• Publisher: EA Games
  • Release Date: Jun 2, 2004
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
70 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 29 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 29
  2. Negative: 0 out of 29
  1. The greatest test of a licensed game is to ask yourself if the game would still be compelling without the license and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban passes with flying colors.
  2. It entertains, it excites and it's easy to follow so no need for cheats, and sometimes that is all that matters.
  3. Derivative but fun and the EyeToy support is a great bonus. Won't win over Harry-haters but fans will be willy, er, wand-waving into the wee small hours.
  4. Adds real depth to familiar characters and locations.
  5. A genuinely good third-year romp for Harry. Accomplished and absorbing, it's not quite magical but it's certainly no muggle either. [GamesMaster]
  6. It is by far the best Harry Potter game made to date.
  7. Offers a deeper, more mature experience than the previous titles. [July 2004, p.94]
  8. Some scenes do not look quite right — the scale of the characters against the width of the Hogwarts Express clearly do not tally. But these minor disappointments are quickly outweighed by stunning visuals in the later levels.
  9. 8 / 8 / 7 / 7 - 30 silver [Vol 811; 2 July 2004]
  10. 75
    Being able to explore Hogwarts as not one, but all three of your favorite characters is, as Ron would put it, brilliant. But older gamers will find little challenge in the game's simplistic block puzzles.
  11. As a companion to the movie, it certainly serves its purpose. But as a game that sparks new magic in the genre? That might need to wait for the next film.
  12. A by-the-numbers movie-licensed game that makes pretty good use of its source material without really doing anything too surprising. It's perfect for kids.
  13. The tri-character gameplay really adds some depth, but Harry Potter newbies will still be left in the dark when trying to follow the narrative. [Aug 2004, p.25]
  14. It's a fine tie-in game, but it's over rather quickly, offering little in the way of challenge. [Aug 2004, p.93]
  15. If you’ve never seen the draw of Harry Potter, then perhaps this game isn’t for you, although with nothing too complex to get your head around and the ability to out-magic Malfoy and his troop, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban spells more fun than a lot of movie-to-game conversions.
  16. There's still nothing here that amazes, just a fun game that is worthy of a Potter fan's attention.
  17. 70
    Although Prisoner of Azkaban is still aimed at the tween set, it’s more interesting—visually and interactively—than previous Potter games. And yet, Harry’s still got a ways to grow.
  18. The combat difficulty level is forgiving, and the game guides you through the puzzles with helpful clues and hints from the other characters. Less experienced gamers -- who, let's face it, are really the ones the game is aimed at -- will find its light touch very rewarding.
  19. Fans of the books and films will enjoy the chance to explore the Hogwarts grounds and do things like ride Buckbeak the hippogriff and collect all of the Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, but there's not a lot in this game to appeal to your average Muggle.
  20. The game is very linear and hopefully one day the EA team will expand this title with a bit more freedom.
  21. I wish I could say that Prisoner of Azkaban was a bold new start for the series. It's not, but this is a significantly better game than either of the previous two entries. [July 2004, p.111]
  22. If you’re a die-hard HP fan… well, keep reading the books. If you’re looking for a decent Potter-tinged romp, this is the best one you’re gonna get – at least until the next movie comes out.
  23. A simple, solid adventure with smart puzzles and high production values, but it leads its junior wizards through every baby step. [Aug 2004, p.101]
  24. 65
    While it's true that things have improved, that doesn't mean it's suddenly a great game. While the downplaying of the storyline does help streamline the game, it also makes your goals seem a little disconnected and random.
  25. A decent licensed title, but it doesn't take any risks, so don't expect an epic adventure.
  26. 62
    The framerate is unpredictable. There are control and lock-on issues. There are artificial intelligence oversights. And there are some collision detection problems. Why? There's no excuse.
  27. 60
    It ticks a number of very basic and previously-defined boxes with unbending efficiency, throwing in a few commendable moments of surprising fun, drenched in the usual superficial fineries (the visuals, recognisable characters, plotlines, set-pieces, et al) with which many an EA game has plied its trade in the past.
  28. 60
    Those without pixies and muggles dancing in their heads beforehand are going to find the game a lot less enchanting, but fans of the Potter series will want to consider a brief stay in a reasonable facsimile of the hallowed halls of Hogwart’s.
  29. Lets fans romp through a digital version of the film and offers some decent gameplay along the way, but it doesn’t do much else. Provided that’s all you expect from a licensed game, you won’t be entirely disappointed.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Tiffanie
    10
    Loves it!! I have to say that this game has to be the best HP game ive played!! I think the idea of being able to switch between each character was excellent. Compared to The Goblet Of Fire its..soo much better..buy this game its deffinately worth it. Full Review »
  2. BenF.
    9
    I really like this game, the graphics are impressive, the mini-games are pretty fun. I love this game but it was too easy. It took me few days to beat it. The bosses are easy but can get tougher. Overall outstanding! Full Review »
  3. BryanG.
    10
    I love this game, the best of all!!!!!