arry Potter has probably been one of the biggest video game disappointments of recent years. Electronic Arts usually comes through with top quality games to match their big licenses, as has been shown in its generally excellent work with The Lord of the Rings and James Bond franchises. However, the Hogwarts gang never seemed to warrant much more than a half-hearted effort at Zelda-style adventuring, minus all the genius parts. I wish I could say that Prisoner of Azkaban was a bold new start for the series. It’s not, but this is a significantly better game than either of the previous entries (Quidditch World Cup notwithstanding).

It’s still essentially the same formula – basic platformer puzzle solving interspersed with spell-casting combat, exploration, and brief flying sequences – but somehow the whole package seems a bit more refined. The graphics are more sophisticated, the tasks a bit more interesting, the camera system has been improved, and the action is a bit less aggravating. Also, the concept of switching between characters and using different spells in different situations is fleshed out to a greater degree than in the past. But, I should say before I finish damning this title with faint praise, that I do see this as a fairly decent product for the very young and Potter-crazed. However, I am neither, and as such it’s merely another barely adequate character action game in a crowded market.

The Edge

Electronic Arts probably does more cross-platform game development than any other in the industry, and its experience shows. Unless you’re an extreme graphics snob, you’re not going to find huge differences between any of the three systems. However, it should be said that this game is only mediocre in that department to begin with, which means there’s no huge Max Payne or Splinter Cell-style visual drop-off between the Xbox and PS2. However, the developers have done something interesting (and very commendable) with the PlayStation 2 version by including some EyeToy minigames. They aren’t amazing, just simple little contests similar to those in EyeToy: Play, but I think it’s a nice touch that adds some replay value and will probably be well appreciated by Potter’s audience – certainly more than the little-used GBA/GC connectivity gimmick. I certainly hope more companies start looking at doing similar things with the EyeToy.  

MATTHEW KATO   6.5 This game has better production values than the others, but it fails to be that movie-extravaganza experience we’ve come to expect from EA. The gameplay is more varied, but I believe that you can inspire a young audience with more sophisticated concepts instead of patronizing them. The targeting will have you more snarled than Hermione’s hair in the morning. I’ll paraphrase what your teachers have probably been telling you for years, "Harry isn’t applying himself to his studies."