6.7.2003

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is a surprisingly fun game, one that Potter fans of any age can enjoy. While the game can be challenging at certain points, it provides the kind of challenge that young children and those like myself (whose love for gaming is exceeded only by their general ineptitude at successfully solving and finishing them) can figure out on their own. In a couple of cases, a degree of logic must be employed that the youngest of players might not catch on to very quickly, but every thing in this game is solvable and, even better, provides a certain sense of accomplishment when you figure out how to get by a tricky obstacle. The graphics aren't spectacularly impressive for the most part,but the look and feel of the game works well in this environment and does capture a sense of the Hogwarts essence. Sure, it would be nice if the pictures on the walls of Hogwarts moved, but there are better things to do with computer memory than this.Naturally, you assume the role of Harry Potter. Having arrived at Hogwarts, you must attend classes and learn different types of spells that will become essential over the course of the game; each class leads quickly to a course designed to test your use of the spell you have just learned. You must make things flip over or open, open magically locked doors, subdue dangerous plants, etc. Along the way, you meet up with all of your Hogwarts favorites - Dumbledore (who for some odd reason first appears wearing a set of garish glasses apparently obtained from the 1970s Elton John vintage collection), Ron, Hermione, Quirrel, Sprout, Hagrid, Snape, Filch and Mrs. Norris, etc. Fred and George are there to help you get your bearings and to provide you with the beginnings of your wizard card collection.While the game is quite solvable, I completed several challenges only after many, many attempts. The encounters with Draco Malfoy, trying to get back Neville's Remembrall and battling it out with wizard crackers, are tough at first. I thought I would never get past the scene with the troll (partly because, for this one challenge only, your point of reference is the opposite of what you have grown accustomed to). The final battle with You-know-who is also pretty tough to complete, but nothing required more time, trial, and error than trying to catch the Golden Snitch during two Quidditch matches and snaring the flying key during the approach to the final encounter. The Quidditch matches are quite something to behold and can be quite fun, but one failed attempt after another at catching the Snitch can prove increasingly frustrating.One drawback to this game comes from the fact that you basically know what is going to happen at the end; after all, the game follows the script of the book rather closely in a general sense. I would also like to have seen more scenes animated; certain events at the beginning and end, such as the big events in the Grand Hall, are narrated in storyboard fashion. My final small gripe concerns the cut scenes; often, when you perish and restart a challenge, you are forced to sit through the animated cut scene each and every time; when you require many attempts to complete a challenge, as I did, having to sit through these cut scenes time in and time out proves increasingly annoying. All in all, though, my criticisms detract very little from a wonderfully enjoyable game presented in the true spirit of Harry Potter and his Hogwarts environment. Even when you complete the game, there will most likely be a number of secrets left for you to discover in a brand new game.

4.8.2013

It is well known that most video games based on movies are terrible, but Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on the PlayStation doesn't fall into this cycle. I remember purchasing this game just after the movie was released in cinemas back in November 2001 and remembered it being a really good and enjoyable game. Since that time I had managed to lose the game disc and recently found it and couldn't resist playing it again.This game is very pleasing to play and doesn't have one single dull attribute about it. It kept me entertained for about 5 to 6 hours and is a fairly short game but one that I could tell hadn't been rushed during its production.It follows the story of the first film and book very closely and it seems to manage very well with its diversity of gameplay without having a linear pattern to it. There is a lot to see and experience from the world of Harry Potter and the design of everything in the game is a beautiful representation of this unique world. The environment and level designs are very colourful and pleasant to look at. You can explore many iconic scenes from the film and meet a variety of well known characters such as Harry's friends Ron and Hermione, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and many others. A few fun things in the game include being able to take part in Quidditch matches and flying on a Nimbus 2000. There are also mini side tasks such as finding items for cerain characters and collecting familiar things like Witches and Wizards Cards as well as Bertie Every Flavour Beans to trade with Ron's brothers. As you would likely expect from a Harry Potter game you can also learn and use a variety of spells in classes which are vital to getting through many parts of the game. Using the spells is a nice and easy control prompt of just tapping the correct button in a timely sequence which is geared around young audiences to be fun and easy.The controls of the game are very straightforward and intuitive with you being able to easily control Harry. Nothing about the controls felt at all awkward as something other games can feel. There is not much to say about the controls because I cannot find any flaws in them and they are most likely near perfect. The graphics are highly impressive for a PS1 game and everything is captured and presented in a lot of colourful detail. I'm not sure if this is a minor flaw or not, but it is nothing to downgrade the game. I've noticed that our main wizard Harry Potter does not say a single word in the game. I think this may be due to not being able to get Daniel Radcliffe as a voice actor for the game and they couldn't find a good enough substitute but keeping Harry silent is the right way to go because having a character who sounds off from the movie is a rather bad move.This game really is a classic gem on the PlayStation and is definitely one of the best Harry Potter games to be released. If you haven't played this game then you are really missing out on a magical and wonderful experience that is easy to get into and the gameplay is easy going so it is not one of those games that drive you insane due to difficulty. Add this to your collection and experience a movie video game that is actually pretty damn good.

22.5.2011

For an adaptation of the first part of a great series of novels and movies, I have to say that there was some good quality into this game. Sure if you play it today, some of the visuals will be outdated, especially when the characters don't use their mouths when they talk, but move their heads around as to follow the characters' dialogs. However, I felt the makers of this game managed to recreate the atmosphere of J K Rowling's universe. Especially with its gorgeous soundtrack, which I felt could have been even used in the movie series as it was eerie, mysterious, and gave a lot of depth and emotions to the characters.Those that expect the game to follow the Philosopher's Stone story in its entirety will be disappointed because it isn't the case with this game.

10.2.2012

A review by Gillian Collins:Being the huge Harry Potter fan that I am I was eager to get this game, I didn't own many PS1 games at the time and never did so this kept me entertained for hours a day. You really do get closer to the magic of J.K Rowlings story of Harry Potter a young wizard known as the boy who lived. If you haven't read the books or watched the movies I would advise you to because otherwise this game may make little sense to you. This game stays fairly close to the books however still adds enough new adventures and mini games to keep you excited whilst your following the adventures of Harry , Hermione and Ron.The graphics are what is to be expected of a PS1 game yet at the time I believe they where brilliant,

20.5.2007

The PC game incorporates a lot from the playsatation game of the same title and a lot from the book that wasn't included in the movie. For example, in the game, you get to dispell Peaves, where as in the film the character is never even mentioned. This makes the game very well adapted because it is one of the few out there that tries to stay very closely acquitted to the book itself. The gameplay is fair and very fun. You mostly follow the on-screen challenges as you learn new spells in the various lessons you attend including charms and defense against the dark arts. Primarily, you act as Harry, exploring the castle when you get the chance and following the storyline from said book.

21.11.2001

Well what can I say about this game but Fantastic, brillant, In fact there are two many words to desribe this game, I loved all the books and I`m 34 so maybe a bit old but i dont care one bit, I felt like a child playing this game, and its quite hard at times, but just such great fun..Its also very much in keeping with the books you get to play with the giant chess pieces, play the flute to try to get the three headed dog asleep, but the best thing is the quiddicth macth, my goodness what great fun first of all you get to have broomstick practice , then you get to play two games where you have to cacth the golden snicth which is quite hard, but just fab fun,...You also have lots of puzzles to solve and spells to cast,

16.12.2004

I got this game for Christmas as I was a real fan of the books and the film. After the quick and easy installation I was addicted to the PC for over 4 hours.You are to attend different classes and then perform a cool and fun challenge for them to practise the spell. After you've completed the challenge you get a certain amount of hose points depending on how many Challenge Stars you get (these are littered all around the challenge). As well as that you play Quidditch (one of my personal highlights) and are able to hurl wizard crackers at Malfoy and chase him on your broom.You have a few foes around the game (Fire Crabs-Scorpions which shoot fire at you to lower your energy,

20.11.2001

If you've read the books then this is a must ! And if you haven't then you'll still find this a wonderful game with great graphics and interesting puzzles to solve.The game follows Harry's adventures around Hogwarts as he learns new spells in order to complete certain tasks. All of the book characters play their part in the game including Harry's friends and foes. Some attempt to give Harry clues for solving tasks while others are just there to get in his way and use up all of his remaining power.The best part is the Quidditch game - after much practice of riding your broomstick ! The speed and accuracy of the graphics here are exceptional and you really do feel like you are riding the broomstick yourself.

23.11.2001

This game, like the movie, was one of the worlds most eagerly awaited peice of merchendice from the Harry Potter Phenomenon.The game lets you explore the whole of hogwarts grounds and castle within a touch of the button. The imagination of it is ingenius, and the maker of the game must have really paid attention to the book.You are able to interact and communicate with other characters in the game (eg Albus Dumbledore and Ron Weasley) and they will help you with the tasks set.The let downs. Well... there aren't too many, to be honest. The main one is that there is no multiplayer option. Only one player may join in the fun. And the other one is that, when you complete the complex and strategic journey,

21.11.2001

This game is visually breathtaking with stunning animation. The character's appearances have been based on the film and as such are well in keeping with what you might imagine when you read the books.Although clearly designed to be playable by younger gamers this has much to offer the older Harry Potter fan. The commands are easy to master allowing you to quickly get into the game.The game is well structured with you (as Harry) attending classes, broomstick practice and becoming a hero as the fastest seeker Hogwarts has ever seen in the game of Quidditch.As if this isn't enough all along you are trying to find out what somebody wanted from the vault at Gringott's bank and what Fluffy is guarding on the 3rd floor.

20.11.2001

This is quite simply a magical game.I have been a big fan of Harry Potter for some time and I had been looking forward to getting the game.The characters and plot are based on the movie rather than the book, and the soundbytes are often then actual actors from the movie.The tasks set are not too difficult so as to frustrate but are sufficiently exciting and hard so as to keep you motivated throughout.The Quidditch is brilliant, and there is also a spin-off Quidditch league from the main menu that you can participate in if Quidditch is your preference. It takes a little getting used to being the seeker and chasing down the snitch but once you are used to it it is brilliant.I would recommend this to anyone who is either a fan of Harry or a fan of Tomb Raider,

21.11.2001

As a 39 year old shoot 'em up fan, I slightly surprised myself by buying this game. I put it down to having read all the books and having met a very gracious JK Rowling in an airport luggage claim area (when, let's face it, none of us are at our best).It's a delight to play - with attractively rendered environments (especially the mirrors) and fun game play. My 6 year old is playing too - with autojump on, it's easy enough for her to enjoy too.Strengths - attractive environments, engaging game play, the chance to fly a broomstickWeaknesses - the intercutting of videos and gameplay can get a bit vexing, as it can slow things down when you're on a roll,

6.12.2001

Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone is just above average in playstation game world but poor value for money as it was completed in about 3 day's and I am only 10!( all my friends completed it in about the same time!!)The good points, are that there are excellent graphics and superb sound effects.They have got the characters down to the last detail (nearly headless Nick, malfoy,professor snape,and lot's lot's more) you can go to diagon alley with hagrid,go to gringott's bank, you can also put Fluffy to sleep with a flute and play chess with giant pieces.You can go to lessons like defence against dark arts,

6.11.2018

A friend and I said one day, "we should find an absolutely terrible game and play it." This game was the first one that came back to us (or came back to haunt us, more like). It didn't disappoint, and yet it really did.Artistically, in its game mechanics, in its production quality, its graphics and its narrative, this game is total dross. It's just awful. The in-game model of Hagrid is so bad it became a meme. The stupid tacked-on spells and mechanics became running jokes among HP fans who'd been exposed to them ("flippendo!"). The voice acting is hilarious, the controls are awful and the level design is the most insipid cookie-cutter rubbish you could hope to find in a bargain bin game.But because it's Harry Potter,

19.11.2001

From the moment the game begins you are transported the world you have only read about, you become Harry, take his lessons and help you friends all round Hogwarts, But of course the most antisapated apect of the game is of course flying on a broomstick!!Of course it's everything that you think it's going to be like fast, challenging and heartstopping. You almost feel as though you are actually flying!You get as almost as possesed about the game as Wood (Gyffindor quidditch captain)The other aspects of the game are just as great,once you get the hang of the basic aspects of the game your away, meeting Harrys friends and enemies who are just as tricky in the game as they are in the book!Overall i love this game!,

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