Just as the third film is regarded as the best of the series so far, this latest video game version of Harry Potter's adventures is a clear step above its (still well regarded) forebears. Based upon both the book and film of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the game sticks close to the look and feel of the movie wherever it can, while filling in details from the book to ensure a longer playing time.

The main difference between this game and the last, apart from the vastly improved graphics, is that you now get to play as Ron and Hermione as well as Harry. What's more, throughout most of the game you can switch between any of the three whenever you like, as the other two follow you around and help out with magic spells should you get into a fight.

Each character has their own special abilities with Harry being a good all-rounder, Hermione being better at spells and Ron having the ability to detect hidden objects. You must decide which skill is most needed at any one time, adding a welcome strategic element to the game.

A special bonus for the PlayStation 2 version of the game is a bunch of EyeToy mini-games. Although these have no connection to the main game they're still a lot of fun with one having you try to squish chocolate frogs and another catching the Snitch in a game of Quidditch. Together with the new graphics, which are far less cartoony than before and look close to the proper actors from the film, this is definitely the best Harry Potter game yet and is good enough to appeal even to those who don't usually like the little wizard. --David Jenkins

I am 6 years old and I love this game. When you've done the Hinkypunks challenge and the Buckbeak challenge you can ride Buckbeak any time. I love swopping characters, but it's a bit annoying when the instructions for each section (from the class teachers etc) can't be repeated - you need to listen carefully! Not a problem though if you have a memory card. The fire monster is fun. I can play this for hours. The final Dementor challenge with the stag is quite hard.

Kill Ghouls, fight Red Kaps, blast Hinkypunks.. Even make Dementors disspear with Expecto Patronum!
I just learned english!

I got this game as soon as it came out! I think it is a wicked game, with excellent graphics. Some parts of it are quite tricky unless you know where to go. Once you do know, it will help you get into the right frame of mind for the rest of the game.
I am looking forward to getting an EyeToy, because I cant wait to try out the bonus feature 'After School Games'!

I thought this game was very enjoyable and would keep you hooked for hours! I would recommend this game to anyone who is a fan of Harry Potter.
Play as Harry Ron or Hermione if all players are in the same room. Start of with the flippendo spell and further in the game get other spellbooks. Each player can do something different, Harry can jump and climb, Hermione can crawl and walk on frozen areas and Ron can open secret passages.

Rooms

Go through rooms like mazes to get further in the game. Some are very difficult in knowing what to do and get onto the next part of the game. I was stuck in one room for ages because I was trying to open a secret passage with Harry because I didn't know that Ron was the only person who could open secret passages.

The marauders map

The marauders map is found early on in the game and when found it is always in the corner of the screen. It shows the room you are in and if any others are in the room. The green blob is you and the blue blobs is anyone else in the room. The blue blobs can include suits of armour that can see you and can stop you getting any further in the game.

lessons

When you enter a lesson the teacher will give you a challenge to find a spellbook among rooms that are mazes. Once you have got the spellbook you must go back to the classroom which can be hard as there are other monsters to defeat.

What to collect

Collect Bertie Botts every flavour beans and get a collection
Also collect wizard cards from treasure chests which you can find around Hogwarts. Also in treasure chests are missing pages from books.

equip spells

To equip spells press select then press R2 or L2 until you find a page with the spells you have got then highlight the spell you want to equip then press square or triangle to equip. If you press square to equip a spell you will have to press square to cast the spell. Two spells can be equipped at a time.

Also on the select button

On the select button there is also a page where you can read the books you have got. These will give you tips on how to defeat monsters or show the progress you have made.
There is also a tasks list to show you what you need to do on that level.

Mini games

Play mini games like duelling, owl racing and hippogriff flying.
The duelling is a good thing to have a go at if you only have a short amount of time. You can choose who you want to be to duel.
There are three players in each team and you can swap which one of them you would like to duel with. The owl racing isn't very good. I can't find the finishing line.

Other activities

See pictures of characters and monsters in the gallery.
See highlights of the film in the trailer.

conclusion

I think this game is very exciting and adventurous. I would give it a rating of 9/10.

I bought this game a few days ago on Amazon and when I got to play on it I wasn't at all disapointed.
The game is really fun with some excellent combination play and quite triky puzzles. I think the highlights of the game are flying Buckbeak and doing the challenges for the spell-books. there are only 2 negatives that I can see.1. The graphics. You can get some much better ones on other games e.g Ratchet and Clank 1+2. I have not had time to try the Eye Toy games though. Generally a good game that deserves 4 stars.