Wonderbook:Book of Spells, Sony

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

We have really enjoyed playing with the Book of Spells game. Visiting children are keen to have a go and have loved it as well. The special effects are very impressive, especially to young children (8 years and under I would say). To be able to cast the spells just like a real Hogwart's student is very exciting for them. The whole adventure did not take very long to complete, but you can go back and repeat different chapters of the book to get better scores. It seems a good price for this game too, especially as it includes the Wonderbook which I understand will be used in future games too.

Absolutely brilliant game!!
My dc's and me loved it. We have had such fun playing this game since we got it.
Even though it is only a 1 player game, it is still great for all the family and the only game I have ever had where my dc's actually sit together and help each other without fighting!!!
A game I would recommend for all Potter fans. I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

Absolutely fab game, a new concept to gaming with a real magical feel. You feel like you reallt can do magic as you wave your wand & learn your spells. It has the competitive edge as we each joined a different house. My children aged 7 & 9 love it as do the many friends who have come to play. A definite must for Harry Potter fans.
The only downside to this game is can be quick to complete.

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words & reflects my true opinion.

The functionality of this game is SO easy, it's unreal. Much easier than the Kinect to be "found" by the camera and you can fidget around more and not lose the camera, which suits my child in particular!

The graphics are great; the whole idea that a real book with weird graphic symbols on can turn in to a magic book with a wand and YOU in the telly is just brilliant - DS was astounded (he's just 10).

You don't have to know the ins and outs of Harry Potter to enjoy this game, either. DS has not read nor seen any of the HP franchise, however loves this game and does not seem bothered that it is "linked" - there aren't too many cross references to make it boring for those who aren't "in" to HP.

My only negative and the reason I gave it four stars is that it doesn't last long. Once you've mastered the spells... that's it. There's no real "levels" like in Mario or the like which goes on forever, it seems! I gave it four stars because if you're laying out for the book, camera and all the gubbins, I don't really think it's worth it.... however, if Sony are quick to release more Wonderbook games, it would be worth the investment for the enjoyment gained in the short play time (and you can go back to the beginning and try to get more House Points, if you desire)

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

What a fabulous game. This game is an absolute must for any fan of the Harry Potter books, films or Pottermore. It is tied in to Pottermore and the books rather than the films, but I think I prefer that..
This game is great. Your child is not controlling the main character, they are the main character. It takes just a few seconds for everyone in the room to be totally drawn in, learning and using spells and interacting with the book.
We all loved playing it and look forward to seeing what else Sony develop for the Wonderbook.

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

This is a game which continues and grows the Harry Potter legend for a new generation. But it is the type of gaming experience which is currently so novel that it will appeal to wonderstruck tweens, cynical teens and "we never had those in our day" parents and grandparents too! We've certainly really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next Wonderbook experience!

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

I was quite sceptical about this product, as I have always been a bit anti game stations, believing them to be the axis of evil, filled with violence and destructions. Book of Spells proved me wrong. Its utterly charming, sweet innocent fun, totally age appropriate and has the right mix of gentle humour and fun action to keep little ones entertained for many hours.

They'll be waving their wands and shouting "LUMOS!" before you know it. FOr an old luddite like me, the technology is eye poppingly good, with 3D effects - for example, while watching a play that highlights the finding of a particular spell, you can turn the physical book around in order to see backstage. It is totally interactive, and so the kids (and spectators) get really absorbed in the action.

My very grown up just 10 year old has been practising his spell forms ever since....

My only criticism is that its all over too quickly, and you just want MORE! My son finished the game after about 6 hours playtime (not continuous, dear reader [grin] ) and really enjoyed every page, he would have loved the action to continue. Hopefully SOny will make another.

The wonderbook technology is very good, and I look forward to Sony's planned new offerings in this range.

I think this is a really lovely family oriented game, suitable for very young children right up to grannys. Given enough sherry this Christmas, I may even dust off the old wand myself.....

I was picked by MNHQ to review this product, which I received for free. This review is in my own words and reflects my true opinion.

I'll start by saying I went to the press review and was given this copy for free, however this is a total unbiased review
My children are 9 and 7 and they love this as does my husband.
You do need all the kit including the camera but it's worth it for the interaction. I'd suggest you really need to see the game in action as I dont think there has been
any game like this with this augmented reality .
"In the world of Harry Potter, Book of Spells is two hundred years old and written by Miranda Goshawk, famous for writing a number of textbooks used by Hogwarts™ students. Book of Spells is an advanced textbook for students designed to assist them on their journey to becoming an accomplished witch or wizard."
It also includes original new writing from J.K. Rowling.
Basically the book is a real but opening it and using the wand it becomes the book of spells within the game . So therefore on the screen the children can see themselves (via the camera) plus the book of spells and the wand.
Its the nearest thing to being a pupil at Hogwarts !