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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PC)
Silly gnome, Bertie Bott's Beans are for kids!
Reviewed by Libe Goad

PLATFORM: PC

PUBLISHER: EA Games

DEVELOPER: KnowWonder

GENRE: Action

ESRB: Everyone

SCORE:

Movies and their video game counterparts have, historically, blended together like oil and water. Video game-based films bust at the box office and movie-based video games end up in the bargain bin faster than Mariah Carey’s Glitter.

EA Games seems like it’s trying to turn the tides on this conundrum, especially with the release of its most impressive movie tie-in to date: Lord of the Rings: Two Towers title for the PlayStation 2.

The new Harry Potter games seem like a continuation of this trend, though not to the same degree thanks to its decidedly younger, and less moneyed, target audience. Like the first round of Harry Potter games, the computer version of Chamber of Secrets offers a completely different experience than its console siblings. The PC version again steps away from full-frontal adventure and focuses on scheduled wand-waving action and item collection.

Chamber of Secrets' beginning cutscene skims the first half of the book, everything from Harry’s first meeting with Dobby the house elf, the Weasley abode, Diagon Alley, and the harrowing journey toward Hogwarts in the Weasley’s magical flying car. After the car lands in a rare Whomping Willow near the school, the game begins.

Though it’s frustrating to battle a boss at a game’s introduction, the Willow proves to be a modest foe. After beating the cranky tree, the gameplay devolves into a series of learning new spells and passing the accompanying obstacle-course-style “challenges” afterwards. The spell challenges comprise about 70% of the entire game, the remainder devoted to more obstacles courses that move the plot along, collecting Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans and wizard cards.

None of the gameplay could be considered “challenging” to any gaming regular. The obstacle courses have obvious solutions and the three bosses can be beaten without breaking a sweat.
Its utter simplicity, however, makes the game more engrossing, especially for tried-and-true Harry Potter-ites. It’s a low-maintenance game with pretty pictures, a magical premise and the constant winning will add to your holiday cheer.

In fact, collecting wizard cards offers the most challenge. Bronze, silver and gold wizard cards are hidden around the grounds and in obstacle courses. If you find 10 bronze cards, Harry receives a permanent increase. Find 40 silver cards, you unlock a super-secret area and if you find the gold cards – they offer another added bonus. Collecting cards may not be the most intriguing video game experience available at the moment, but at times it’s a nice way to recover after a long work day.

Once the Chamber of Secrets has been opened and defeated, the game doesn’t end. Most likely, the developers left in this free-roam opportunity to build your house points, which will affect the outcome of the game. To acquire more points, you will be able to partake in various Quiddich matches. What better way to ensure a Gryffindor winning streak than with top-notch Quiddich supplies? If you don’t have enough beans to acquire them, you can head inside to challenge other students to a magic wand duel. If you win, you’ll earn a few beans.

Both of these extracurricular events can help you win the house cup, but the actual activities leave much to be desired. Dueling consists of trying to hit your opponent with a series of spells in a sort of magic-wand tennis match. There’s no real rhyme or reason as to how you beat an opponent, as long as you avoid their spells while casting your own, you’ll win. The same applies to the Quiddish matches. You will win them as long as you stay on the Golden Snitch and make sure the other seeker stays out of the way. Do that long enough; you’ll snag the snitch, win the game and earn a few house points.

The game designers managed to capture Hogwart’s cavernous feel in the game, with its large 2D environments and stony facades. The prep school feel of the movie was also present as well, with oriental carpets, abundant fireplaces and lush furniture. The moving staircases were also a nice touch, though it was disappointing that the portraits weren’t animated as in the book and film. The character models could have benefited from additional refinement. Harry and his chums were prone to the jaggies and their faces would have looked better without muddled details.

Sound-wise, the game mirrors the movie, with lush orchestrated soundtracks that always seem to cue in at the appropriate moments. Though EA didn’t use the movie actors for the game, they hired actors with similar voices for most roles. Most of the other sounds didn’t stand out in any awkward way, and in our minds, that means a job well done.

Women who want to dip a toe into gaming will most likely appreciate a game like Chamber of Secrets. It’s fun and accessible gameplay will attract even the most timid of gamers, as will the Harry Potter brand name. Though you never have the change to play any key female figures, it’s still nice to see a brainy girl play a major role in the plot – that really goes for the entire Harry Potter franchise, however.

Avoid this game if you 1) don’t like the bestpectacled boy wonder or 2) play first-person shooters professionally. If you love Harry Potter and want a low-maintenance game to help you pass through the holiday season, this magical journey awaits.

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