Harry Potter Kinect is suitable for 1-2 players and has a 12 rating as there are some violent scenes in the game. Not that this bothered Wee Z or Miss C who watched in fascination at the story scenes.
You can choose to play the game in "movie mode" so you play as Harry Potter or you can play in "custom mode" so you play as your Xbox 360 avatar. We decided to play as Harry.
The game works through the Harry Potter book series, so you start year 1 as a newly discovered wizard and work your way through each level. In each level there are different games or tasks to complete. All of these games are completed with the Kinect - you don't use your controller at all.
The different types of tasks are casting spells, making potions, battles, duels and even a Quidditch match that Wee Z loved playing. He got to practise some of his karate punches on the opposition and he was really getting into the game. It did last a bit long, but I think that was down to Wee Z not staying on the trail and not the length of the match itself. The more games you play, the more levels and specials matches you unlock. After each game, you are awarded points and stars to create a personal best. You can replay the levels if you want to try and beat your personal best.
The Kinect uses voice recognition to pick up any spells you cast. You learn these in lessons during the game. It also picks up your body movement for when you use your wand or a sword in battles or duels. You interact by jumping, ducking and dodging too. Husband and Wee Z were out of breath after a few games.
The story scenes are fantastic. I've never seen the Harry Potter films but I was captivated and may have to watch them now. Game play was great and the graphics were really very good!
This is a great family game, especially if you love Harry Potter. You do need a Kinect to play it but that's the whole point of the interactive aspect of this game. I don't think it would be as good as a controller-based game.
We received Harry Potter for the Kinect for Xbox 360 for the purposes of a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
