So here we are. The first week of May in 2022, writing my first game review since the Skies of Arcadia YGAT review in July of 2021. I can't believe it's been so long since my last review, and that I'm kicking things off again with another series since A Month of Keys which, amusingly enough was in May of 2020. I was actually trying to wrap my head around what to review this month since I absolutely wanted to do another series after being so quiet last year. I was actually going to do a poll as well with games like Final Fantasy I-XV (not counting XI and XIV due to them being MMOs), the Megaman Battle Network/Star Force (not counting Battle Chip Challenge) or X/ZX series, the Legend of Zelda series (not counting the multiplayer Four Sword/FSA, Triforce Heroes, or Hyrule Warrior games), the mainline Mario games (aka 1-3, 64, Sunshine, Galaxy 1 & 2, Odyssey), or some other series entirely. However, I thought about it a bit and decided against doing full month-series pushes for differing reasons (Too many games to write up in a month, let alone play for starters, lack of access to certain titles for another).
But as I was looking at my review list, I remembered that I had written Harry Potter down as a future review and thought "Yeah, that could work!" In my mind it was always one of the most interesting book-to-movie-to-game adapted series in both good and great ways (and made for a super easy series name since
Magical Me is a book in the HP universe), and one of the most unique for the first three titles. Harry Potter also has a large following as well as a history (not including that of its continued controversial author) that even still has mobile games being made in its universe, as well as an upcoming open-world game that looks both intriguing and exciting. And despite there being 8 main adaptions and the 2 Lego games, I thought I could easily make it work since the Lego games are basically just one long game (and were even re-released together in the later remaster), games 5 and 6 were similar and short enough to fit in a review, and games 7 and 8 are considered Parts 1 and 2 of the last book, so they can also have a singular review.
You may ask: "Okay, but what about games 1-4? Why are they all getting separate reviews?" And that's an excellent question, one which I mentioned in my upcoming topic for this, and one I'll answer thusly: Games 5-8 all were a singular version. Yes, OOTP and HBP and DHP2 (but not pt1) had DS versions of their games (and OOTP had a GBA version as well), but...well let's put it this way: Imagine playing something like, for the sake of an example, Tomb Raider reboot on the PS3 or PS4. Now downgrade those graphics extensively to something like...let's say Kingdom Hearts, but specifically the original PS2 version, then downgrade that more to where it has the pixelated nature of PS1 games, and just go slightly under that. That's games 5,6, and 8 exactly: Same games...just much more pixelated.
Games 1-3 are an entirely different story as each version had a different look, and occasionally even different gameplay style. 4 was just different enough on the GBA to also warrant mentioning it as well on this list, as it played quite differently overall versus the console and DS.
Starting the list off, we're going to talk about the very first game and its 5 different versions, The Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone.
Coming out I believe just a day after the movie dropped in the US (except for the PS2/GC/Xbox version which came out 2 years later), this already proved to be an already interesting game in that there were 4 ways you could play it: on PC, on your PS1, or on the go on your GBA or GBC.
But what made it interesting wasn't how multiplat at the time it was (despite not hitting the Nintendo or Sega consoles)...but more that if you and a friend played different versions, it was a completely different experience. And I don't mean playing the GBC versus the PS1 version because that would be very obviously different. What I mean is that PS1 players had an entirely different experience than PC players, and GBA players had an entirely different experience than GBC users. And naturally, the people who played the later PS2/GC/Xbox version would have an entirely different experience than even the PC users, since that version took very much from the Chamber of Secrets PS2/GC/Xbox game and created this version using assets and gameplay from that.
Let me put it this way, though: the PS1 and PC versions were very much an adventure/platformer experience that semi-loosely followed the book. The GBA version was this as well in a different way, but for handheld, and used the movie for some of the in-game character portraits. Even the PS2/GC/Xbox version was a loose adaption of the first book in a different way, though it tried to get things closer with movie as well by including specific movie dialogue for some of the characters at points. The GBC version however arguably is more faithful to the book...and is 100% an RPG experience.
For the sake of being able to talk about all 5 experiences effectively, I'm going to separate each in spoilers for each section. So let's get a bit more in depth!
StoryThe basic story of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone is the same: Young Harry Potter receives a letter inviting him to Hogwarts, and goes there to attend. During his time at Hogwarts, strange events seem to happen throughout that are somehow related to his past...with even potential attempts at his life. So now aside from just taking classes and enjoying the Wizarding World of Hogwarts, Harry must figure out what's going on at Hogwarts and unravel it before it's too late for him.
So, that's the super bare-bones basic plot for the book, and each of the games keeps that pretty intact. Now let's break each game down in some of the specifics.
The GBC version
Starting with arguably the most faithful in the set, this one actually aspires to immerse you as early as possible. The game starts off with the hogwarts letter, and drops you right into Diagon Alley to start things off. After getting through Gringotts to get your money and then buying your school supplies, and you board the train where you meet Ron and Hermione just as you do in the book, and are likewise introduced to Malfoy and even fight him on the train. After traversing the Great Lake on boat and heading up into Hogwarts, you meet folks like Peeves, experience the Sorting, and get an idea of the story. While the game doesn't go into the pre-Hogwarts text with Harry's life with the Dursleys, it does a very excellent job of keeping the story intact while also adding new bits in, such as the fight with Malfoy, Peeves being a larger part, as well as other areas which I'll cover in Gameplay. As I said, out of all the other versions, this is arguably the most faithful.
The PC, PS1, and GBA versions
In all these versions, we're met with a slight exposition dump via text and illustrated images (as well as a voice narration for the PC and PS1 versions). This narration skims through the events from Hagrid bringing baby Harry in, all the way up to when Harry is sorted into Gryffindor. Each of these games start you right off in Hogwarts rather than Diagon Alley, with Dumbledore welcoming you and giving you a little info about Hogwarts in the PS1 and PC versions...and Ron talking to you and telling you about your first class in the GBA version.
PC version: In this version, Ron and Hermione have already met and know you from the train, despite the narration skipping that part. Draco introduces himself to you at this point and is much more antagonistic than when he meets you in the book and even movie. Peeves, like the GBC version, has a more prominent role and even is a nuisance in the tutorial area, where he even sings his taunting song to you. Characters like Nearly Headless Nick are met during classes rather than outside, and your classes are a bit different than the PS1 and PS2 versions. Overall, this version is a little in line with the book, but also takes a few liberties to where if you look at a "differences" thread, PC usually has the most compared to other versions.
PS1 version: In this version, Ron and Hermione also know you from the train, despite narration skipping it. Draco is introduced via Ron letting you know he stole your owl, so you go through a tutorial area to get Hedwig back. Characters like Nearly Headless Nick and Neville (who I'm having a hard time recalling being in the PC version) are also met here. Again, Peeves plays a larger role in this compared to the movie where he was completely absent versus the book. Unlike the other games where Flying class was a later class (since DatDA or Potions was usually first), Flying is first in this game. Overall, the PS1 is very much in the same area as the PC version...though there's just enough similarities to the book to where it's not as obvious as the PC version in how much it can stray.
GBA version: Partially following the above, Ron knows you from the train, but Hermione introduces herself for the first time on the way to potions. Draco is introduced after meeting Ron, and Peeves pops up multiple times throughout. Other characters like Hagrid and Dumbledore make appearances as do the teachers naturally, though I have a hard time remembering if other characters popped up at all such as Neville and Nearly Headless Nick. Off that note though, the story stays pretty on the ball, with things such as the "Duel" with Draco in the Trophy room being a thing that was omitted in the movie, but is present in this version.
The PS2 version
Unsurprisingly, this is probably just under the GBC version as being overall closer to the book/movie minus a few things here and there compared to the other versions. While you're given the familiar exposition dump at the beginning, it's through cutscenes with characters talking as well as narration, as opposed to just narration with illustrations. You're also given snippets of being in Diagon Alley, and even start off the actual game in Ollivander's to get and test out your wand (the only game version outside of the GBC one to do so). Draco, like the GBC and original properties, is less antagonistic at the start and offers his friendship before you turn it down...though amusingly this is after the sorting, so he's offering his friendship to a newly sorted Gryffindor. Peeves was sadly done dirty in this version and has a singular cutscene, and weirdly enough the game introduces you to Ron and Hermione for the first time (meaning the first for them) also after the sorting...so I guess Harry just sat all by his lonesome on the train or something? Overall though, minus some bits here and there, this stays pretty faithful to the book, even if it's not on the GBC versions' level.
So as I mentioned, for most of the versions the game takes on a more Adventure/Platform vibe with some mild action in the sense that you can use spells like Flipendo on occasional enemies that appear. The PS1 version adds to this more by giving you house points when you destroy a creature, and the PS2/GC/Xbox version adds the Chamber of Secrets caveat of being able to charge spells, but punishing you for attempting to charge for too long.
Classes themselves differ for every game, though flying classes in each game (minus the GBC one) consist of flying through "Challenge rings" which differ in type such as being smaller, requiring you doing sharper movements or varying heights, or they'll be moving around. In the GBC version, there is a flying segment to get back Neville's Rememberall, but flying itself isn't a major thing in the game. It's also cut down in the PS2 version, though the flying class itself still has you do the lesson.
As far as the spell and class specifics:
PC version
You're taught a spell by tracing a symbol that appears on the screen with the mouse. You're given an accuracy percentage that you have to hit to get the house points, and each spell taught has 4 stages with higher and high percentages required. You're then sent off to do a trial of sorts to get Challenge Stars using your new spell, and will get points based on how many of the stars you come back with.
PS1 Version
Classes except for a certain few must be gotten to via an obstacle-course type scenario within a time limit so that you're not late, which if I recall can get points taken away if you are, or points being given to you if you hit a sweet spot in the timer. Spells are then taught via hitting the right button at the correct time, and a much more mild/tame trial compared to the PC version.
GBA Version
Spells are taught by wand movements. The teaching character will hit certain directionals, and in a Simon Says style mini game you're meant to repeat their movements. This comes in 3 stages, each rewarding you house points for successful attempts. Much like the PC version, you're then sent to a trial of sorts where you use your new spell and collect challenge stars. Unlike the PC version though, collecting all the challenge stars is required and will not net you extra points.
PS2 Version
All spells are learned via books, rather than mini game. Your objective is to normally go through the trial and use already known spells to work your way through to getting the book, and then sometimes using that spell to proceed to the end. Along the way are Challenge Shields, and like the PC's Challenge stars, getting shields will net you house points, so it's usually recommended you get them all. Unlike the PC version, you'll actually be revisiting challenge areas due to occasionally finding areas locked off until you've obtained a spell later on, such as Diffindo. However, these areas are normally just home to extra items such as Wizard Cards.
GBC Version
Classes themselves are actually not as major a focus in the same way as the other versions. Because spells are learned quite differently (through a character or through battle), classes are usually 100% straightforward story moments...and at most you'll be getting through a dungeon-like area where you fight monsters in order to collect something for the teacher. But as mentioned, spells themselves are randomly given throughout rather than having to be taught. Likewise, using a spell such as Flipendo enough times in battle will unlock its second level, and using a spell's second level enough times in battle will unlock its 3rd and most powerful level. Most spells you learn with one or two exceptions are capable of this.
In most of the versions, the other gameplay is pretty basic and to the point. In the PC version of the game, much of it can be attributed to jumping, collecting items, and pointing your mouse at something while holding down the button to cast a spell, and letting go when a spell symbol appears (or in the case of an enemy such as a gnome appearing and running up to you, just pointing the mouse at it and casting the spell). In the PS1 version, this is pretty much kept (minus the symbol showing), and you just point and shoot spells. Likewise, the GBA version just requires you face the enemy since it's a more top-down style-ish game, this includes any switches or whatnot that you encounter. In the PS2 version, it kept CoS's methods of targeting, as well as being able to charge for more powerful spells so long as you don't hold too long. But across the board for these versions, action is pretty light for the most part, and even collecting cards is pretty light except for the PS2 dipping into the entire 101 Witch and Wizard cards set and tossing them throughout.
Oh, there's also sneaking segments at least the PS2 and GBA versions in which you'll lose house points if caught (though the PS2 adds things like Dungbombs and Stink Pellets to make it easier), which yes...to this day I still hate sneaking/stealth segments, especially barebones ones like this where it's hard to actually, you know,
sneak.Also, I'll give a special kudos to the GBA version for making you lose points if you accidentally hit a prefect/teacher with a spell. I thought that was actually kind of a neat touch even if it meant I'd lose points.
Bertie Botts flavored beans have an entirely different use depending on the game version you play:
PC: Every 25 beans is given to the Weasley Twins for a Famous Witches and Wizards card, while Chocolate Frogs are your main health item.
PS1: Beans are separated into color sets, and each completed set will net you a password given by Fred and George for a Hogwarts portrait. Chocolate Frogs act as the main health item.
GBA: Beans (and chocolate frogs) are your main health item.
GBC: Beans, Chocolate Frogs, and various other candies such as Licorice Whips, Cauldron Cakes, etc... are your main health items.
PS2: Beans are used as a currency to buy items in Fred and George's "secret" shop at Hogwarts, while Chocolate Frogs and other candies/treats act as your health items.
Speaking of the GBC version, since I've gone on and on about the gameplay of the other versions, let's talk about it.
The GBC RPG
So as I mentioned, the GBC version of the game is 100% an RPG. What I mean by this is that while you don't get to name your character, it's in every way an RPG type of game in that you level up, battles are very much a common occurrence (as opposed to story-related things that happen on rare occasion in the other versions), you equip items (minus your wand since that stays forever), and you learn skills (or in this case, higher-level versions of spells) through battle.
Battles take place whenever you run into a small blue cloud that shimmers, unless you've gotten the monster info in which case you'll see the actual monster on the field. In turn based style, you'll choose what action you want to do (and yes, you're normally alone in fights in this game), which includes deciding what spell you want to use on the enemy...as some spells will be much more effective against certain types. Battles are completely avoidable on the field unless you encounter a large blue cloud that shimmers and is blocking the way, since that obviously means it's a boss fight. And I highly recommend not skipping fights since even some of the earlier bosses can be grueling if your level is too low or if you're stuck with only the low-level regular spells.
Collecting monster info, known as your Folio Bruti, will net you monster weaknesses as well as will make them spottable on the field as opposed to being blue mystery clouds.
Collecting Witch and Wizard cards is essential as it not only will look cool in a collection, but they also have battle qualities in the form of Folio Triplicus, and can do anything from helping your character to dishing serious damage on the enemy depending on the combo.
So obviously I'm not going to compare and contrast to each other since that's a pretty unfair battle. Even comparing a 2001 PC game versus a 2003 PS2/GC/Xbox game seems a bit unfair since the latter had extra time and a previous game to use as a platform. However, I will be noting each and whether or not they still hold up after all this time, things they did right, things that they didn't, that kind of stuff. That being said, when a more robust version looks worse than the older more restricted version, I'm definitely going to jump at that.
Before I get into the specifics though, I'll also point out that I loved the differing look for Peeves in the earlier games versus the later PS2/GC/Xbox one. In the former versions, he had a blue complexion and was dressed like some sleazy television personality and I absolutely loved that vibe since it fit him since he was a mischievous poltergeist. The latter version, however, decided to give him one of those powdered wigs and make him look more like a traditional Hogwarts ghost like the Bloody Baron, and I absolutely didn't care for it.
That being said, specifics!
Music/SoundsThankfully, we come to an easier version of this. Why is it easy? Because overall each version used similar soundtracks. Nothing memorable, sadly, except for maybe the overall Hogwarts theme which I believe has been a staple in both the SS/PS as well as CoS console/PC versions. Aside from maybe the GBA version for the most part, each version used some pretty similar music throughout, each sounding really well with what limitations they may have had. Though even the GBA's different choice in music was pretty well done, so I can't knock it for being different when it overall sounded good.
Likewise, sounds throughout were pretty good. PC had probably my favorite card pick up sound since it really made it an experience grabbing each card...though the PS2/GC/Xbox version had probably my second favorite of the bunch. Despite how grating sounds on the GBC can sometimes get, I actually didn't have that issue with the GBC version of SS/PS at all, and thought they did a really excellent job picking the right sounds to play in that game.
VoicesOh, why must early voice acting hurt me so?
So, okay. Let me stress that I have nothing against the VAs since they're just doing their jobs and getting a paycheck. And in some cases I actually think there's a good performance or two.
But overall across the board, the voice acting was...ehhhhhhhh across all versions minus the GBC, which thankfully had none.
PC and PS1 Version
First off, I didn't mind the voice for the narration, and thought they did a fine job. Dumbledore's voice was absolutely awful from just the overall sound of "young guy trying to sound old" which was emphasized near the end of the speech when the voice suddenly got more "old" in its sound. It was a horrible impression, and aside from VAs playing the kids, it was pretty overall consistent thing for the adults. Also, I'm sorry but I hate games where they say the spell every time you use it. Hearing Harry say Flipendo all the time was annoying, regardless of whether or not he changed how he said it every time in the PC version. Actually, I remember it being worse in the PS1 version because I recall it doing a mini cutscene for certain spells that he used, and it was just as annoying.
PS2 Version
I actually enjoyed the narrator's voice in this a bit more, and even Hagrid and Dumbledore sounded better. There were some cringeworthy performances since some VAs were obviously hired to do impressions of the movie actors, but I was definitely cringing a lot less than I was in the other two versions to where I thought it was definitely better, though it helps that I'm sure that most of the folks from CoS came back over for this one, and again I actually had little to no qualms with the CoS game on PS2/Xbox/GC that I can currently think of (though give it time, I'm sure I'll have them ready for that review).
GBA Version
"Wait, how can the GBA version have voice acting?!" I hear you ask. For the most part, it really doesn't. I'd say probably...95% of the dialogue you'll encounter will be text only, so unlike some games that tried to find ways to really utilize it, this one was thankfully merciful. That is, except for Harry as well as enemies. Enemies such as those pesky garden gnomes will make sounds, and Harry will make a sound if he's ever hurt or falls down a hole. He also, like his PS1/PC and occasionally PS2 counterpart will say the name of the spell he's casting in a slightly more obscured way since it's the GBA. Thankfully though, this version is like the PS2 one where it's only on occasion, and not every single time he casts a spell.
I do have to give most versions of this game some due credit in that there's collectibles and whatnot to make them a possible thing for folks to want to 100%. There's Famous Witches and Wizards cards for one, which every game has and the GBC one specifically gives purpose for outside of just looking pretty. The PS2/GC/Xbox version has a noticeboard where you can find lost items for students. All of the games deal in House Points, and the competitive gamer in you may want your house to win, so you may replay and do what it takes to get the most points. Hogwarts in the PS2/GC/Xbox version has a number of random explorable areas even at the start, as does the GBC version if you're a good enough level to take on even the harshest creatures. You may want to find what happens when you collect every bean set in the PS1 version.
Overall, there's a bit going on for each of the games, though sadly Quidditch as a side thing isn't a big thing in any of them outside of story events. But that's okay, there's legit a Harry potter: Quidditch World Cup game to fulfill all your Quidditch desires...and if I recall it does get a slightly bigger side-questy emphasis in Chamber of Secrets, depending on the version.
But yes, if you can stomach the bad elements for the games aside from the GBC one (which imo is actually the better version of them all), then each of the games is replayable and has something for the 100%er in you.
OverallSo overall, it's an interesting dilemma of having 5 different versions of 1 game. It's like if you made multiple versions of Final Fantasy 7 (hides the remake, Crisis Core, Before Crisis, and Dirge of Cerberus while hugging the original) where it's not just a graphical difference, but a completely different experience all around, and in the case of the GBC version it's 100% a different game entirely outside of the story.
So would I recommend them? Sure. Chamber of Secrets is arguably the better of the games which we'll talk about next time, but I definitely recommend giving Sorcerer's Stone a try. Which platform, you ask? Yes.
