A crappy game with a good storyline.
Review 83
Released: November 15, 2001
Developers: Electronic Arts, Griptonite Games
Game Genre: Fantasy Action Adventure
Opening Thoughts:
While Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone for the Gameboy Color was an all-out RPG, EA decided to change the Gameboy Advance version around, creating a completely different gameplay approach.
Story (9/10)
The storyline in the Gameboy Advance version handles itself much better than the GBC. The main story of the Harry Potter book tugs along while you attend classes and learn new spells. This gives the game a more realistic feel, unlike the GBC version, where a couple of classes were attended in the beginning and then completely disappeared after the midway point of the game.
Gameplay (5/10)
The game just gets boring at times. Only Harry can be controlled, while Ron and Hermione just fill in with some dialogue. Because of that, the game is corny many times throughout. For example, at one point, Ron and Harry sneak into the basement to get some Wiggenweld Bark. They arrive at the storage room door and Ron says something along the lines of “Okay, Harry, go steal the ingredient, I’ll just watch”.
Graphics (6/10)
The graphics are mediocre, but can be impressive at times. Pixilation and badly illustrated lines make some parts confusing, but on the other hand, movement flows very well, and some NPC’s (Non Playable Characters) have some cool motions while they walk around.
Durability (5/10)
Durability is somewhat average, as drawn out puzzles get confusing. However, once the game gets closer to the end, the puzzles are more obvious because you know what to expect. The one frustrating part of the game is when you have to start at the BEGINNING of a long dungeon because you fall down a hole or screw up a switch.
Sound:
The sound isn’t very impressive, it sounds like an old GBC game. One bright spot, however, is Harry’s voice when you cast a spell. He even has a British accent.
Controls: The A button interacts, the B button casts a spell, the L button plays a flute that you get at one point in the game, the R button changes between spells, the Start button pauses, and the Select button brings up your map, inventory, and folio magi (which is very pointless).
Overall Score (6.25/10)
Final Thoughts:
If you prefer an RPG, get the GBC version. If you hate RPGs and like action games, get the GBA version. Overall, I’d say the GBC version is better, but the choice is all yours.