16-Nov-2001 Plucky UK-developer Argonaut serves up a treat for all Potter fans in the game based on the first of J K Rowling's enormously successful fictions Plucky UK-developer Argonaut serves up a treat for all Potter fans in the game based on the first of J K Rowling's enormously successful fictions
This Christmas two words are likely to feature heavily in begging letters to Santa. No, not "strong lager," or "large doner" - though we're sure they'll make the top ten - we're talking about "Harry Potter." With a staggering amount of books sold, a big-budget movie released today, frankly ridiculous merchandising and now a series of videogames, some might argue that J K Rowling stumbled upon "A Good Thing" when she originally penned Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in a café in Scotland.
With such enormous exposure and interest, those involved in creating the games have been under an immense amount of pressure to produce a product that does the fiction justice. Oh, and doesn't incur the wrath of millions of rampaging children of course. Happily, Argonaut's venture into the realms of witchcraft and wizardry has been a largely successful one. Harry Potter on PSone is 3D arcade adventure that takes place in and around Hogwart's School. As the prodigiously gifted Potter, you must engage in numerous challenges, puzzles and lessons, while the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone looms large over your adventure at all times.
What's most impressive about the title is the amount of action-packed moments squeezed into it. There is literally never a dull moment, as there is always a new task to complete, puzzle to solve, or secret area to discover. Action is also refreshingly varied, crucially avoiding the risk of monotony setting in: one minute you can be swooping through the air on a broomstick, the next you'll be on a perilous roller coaster ride through Gringott's bank, then you'll be learning a new spell in the classroom. All good.
Presentation is also exceptional, and through working closely with Warner Bros. and the film director, Argonaut has created an excellent, cinematic experience. Cut scenes are rendered with breathtaking, swooping camera angles, a rousing orchestral score complements the action perfectly, and well-executed voice acting adds an extra dimension of believability to the proceedings.
Environments are large and well detailed for a PSone game and key scenes have been rendered to good effect. Quidditch - which takes its visual cue from the corresponding scene from the film - is particularly effective, and control of the broomstick is smooth and responsive. And there are plenty of opportunities to brush-up on your flying skills through the numerous mini-games on offer.
As with all the versions, it's important to note that Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone is aimed squarely at kids. As a result, certain steps have been taken to make the game accessible to younger gamers - the franchises core audience after all. The auto-jump will annoy a few - especially as it can be switched off in the PC version - but as you become absorbed in the adventure you'll quickly forget about this and just enjoy the many moments of magic. It's also not very tough and hardcore gamers probably won't break out into a sweat trying to get to the end.
Nevertheless, what is on offer has been designed with care and precision. Whether or not this title will appeal to those who are ignorant of the Harry Potter phenomenon is questionable, but for fans who have fallen in love with Rowling's fiction, there are enough moments of magic to make this a game zealots will want to own.
With a huge, involving quest, incredible attention to detail and irresistible trading features, this is a title Potter fans would be foolish to resist.
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