Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
- November 22, 2002 00:00 AM PST
School is back in session at Hogwarts�but young Harry still has much to learn.
Harry�s second year finds him prettier but not much wiser. Harry and Hogwarts both look a bit bigger and bolder this time, thanks to a new 3/4-overhead isometric view, but interacting with that world is still frustrating. Harry still can�t run very fast, success is measured in boring item collection�knuts, wizard cards, and whatnot�and most puzzles are tedious switch-and-lever affairs. Diagonal platform hopping isn�t much fun with the GBA�s cross-key pad, and the Mode 7�style flight sequences aren�t thrilling.The polyphonic soundtrack isn�t bad, but it does repeat quickly. One nice touch: You can unlock extras with a GameCube and link cable. While Potter fans will enjoy seeing Gilderoy Lockhart on their GBAs, uncompelling gameplay makes him just another pretty face.
