“If Harry Potter goes back to Hogwarts, he will be in mortal danger.” When these words echoed around the living room, the whole family knew we were in for a long night. Especially if Dad hadn’t Googled how to get past the Avifors Challenge at work today… (this was pre-WiFi era in the Butler household, after all).
This 2002 EA release lets users guide Harry through his second year of Hogwarts – from Quidditch and Defence Against the Dark Arts to after-dark library adventures and, you know, saving the wizarding world once again. However, the magic (sorry) of the game is in its free roaming. When all your day’s tasks are completed, you can either move straight onto tomorrow’s challenges… or hang around and explore for a bit. Daytime? Grab your Nimbus 2000 and go explore the castle grounds. Night? Well, you’ve collected enough beans for that spellbook from Fred and George’s secret shop. With an inventory to fill, gnome-flinging contests to win and that ever-elusive last Witches and Wizards card to collect, this is a world you can properly become engrossed in. Until, of course, your arm falls through a solid wall (2002 graphics, what u playing at.)
