts is closed. The thing I enjoyed the most was Dueling. Other than that the gameplay is okay. It was really cool. Can do better, EA.

Difficulty:6
It's harder than the first game, but with a little practice, you should be able to master this game.

Buy or Rent:
It's your choice. If you're a Harry Potter fan or a gamer with a lot of money,BUY. Veteran gamers should be able to finish this in a few hours.

Well, that's it from me. I hope my review has helped you.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/03, Updated 01/14/03