Advanced Search >
Help Me Search

Games

Sony

PS3 | PSP | PS2 | PS One

Microsoft

Xbox 360 | Xbox

Nintendo

Wii | DS | GBA | Cube | N64

Other Platforms

PC | N-Gage | Dreamcast

Upcoming &
Recent Releases

sort by namesort by score

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

EMAILPRINTcube

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
77
8.4 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 14 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 12 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Developer: Eurocom

Genre(s): Action, Adventure

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)

Release Date: November 15, 2002

Summary

Players enter fantastical free-roaming 3D environments from Harry's world. Players become Harry Potter and delve not only into Harry's world, but also into his personality, via an internal "voice." Conversing with unique characters like Moaning Myrtle, shopping in Diagon Alley, and exploring the convoluted corridors of Hogwarts, players make crucial and independent decisions within Harry's world. Additionally, Harry can, of course, cast spells against foes - but these spells must be perfectly executed, or they could be miscast with humorous or critical consequences! Mini-games within levels can be revisited, so players can help Mrs. Weasley with "de-gnoming" her garden, challenge other students in Professor Lockhart's Dueling Club, or complete other mini-games again and again. [EA Games]

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

89

IGN

It reminds me a lot of Zelda, actually, which is a great thing... A shining example of how licenses should be realized in videogame form.

Read Full Review >
88

GameZone

One of the best things about Chamber of Secrets is how close the developers stayed to the story purported in the book and movie without resorting to simple fetch quests and lame puzzles in order to integrate all the popular elements from the original plot.

Read Full Review >
88

Nintendo Power

Drawing strongly from the look and feel of the movie, Chamber of Secrets is a richly designed, wonderfully immersive experience. [Dec 2002, p.211]

88

GameCube Europe

There's absolutely nothing here to disturb or upset younger gamers so if you're a parent searching for a GameCube recommendation then this could be just what you're looking for.

Read Full Review >
83

Entertainment Weekly

For Quidditch fans, there's a thrilling version of the aerial sport. [15 Nov 2002, p.144]

80

Play Magazine

Of all three games, the Xbox version is the clear winner, with perfect frame rates, the lowest load times, the best resolution and the best textures, but the 'Cube game runs a close second, a refreshing turn of events. [Jan 2003, p.76]

80

G4 TV

For Potter fans of all ages, Chamber of Secrets is a must-have.

Read Full Review >
79

Nintendojo

Eurocom have almost done the impossible: They have made a movie/novel based game actually good. The game exudes effort and it really shows.

Read Full Review >
73

Electronic Gaming Monthly

Obviously Potter-ignorant muggles need not apply, but would-be wizards (or witches) looking for a lil' magic this year should give Secrets a try. [Dec 2002, p.228]

73

GameSpot

The rich gameplay and engaging story give the game an appeal that very nearly rises above the rough visuals, and they definitely capture the spirit of the books.

Read Full Review >
70

GamePro

The gorgeous GameCube version delivers the best graphical pop in the slew of Chamber of Secrets games.

Read Full Review >
70

TotalGames.net

The intelligent imagery used in the novels gave them a universal appeal, whereas the relative simplicity of the videogame would suggest that the target audience is far narrower.

Read Full Review >
65

netjak

The graphics are good and the sound/voices are good, but the gameplay is sorely lacking. Between not knowing I could wall sneak because of the wonky activation of the A button and constantly losing my beans, I became increasingly frustrated with the game.

Read Full Review >
58

GameNow

At the very least, speeding on a broomstick at 250 miles per hour will give you a new level of respect for Harry's skills as a Seeker. [Dec 2002, p.75]

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 8.4 (out of 10) based on 12 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

[Anonymous] gave it a1:
This game is horrible. The dungeons are predictable and repetitive. Spells are pointless; they can only need to be used in the dugeon you get. Not enough fighting with spells. Loved the RPG gameboy version. Day go to class at night do a stupid mission...BORING. Only reason I gave this game a 1 is because of graphics and mini-games. Worst game I have for gamecube. The sad thing is I am a Harry Potter fan.

Dana gave it a 10:
I liked playing this game because of the graphics & stuff:) it is a must-buy for harry potter fans!

Bailey E. gave it a 10:
Its simply awesome. Im playing it right now, and the similarity between the game and the books/movies is surreal. Ive always wished I could go and explore Hogwarts, and the rest of Harry's world, and now I can!! = )

Carroll A. gave it a 9:
I like Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for the Gamecube. Each level basically sends you on a quest that will lead you to learn a new skill of magic which in turn will have to be used to complete the level. There are 'save' areas in appropriate places, quick and easy. The game has great graphics and for the most part follows the book. The parts that don't follow the book actually add to the game, because these side quests add a different avenue of exploration not given while reading the book. You get to explore Diagon Alley and Hogwart's, etc... from Harry's point of view and leisure. (A few minor annoying things would be: To talk with someone or to open a chest, the controls make it where you have to stand perfectly in front of them. Another thing, you're constantly losing the 'Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans' you've been collecting when someone attacks you. As you try to pick up the Beans, you're attacted again which leads to even more Beans being lost. UGGHHH.. it's frustrating. For the most part, accept it and just fight the 'bad guys'. There are floors in Hogwart's where you can collect 10-15 Beans each time you enter, so a few minutes there will give you a plentiful amount in a short time before saving the game or buying something with the 'Beans'. I say this not as a 'spoiler' but mostly as a way of enjoying the game where you don't get frustrated and quit, especially for the younger people that might get upset seeing their hard work of collecting Beans all gone to waste.) I give this game a 9 and not a 10 because it is easier and shorter than some would like it. It's not for the 'gamer' that wants to have his ego satisfied by beating a 'hard or long' game. It caters more to the younger audience, although this middle-aged guy still enjoyed it. If you're a Harry Potter fan or have a child that is a fan, then the chance to play as Harry Potter will make it 'funable' and make this game a good purchase. If interested, I have another review of Starfox Adventures. It was the first Gamecube game I finished and enjoyed it a great deal.

Zach R. gave it a 10:
It is a totally awesome game to play.

Kip P. gave it a 10:
An Exellent game! The graphics are incredibly stuning! And the difficulty level is just right!

Michael P. gave it a 5:
I rented this game and beat it in one night.... now no game should be this way.... I am only giving it a 5 because I loved Quiddich! The game is worth renting, but not purchasing!

Read more user comments >

Popular on CBS sites: SEC Football | NFL | Video Game Cheats | iPhone | Video Game Reviews | Notebooks | Antivirus Software

About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy (UPDATED) | Terms of Use