"Surprisingly witty and in-depth RPG"

I found Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for Gameboy Color in the bargain bin at Circuit City. After playing the dismal Game Boy Advance version, I was a little skeptical, but it was seven dollars, and I am a fan (albeit a closet fan...let's just say I'm not in the demographic), so I decided to pick it up and give it a try. I was very, very surprised, and more than a little amused that of the...oh, what? nine different versions of the game, the one released on the the outdated Gameboy Color was by far the best.

1: Graphics (8 of 10)

The gameboy color is basically a portable NES, so the graphics here aren't going to leave you awed. However, Harry Potter pushes the aging hardware to it's limit. The sprites are large and clear, each character being very detailed and easy to distinguish, the backgrounds are fully realized, and the spell effects are colorful and varied.

2: Sound (6 of 10)

Sound is where the game really lacks. The effects are merely average, but the music gets irritating rather quickly. I suggest keeping the sound low or off while playing.

3: Story (10 of 10)

The game boy color version remains the most faithful to the source material, as it includes events even the movie passes over (such as the Valentine's party). ''Chamber of Secrets'' is perhaps the weakest of the Harry Potter books, but the game really can't be faulted for that.

4: Gameplay (9 of 10)

This version of Chamber of Secrets is done in a Final Fantasy-type turn-based RPG. You play as Harry, and Ron and Hermione join you throughout select parts of the game. Random battles tend to be the most irritating part of RPGs, but the game has a rather clever way of side-stepping this: enemies are represented on the overworld by blue, floating clouds, which are easy to avoid or wait-out, if so desired. Battles themselves are rather on the slow side, but very user-friendly, as each action has it's own corresponding icon. Mainly, you'll be using spells to fell enemies, but Harry can also use Famous Witches and Wizards cards he finds or buys to form elaborate card combos, each with it's own unique effect. Some of them are useful (like the one that doubles Harry's magic), but for the most part you tend to overlook them. As Harry levels up, he'll learn more spells, or upgraded versions of ones he already knows, which comes in handy during later portions of the game.

5: Replay (10 of 10)

Chamber of Secrets lends itself remarkably well to repeat playings. In the beginning of the game, you'll choose one of two card decks, certain cards being exclusive to each deck, which means to collect all of the Famous Witches and Wizard cards, you'll need to play through at least twice. By collecting all the cards in a set (there are several sets, including Hogwarts, Music, Quidditch, etc.), you can unlock items, mini-games, and new spells, so card-collecting is definitely something you'll want to pursue. There are several side-quests, including a series of wizard duels with a student from each grade at Hogwarts, each one harder than the last, and the above-mentioned mini-games, which include Quidditch, Bowling, and Gnome-Tossing. Fun little diversions, they are.

6: Overall (10 of 10)

Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is a traditional RPG of surprising charm and depth. It's easy enough for the younger fans of the series, and witty enough to be an interesting throw-back to the glory days of RPGs for the older gamers out there. I highly recommend this game over the prettier yet frustrating Advance version. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/05/03, Updated 07/05/03