PlayStation Wonderbook: Book of Spells event and game review thread

NotQuintAtAllOhNo · 10/11/2012 17:14

I will answer all your questions when we have played some more.

Meanwhile, I i have a question?

Has anybody managed to get through to the second level?

The boys have completed level 1 five times now, and each time they have completed the last spell they end up back at the beginning of level 1.

Do they really have to leave the game, go out into the menu and select level 2 from there?

NotQuintAtAllOhNo · 10/11/2012 17:47

Worked it out!

Belo · 10/11/2012 18:28

Me too! But only on our old TV so the graphics not as impressive as earlier today. Dd2 completely engrossed and I'm tidying!!

jennywren123 · 10/11/2012 18:32

Belo - totally agree. Graphics not nearly as good here as at the event.

DS very happily chanting incantations though!

hattifattner · 10/11/2012 20:43

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event?

thank you MN and playstation for the opportunity to attend. This was a real eye opener for me, as I was a bit "anti" game stations. But the game is utterly charming and very clever. It was a lovely location and the staff were very friendly and helpful.

What was the best bit?

Getting the game to bring home and play! Second to that, DS says playing the game. I think it was our lovely scouse host, who was very confident and spoke to DS without patronising him, helped him with the logistics and gave him lots of encouragement.

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

The game is very much "on message" with JKs original. its chapter 1 for us, so far, so good, lots to see and play. The graphics are great, tilting the book to see 3D image...cool! DS seems to be taking all the clever stuff with a pinch of salt, where Im sitting with my eyes popping out! We are not a gaming family, so its all very new for us.

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?
Will tell you when we have all had a play!

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

My DD is 15, and a huge Pottermore fan...as are many of her friends. SO mature DS2 is 9, and he is loving it, and has just had a big strop about having to stop playing. I think DS2' age group (9 year olds) are going to love love love this game!

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how? Early days, but yes, I am quite frankly amazed at how clever it all is, and I am looking forward to new titles in the magic book series! (bring on the dinosaurs). I had very negative perceptions about game stations in general, blieving them to be all about violent games with un-pc themes of violence and gangstas. As an introduction to PS3s, this game has totally sold me on good, family entertainment. The links to the book and Pottermore can only be a good thing to encourage reading.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:
This is day one, so its all very new. We will come back and tell you more, but for now....

a. The game was easy to pick up and play for the kids...agree. Me...well I may need more time!!

b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating STrongly agree! As above, totally charming and engaging

c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page - Agree.

d. My child picked up what to do very quickly - STrongly agree. Eventhough he has limited gaming experience (mainly handheld)

e. My child really enjoyed the experience. Strongly agree. He is a little narked that he has to stop for his all time favourite TV show (Merlin) - decisions, decisions!

f. My child was surprised by the game play experience. Strongly agree. The idea of games consoles is very new, and if this sets the bar very high, we will struggle to find comparable games!

pantone363 · 10/11/2012 21:30

Q1. Yes yes yes. The PS staff were so helpful, DS and DD were both nervous beforehand that they wouldn't get the controls (they have er extensive console experience) but Simone was so lively and explained it very well. The venue was lovely although not much space to get manoeuvre to get the child playing plus book plus screen in shot. DC were very impressed with the free coke

Q2. It's hard to say what I liked the most. I was blown away by the actual 3D, usually this kind of stuff is quite 'gimmicky' but I didn't get that at all. The DC love how interactive it is, again not just a gimmick, the whole thing is interactive not just in specific parts. They love seeing themselves on the screen!

Q3. Sorry DD and DS are at their dads tonight so can't answer this until the morning!

Q4. Without a doubt. I know a number of children who mentioned it was already on their Xmas lists. It's not a present that is going to get forgotten about after a week, especially if new content is being developed. I know that the tie in with Harry Potter is the main selling point for Xmas sales (kudos Playstation PR marketing dept) but the potential for interactive comics/books is huge. Age range? DS is 5 and able to understand and 'get' the game (but has gaming experience) so 5 upwards. I can't see there being a upper limit, it would depend on content.

Q5. Yes! The DC have a wii, Xbox and iPad plus they game on the laptop. I had never bought a PS3 for them because in my opinion it was more of a ''serious'' console. But this really has changed my mind, they picked it up quickly and DD was navigating it quickly.

Q6.

a). Yes and yes. It's quite intuitive, which i find really important for childrens games. It was something that only Apple seem to have cornered, but I'm impressed!

b) No not intimidating. Again very intuitive!

c) DD yes, DS no but asked for help

d). Yes, thanks to Simone!! Even when she had gone and they got to a new bit they figured it out quickly.

e) Silly question! They raved about it all day, DS wants to take the PS3 in for show and tell

f). Yes. They were uber impressed with the interactiveness (not sure that's actually a word). And these are two dyed in the wool gamers!

Overall it was such a lovely day. Thank you so much mumsnet and PS. We had a brilliant time and thoroughly recommend the game to all!

As an aside WHO was the woman passing out the filming release forms, she had the most amazing skin! I'm going to need the name of her foundation

pantone363 · 10/11/2012 21:32

Sorry for typos, I'm on the iPhone!

Alambil · 10/11/2012 21:43

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?

Yes, we enjoyed it - DS was most impressed with the posh hotel it was held in! I agree with pantone though, the room was really small to try to get the child / console / book / screen combo on the film - I plumped for going to child then panning to screen etc

Best bit: all of it, in DS's mind.

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

I love the technical aspect; the thought gone in to the book in that when you move the Wonderbook, the Spell book moves / lets water run off it / shows you the top of the theatre etc (all game aspects)
DS loves the fact that it "looks like I'm actually in the game"

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?

DS played it for 2 hours this evening - we are planning on more time tomorrow as it's at Grandma's for him currently. We are trying to all have a go, but DS is rather reluctant to share!

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

Yes, great present for children (I'd say age 9-12, because DS, age 10 was getting a little frustrated at times with having to position the wand thingy in a particular way for the camera to recognise it) and Potter fans of all ages (my sister, age 26 for example!)

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?

We have never had experience of PS3. DS has an Xbox Kinect and I'm so far happy with the PS3. It's a great game and seems to be an easy to use console. I like the Move aspect and DS can't wait to get some more PS3 games for Christmas!

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:
a. The game was easy to pick up and play = strongly agree

b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating = strongly agree - DS has not seen HP or read the books and he could understand the game and content enough to enjoy it immensely

c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page = agree (think he was listening more)

d. My child picked up what to do very quickly = agree - we need a little more finesse

e. My child really enjoyed the experience = strongly agree - he loved it an awful lot and keeps talking about the posh hotel

f. My child was surprised by the game play experience = strongly agree. He hasn't experienced PS3 or Move before and is impressed with the quality of the graphics and the equipment

Last, but not least - THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!

TaperJeanGirl · 10/11/2012 23:17

Firstly, thanks again for picking us!

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?

Yes, we really enjoyed the event, the hotel was lovely, and the game is amazing, the people from playstation were all really nice and helpful, my girls would say the best part was getting to bring home the ps3 and game!

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

I like the fact its a non violent, innocent game, that encourages kids to read, and sit still! The kids like the fact they are "in the tv" and can tilt the book to get 3d views, dd1 also love the little moving pictures she had to film.

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?

We have played the game a fair bit this afternoon, the kids struggled a bit at first to get to grips with the move controller, not sure why as we have a wii, and they have used their uncles move on their dads ps3, but they were both really jerky and erratic and couldnt get the wand directed to the various parts of the book, they did get better as the afternoon went on though, and I think will get back into the swing of the game tomorrow, I found it a little frustrating and slow to set up, I found by the time I had got to the good bits, dd2 (5) and ds (3) had lost interest.

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

I think it would make a very good christmas present, judging by how my kids got on with it I would say its def a 7 + age range, and even 7 year old dd1 struggled to "get" certain bits of it (she struggles with reading and concentration though, and I appreciate other 7 year olds and younger may be fine with it)

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?

It has, actually, we have a wii, and they each have a ds, theres an x box knocking about somewhere, and dp has a ps3, they never ask to go on the x box or ps3 and I never encourage it as I didnt really see them as "kids consoles" and we dont have any age appropriate games, they dont often ask to go on the wii and when they do its to play just dance, so they dont actually play proper games, the book of spells has def made me more likely to look at ps3 games with a view to buying them for the dds, especially if they were interactive like the book of spells.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:

a. The game was easy to pick up and play
Disagree, for my dds at least, it took quite a while to get the hang of the controller and be accurate enough with it to really get into the game.

b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating
Strongly agree, they loved it!

c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page
Agree for dd2, she was able to read some of the words and tried with the words she didnt know, disagree for dd1, who has difficulties reading.

d. My child picked up what to do very quickly
Disagree, dds needed about 2 hours (including the hour at the hotel)fiddling with it before they were able to use the controller accurately, though dd1 does have concentration problems, and can barely sit still for more than 2 mins, so this didnt help, dd2 picked it up faster as she is able to read and has better concentration but still needed time to get to grips with it.

e. My child really enjoyed the experience
Strongly agree, dd1 is a massive Harry Potter fan and really enjoyed all the little details of the game that went over my head, she loved choosing which house to play for, and which wand, levitating the glass jar of eyeballs is her favourite spell so far.

f. My child was surprised by the game play experience
Undecided, they had the eyepet a couple of years ago so were familiar with the concept of seeing themselves on the screen, although in my opinion the book of spells has a bigger wow factor, and I think for all of us, is more impressive.

ScorpionQueen · 11/11/2012 00:04

Well, it's nearly midnight and our dinner guests have just left. This evening four adults, five children and one class bird (like a class bear but a kestrel of all things) have had a go on the game. DD2 fell asleep ages ago but DD1 and DH are still up! They are really enjoying the game. I'll post more feedback tomorrow but so far we are very, very impressed.
Thank you so much for letting us test.

gazzalw · 11/11/2012 08:02

It was a little awkward setting up the game at first, positioning the book, but fine after that. DS had no problem setting up the system at all. Both of them are downstairs now setting it up again. DH and DD figured out how the book works last night, like a collection of QR codes apparently so in theory there could be more books with more pages.

Doogle2 · 11/11/2012 08:41

Firstly thank you for a lovely day and the playstation.

Q1 - we really enjoyed the event although I found the room really warm ( thanks for the drink!). My son said the best bit was testing out the game and taking a ps3 home.

Q2 - The aspect we most like is that you are on the screen making the magic. As Potter fans this is the nearest you will get to being like Harry. As a parent I also enjoy the fact that it is an 'innocent' game with no violence.

Q3 - We didn't get home until the early evening but my husband was waiting eager to set it up. My sons stayed up a bit later than usual as they were having so much fun and it was lovely to see their faces.

Q4 - this would make a brilliant Christmas present. I think the age range would be 6-11.

Q5 - it has. I have always thought of the ps3 as an adult game system (black ops etc). I shall certainly be looking out for more family games and future wonder book games.

Q6 - a - strongly agree. When we got home the introduction takes the child through everything they need to start. My 9 year old seemed to get it straight away.

B - Strongly agree - its a magical game that is loved by my boys.

C - agree for the eldest son but I was glad the words were spoken for the benefit of my youngest.

D- strongly agree. We had to tell him to slow down so we could understand what was going on!

E - strongly agree. He loved all the small touches like having a moving photo taken and choosing which house to play for. He jumped when the pumpkin first exploded as he was so engrossed.

F- strongly agree. We have never had a game like this. He loved being 'in' the game and it was brilliant to feel part of the Harry Potter experience.

Overall I would strongly recommend this game and I am sure it will be a Christmas hit.

MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 11/11/2012 08:48

Out this morning so will play at home and leave feedback later, but just had to come on to say you can link your Pottermore account to the game?!

I may have got a tad over-excited when the boys told me this this morning...

Whatevertheweather · 11/11/2012 09:09

Ooh I'm not a product tester but will be watching this with interest as I was thinking of getting this for dd (nearly 6) for Christmas.

What do you think is more important to get the most out of the game - a massive love of Harry Potter (which she has) or the ability to use the ps3/gaming (which she hasn't)

What do you actually do in the game? How is it 3D?!

Would it be the £59.99 starter pack from Amazon I'd need with the eye camera and move controller?

Thank you for any info!

VivaLeBeaver · 11/11/2012 09:10

I'm having problems. Can't get playstation working.

It's plugged in, turned on with green lights. I've connected the red, white and yellow leads to the relevant bit at the back of tv. I've turned the tv to game input like we'd normally do for the wii which is now disconnected.

Tv says no signal.

I don't have a game disc in the ps3 yet, is this the problem? But I can't work out how to put a flipping disc in. I've pressed the button at the front middle which instructions say is the open close button but nothing happens.

VivaLeBeaver · 11/11/2012 09:13

Ah, dd has got the cover open and the disc in.

Still says no signal.

clux73 · 11/11/2012 09:25

Firstly, huge thanks to Mumsnet and Playstation for an amazing experience. We were very very lucky to get picked. Christmas has come early in our house.

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?
We loved it! Gorgeous hotel, very engaging and enthusiastic staff, and a game which really impressed us all. There is something very magical about it.

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

I love the way you can pick up the book and rotate it 360 degrees to view it from all angles. We all love the water spell where it looks like you've sprayed water down your tv screen. my daughter loves it all, the Harry Potter theme, the wand, the spells, seeing herself on screen, the little touches like brushing the dust off the book.

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?
We set it up about an hour ago and all 4 of us are sitting completely engrossed in it. Can imagine that if i let them they will still be sitting there playing it at lunchtime!

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?
its a great present. if someone bought it for my children i would be delighted. it is something which the whole family can do together and it is not your usual video game at all.

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?
yes, i think this concept is brilliant and would recommend it to others. i wouldn't tend to recommend video games usually

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:
a. The game was easy to pick up and play STRONGLY AGREE even my 4 year old can just about manage it
b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating STRONGLY AGREE
c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page AGREE
d. My child picked up what to do very quickly STRONGLY AGREE
e. My child really enjoyed the experience STRONGLY AGREE
f. My child was surprised by the game play experience
AGREE - BUT I STRONGLY AGREE THAT I WAS SURPRISED, IN A VERY GOOD WAY

clux73 · 11/11/2012 09:29

oh, and just wanted to add that when we got to the last page of the book for the first time she looked like she wanted to cry as she was so worried it was the end! had to reassure her that it wasn't over!

VivaLeBeaver · 11/11/2012 09:55

Please answer the following questions. You're welcome to add any other comments you may have too.

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?
Loved the event. The best bit was simply playing with the game. It's got such a wow factor, never seen anything like it before.

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

Dd is a big Harry potter fan so been so immersed in hogwarts, getting to practise the spells, etc was amazing. Dd was fascinated by the sort of augmented reality aspect of it. So been able to see things by her feet on the tv screen which weren't actually there if she looked down.

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?

Got the ps3 set up finally. Dd has been playing it this morning and I've been sat watching. I haven't had chance to wrestle the control off her yet but I definitely want to have a go so will do soon. But it's also the sort of game which is loads of fun to watch, not just play. I've found the camera a bit difficult to set up, I've had to use loads of bluetack to keep it in place but every now and then it falls over.

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

I think it would appeal for under 12s the most. I think children who are older maybe want something a bit more sophisticated in terms of the actual game. I can imagine that fairly soon there will be more WonderBook games which are maybe aimed more towards older children. The potential of the WonderBook is amazing and I think it will revolutionise gaming.

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?

Yes. I always thought that ps3 was for older teens and young adults all playing games such as Doom and CoD. It's made me realise that there are games suitable for younger children.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:
a. The game was easy to pick up and play. Agree. Yes after a few pointers at the event she was off.

b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating. Strongly agree. Is player friendly, easy to follow.

c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page. Strongly agree.

d. My child picked up what to do very quickly. Strongly agree. Yes, it was good to have some tips at the event but when home the game talks you through various tips on how to use your wand, etc. so anyone would soon know what to do.

e. My child really enjoyed the experience. Strongly agree. I'm going to struggle getting her to do her homework today!

f. My child was surprised by the game play experience. Strongly agree. It's so different from any other games.

VivaLeBeaver · 11/11/2012 09:57

I've sorted out all my signal problems btw.

Magna · 11/11/2012 10:26

Aaaarrrrggggghhhhhh just typed out my answers and lost them on my phone Back in a bit will fire the computer up

gazzalw · 11/11/2012 11:21

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?

Yes, it exceeded all expectations... and the venue was lovely too. Thank you so much for inviting us to participate in this - it was such a lovely bonus for a damp, wet November weekend!

The children reckoned that as soon as they entered the Book of Spells it felt as if they truly were Harry Potter characters! I really enjoyed watching the DCs playing the game and the true wonderment on their faces as they entered into the spirit of the magical world!

Q2. Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

Figuring out how it worked and the software behind it.The DCs liked the demonstration: DS liked "killing the wizards" and DD much preferred doing the spells and blowing up the pumpkins...she said she felt like Hermione Grainger.

Q3. Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?

Well the children have barely been off it during their waking hours. It is just amazing. I've had a quick go but DW was out when we set it up so has yet to play - she's a bit of a Luddite anyway and whilst she can appreciate the technological brilliance of these she doesn't really enter into the spirit of gaming in the same way that the rest of the family does!

Q4. Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

Yes it would be fabulous particularly for Harry Potter fans. We have a niece who would absolutely love this.

I would naturally say it would best suit seven to thirteen year olds. However, given that the Harry Potter books were published when the late teens/early twentysomethings were tweens, I can imagine that curiosity would mean that it would have some appeal for them too - and parents of course! In fact anyone who has any sense of wonderment about how truly magical a technological advance this is, would find it appealing.

Q5. Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?

I had no previous knowledge about PlayStation 3 so everything about this product review gives me a positive vibe about it. Being an IT nerd I can see that the software design behind the Wonderbook: Book of Spells is deceptively simple but amazing nevertheless that it truly brings technology into our dimension! I predict amazing things to come with this concept!

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:

a. The game was easy to pick up and play

Yes totally agree although DD needed a few lessons on wand waving!

b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating

DS took to it like a duck to water - he is not at all intimated by any gaming devices. He set the whole thing up as soon as we got back home! DD was slightly more reticent but I wouldn't say she was intimidated.

c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page

Yes and now that DD is a fluent reader it makes it so much easier :-)

d. My child picked up what to do very quickly

Yes, they always find these things a lot easier to pick up than we grown-ups. In fact they've been giving me lessons in how to play this morning!

e. My child really enjoyed the experience

Yes, totally agree!

f. My child was surprised by the game play experience

DD was awesomely surprised by it; DS less so, but that's because he had seen (and read) an article about it in DW's Red magazine on Friday evening and then had done some internet research of his own!

I think it is possibly the best gaming experience any of us have had thus far and would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. I personally think it would go to the top of most children's Christmas wish-lists! What child (or adult come to think of it) could fail to be amazed and delighted by doing spells even if they aren't naturally a 'techie'!

,,

NotQuintAtAllOhNo · 11/11/2012 12:07

Q1 Did you and your family enjoy the event? What was the best bit?

We did. It was truly awesome, or to use my oldest sons words ?This is sick mum?.
The best bit was to see yourself on screen in the ?game space? or surroundings, you really got a feel of virtual reality, and being part of the game.

Thank you for having us, and thanks for the console! We did not realize we would now get a dvd player and a blue ray as part of the package. This minimalist household with a tv with free view connected to the laptop for I player and LoveFilm for movies, has been catapulted into Today.

(look out for a second hand wii on ebay )

Q2 Thinking about the Wonderbook: Book of Spells game - what do you like most about it? What did your children like most about it?

The graphics were amazing, and I loved how interactive it was, and how you could do things on screen with the wand. You truly could see yourself IN the game. Magic!

Q3 Once you've had a chance to play the game as a family at home, please can you tell us how you found it - have you played together as a family much?

We have not played games together at all, aside from board games such as Monopoly, etc.

Q4 Do you think Book of Spells would make a good Christmas present for children? If so, what age group do you think it appeals to most?

I think it will make a very good Christmas Present. Suitable for 7-13 year olds?
(But I do think my 17 year old niece who loves Harry Potter would enjoy it too)

Q5 Has playing Wonderbook: Book of Spells changed your perception of PlayStation 3 at all? If so, how?

My only knowledge of PlayStation is through games such as Call of duty, which is the reason we have avoided buying the console so far. We have two boys, and the pressure to get these cool but extremely violent games have put us off. If Sony can keep this up, and release more high quality ?innocent? games suitable for a younger audience, then that?s just great.

Q6 What were your/your family's thoughts on Wonderbook: Book of Spells? Please say whether you strongly agree, agree, are undecided, disagree or strongly disagree:

a. The game was easy to pick up and play ? Strongly Agree.
b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating ? Strongly Agree.
c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page ? Strongly Agree.
d. My child picked up what to do very quickly ? Strongly Agree.
e. My child really enjoyed the experience? Strongly Agree.
f. My child was surprised by the game play experience ? Strongly Agree.

ScorpionQueen · 11/11/2012 12:19

Q1 Firstly, thank you Mumsnet and Sony for this wonderful opportunity. We really enjoyed the event. The venue was lovely (although small) and the poeple running it were really helpful and friendly. We were made to feel really welcome and at ease. The girls were a bit nervous at first but soon relaxed. The other Mumsnetters were all really nice too and I have to add that all of the children were very well mannered and nicely behaved. We were all a credit to Mumsnet. Hello to all from the 12-1 slot. :)

The best bit for the children had to be the goody bag but DH really enjoyed himself too, having a very long discussion about gaming, Sony Playstation etc. I enjoyed the looks on my children's faces as they became more confident and interacted with the game.

Q2 We just love the game. DD1 "I think it's amazing, it's just so cool." She's too busy playing for any further comment.
DD2 "It's awesome! My favourite thing is that the book and the wand are just like technology and look like a remote and a normal book but then on the screen it comes up as an old, ancient book and a magical wand. Also I like it when there are some things on the book that you have to wipe away and it looks real, like at the start it is covered in dust and you ahve to wipe it off and it gioes everywhere. It looks really real."

I love how it is so interactive- you are not controlling characters in the game, you are the characters. The technology involved is stunning- to be able to sit with a blue book and controller and see yourself with a magical book of spells and wand is just amazing. I look forward to linking up with Pottermore but we are using the PS3 as a standalone console until we change internet provider. We live in the sticks and it is beyond slow so that part will have to wait.

Q3 When we got home we had friends round for a take-away and games night. 5 children were playing the game together, ranging from age 7 to 11. They all loved it. Even the class toy had a go. :) The children took turns and also played together, helping and encouraging each other. It was a lovely evening that went on quite late as no-one wanted to leave.

The adults finally got a go and DH and his friend were very into it (although he has been muttering something about Assassin's Creed this morning so I think he is planning on buying more games).

Q4 From last night's experience, the game seems to suit a wide age range, boys and girls alike, so I would say 7-11 (the 6 year old was fine but had help). My friend went home and preordered the game on Amazon to give to her kids for a family Christmas present. They already have a PS3. She preordered it as she was worried it will fly off the shelves when it comes out. It really could be the must-have game for Christmas. In fact, DH said yesterday felt like Christmas- lots of food and drink and a new toy.

Q5 Totally. DH and I had PS1 and 2 pre-kids. We have had a Wii but it wasn't very sophisticated. We were toying with the idea of getting an X-box but are so glad we didn't (a surprise bonus to being skint). We hadn't really thought about PS3 as we have a preconception that they were a bit basic, not as good as X-box. We were happy to be proven wrong. The games we wanted for X-box are also available on PS3, it doubles up as a blue-ray player too. I would totally recommend PS3. I am really excited about some of the other projects in the pipeline- Walking with Dinosaurs will be huge!

The only downside for us was that our living room was a bit dark for the Eye-Cam so we had to remove our lampshade and move the lamps around to provide enough light. A small thing but worth considering. I have added a higher wattage bulb to the shopping list.

Q6
a. The game was easy to pick up and play STRONGLY AGREE DH was in charge of set up. He read the instructions on the train home and then set it up. It took a while to load and the girls got a little impatient.
b. The gameplay experience wasn't intimidating STRONGLY AGREE
c. My child was reading the words that lifted off the page STRONGLY AGREE
d. My child picked up what to do very quickly STRONGLY AGREE
e. My child really enjoyed the experience STRONGLY AGREE
f. My child was surprised by the game play experience STRONGLY AGREE We all were.

ScorpionQueen · 11/11/2012 13:31

I am charging my phone to finish filming and uploading our tasks. Is it obvious if it works or not?