I am a hardline online gamer, have been for 5 years. I bought this game because 1; i like the books, and 2; it seemed a gentle enough game to introduce my son, all of 3 years and 10 months, into the educational values of a decent computer game with a good, non-violent story attached. This game is great, and my son loves it ( i control Harry with the direction keys, my son casts spells on switches, trees, doxy's and gnomes etc with the mouse. His hand/eye co-ordination is developing a treat). This is a thoroughly engaging, well thought out and imaginative game. The graphics and lighting are pleasing, the attention to detail is authentic and amusing (example; wizard card details), the levels are well designed and their variety has a good balance and is close in feel and plot to the first book. It;s a great kid's game, and adults may well enjoy it too. I certainly have.
btw, of special note should be the music by Jeremy Soule which is absolutely superb, far better than the movie's score in my opinion, and whoever the voice talent was who did a ripping John Cleese impression for the voice of Nearly Headless Nick deserves a round of applause.