Product Description

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter fans can experience the magic and peril of Harry's third year at Hogwarts. For the first time gamers will play as friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as well as Harry Potter, switching between characters and utilizing their key attributes and skills to resolve challenges and overcome enemies. The three friends will need to combine their strengths and master a variety of new spells as they face Harry's most terrifying opponents yet: the escaped convict Sirius Black and the sinister guards of Azkaban prison, the Dementors.

From the opening scene on the Hogwarts Express to the climactic finale on the shore of the great lake at Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will immerse players in the magical world of Harry Potter. Players will unravel the mystery surrounding Sirius Black and his escape from the infamous wizard prison Azkaban. Gamers will encounter a host of new characters and creatures, engage in a variety of sub-quests, fly on a Hippogriff, reveal the secrets of the Marauder's Map and take on their friends in multiple two-player challenges.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © JKR. (s04)

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8876 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Released on: 2004-05-29
• Platforms: Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Me, Windows XP

Amazon.co.uk Review
The game version of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a clear step above its (still well regarded) forebears. Based on both the book and film of the same name, 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 cool strategic element to the game.

Together with the new graphics, which are far less cartoony than before and look just like the proper actors from the film, this is definitely the best Harry Potter game yet and is good enough to appeal even to those that don't usually like the little wizard--if such people actually exist. --David Jenkins

Customer Reviews

Best for younger gamers
The third Harry Potter pc game begins with Harry, Ron, and Hermione searching for the rat, Scabbers, on board the school train. Once at Hogwarts, the trio takes turns learning new spells, completing challenges, and taking final exams. They collect candies as they explore the castle and grounds, and trade the candies at Fred and George's shop for collector's cards and portrait passwords.

On the plus side, even the youngest gamers will find the game easy and there are no scary creatures or situations. There are frequent same-game opportunities, and the game is very short.

On the down side, see the preceding paragraph! Gamers over 12 may find this game is too easy, too short, and too repetitive to hold their interest. There is little to do with the plot of the book here. For example, Hermione's speciality is transforming statues into live cuddly bunnies, Harry slides on frozen water, and all of them are attacked by not-at-all-scary flying books! You won't find much here about Professor Lupin or Sirius Black; Malfoy, Snape, and Crookshanks are completely missing. I was disappointed in this game and hope the next one sticks closer to the book's plot and is more exciting.

I recommend the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban pc game to younger gamers only.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner ofm Azcaban
I thoroughly enjoyed Chamber of Secrets and this next game is almost as good. Not so challenging and scary (no giant spiders or snakes) but loads of things to collect and trade. Graphics are top class, soundtrack wonderful, and story line good. On the debit side, you MUST close down all virus protection and firewall applications and any other background "stuff" otherwise you get a complete crash. Tricky for young players!! Annoying that I couldn't use my Gamepad and, Oh dear, those unexpected save points. Loading points take a long time. When moving from the entrance hall to the grounds go and make a cup of tea while you wait. The game ends a bit of a damp squib, sending me home for the hols when I haven't found all the wizard cards, no one will sell them to me and the shop is sold out.And what are Bonus cards? I have contacted EA Games about this and hope to solve the matter.
In spite of the negative points I loved the game amd would recommend it to both adults and children. Stressfree and no people killing!!

How come other people don't like it?
Hi there, I'm 11 years old, and i think that this game is one of the best ever made! I believe this is the best Harry Potter game so far. You get to do loads more than in the 1st and 2nd ones. For example, in this one you can buy scrolls from Fred and George's shop that let you get into secret passages, along with cards you get with Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans, Pumpkin Pasties and Cauldren Cakes. The spells are loads more interesting. You can turn into rabbits and dragons, turn water to ice then use it as a massive slide, and much more! Unlike the other 2 games, you can be Harry and all his friends, and use linked spells for more power. You face more enemys, more challenges, and more fun! Oh, and did I mention riding Buckbeak, fighting pixies or monserous books! And if you get all the cards you get unlimited time in the bonus bean room with extra things in there. Over all, this is an excellent game that i'd recomend to any one!