Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Reviewed by Magic Emperor Ghaleon
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, for those that don't know, is
based on JK Rowling's popular fantasy novel of the same name. It
follows young Harry Potter as he begins his education in the magic
arts, at the same time fighting off a vengeful wizard who would
like nothing more than to see him dead, and even more so to hold
the weapon that dealt the killing blow. The gameplay is cool and
the music is excellent. The story is good as well and follows the
book pretty closely, except for the fact that Quiddich, the only
sport in the magical world, is not featured.
Music and Sound: 10 out of 10
Despite the Game Boy Color's limited sound capability, the music
in this game is excellent, fitting just right with the situation. I
especially like the themes that play in Diagon Alley's overworld
and in the shops. The SFX are basic Game Boy fare, except for the
sound of a door opening and closing. That's on the same level as the
Game Boy Advance. In a word, amazingly realistic.
Game Play-Fun: 10 out of 10
The controls are very good, which is how they ought to be. The battle
system is turn-based, except that you only actually get to control
Harry Potter. You explore Hogwarts castle and take classes with such
professors as Minerva McGonagall, the strict but fair Transfiguration
teacher, and Severus Snape, the Potions master who has an intense
hatred for Harry.
Game Value: 10 out of 10
Excellent! I hope future games in the Harry Potter saga are like this!
Turn-based RPG's have always been a favorite of mine.
Story: 10 out of 10
The story goes as follows. For eleven years the secret magical
community of witches and wizards in England had lived in terror, for
they were threatened by Lord Voldemort, the most powerful evil
wizard for a hundred years. Amazingly, on Halloween night of 1981,
Voldemort made a terrible miscalculation that cost him his physical
body and nearly cost him his life as well. He tried to kill a young boy,
Harry Potter. Unfortunately for Voldemort, Harry's parents' love for
their son was so strong that it provided the boy with protection. After
first killing Mr. and Mrs. Potter, Voldemort turned his wand on Harry,
only to have the curse reflect back upon him, destroying his body and
draining him of much of his power. However, Voldemort's power, coupled
with his intense hatred, was so intense that he continued to exist in spirit
form, though he was unable to do much except possess other creatures.
Since that day, Harry Potter had been famous. But Harry knew nothing of
any of this, for he was raised by his horrible relations, the Dursley family,
whose one goal in life was to make sure Harry never learned of his true
power. As readers of the book will know, that didn't happen. You start the
game shortly after Harry learns his true identity.
Overall: 10 out of 10
An excellent game. Give it a try!