Tech Savvy Mama

Parenting in the Digital Age

E3 2012: Harry Potter Themed Games for PlayStation Wonderbook and Kinect

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Last week the gaming community assembled in Los Angeles for E3, the Electronics Entertainment Expo that served as the industry’s opportunity to take a look at the much anticipated game titles and systems that will be out this fall and in the near future.  Lots of new family titles and game experiences can be expected this fall.  Here were some of my personal favorites from E3. fall and throughout the holiday season?
PlayStation Wonderbook: Book of Spells
Sony unveiled their new Wonderbook and the first title, Book of Spells.  This Playstation Move family title represents a collaboration between Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, to bring immerse young Muggles into the wizarding world in the comfort of their own homes.  Wonderbook uses augmented reality where a physical object is required for game play with the PlayStation and PlayStation Move controllers. 
PlayStation Wonderbook Book of Spells uses augmented reality
and the PlayStation Move controllers

Sitting on the floor or couch, the camera associated with the PlayStation Move recognizes the child and the book but the technology transforms the ordinary physical book into a spell book on the screen akin to what Harry, Ron, and Hermione might use in their Hogwarts classes.  Using the PlayStation Move controller, players engage in various tasks to learn proper wand usage before tackling challenges that Potter fans will recognize from the books.

Augmented reality turns the Wonderbook into the Book of Spells on the screen

At this time, game play only allows for a single person to sit with the book at a time.  While game developers say that children often collaborate around the single book and provide helpful tips and suggestions for the individual holding the Move controller, it would be helpful to have a multi-player option in future versions.  I envision a classroom setting like Snape’s potion class where kids can bring their Wonderbooks and use Move controllers to create concoctions out of a myriad of ingredients!

Practice wand work using the Move controller

Harry Potter Kinect for Xbox

Harry Potter Xbox with Kinect owners will enjoy this new Harry themed title.  With your body as the controller, Harry Potter for Kinect ($49.99 through Amazon preorder)  immerses players in challenges that require whole body movement.  Those who have always wanted to play Quidditch will love mounting a broom and flying as Harry as he takes on the Slytherins in a Quidditch match.  

Harry fans immerse themselves in Hogwarts and challenges
that are based on the J.K. Rowling books

Game play is fun and easy for the whole family as your body serves as the controller.  Lean left or right to turn and follow the golden path around the stadium, side jabs at Draco Malfoy help to throw him off your shoulder as he tries to interfere, and when you spot that Golden Snitch, simply reach out to grab it to win the match.  In other challenges, games are easily played by leaning and swiping, making it easy for even the youngest to learn the games that older brothers and sisters love.  This title will be available for purchase beginning September 1.

Other games revealed at E3 included:
  • Just Dance 4 by Ubisoft for Wii, Xbox with Kinect, and PlayStation  features the hottest new artists in a dance game that is sure to get your hearts pumping and everyone up, wanting to play too. Currently available for preorder through Amazon.  This title will be in stores on October 9, 2012.
  • Sonic the Hedgehog is being resurrected by Sega so keep an eye out for his spiky blue head!
  • Lego Batman 2 capitalizes on the ever growing popularity of superheros and will be available for play on all gaming consoles and the PC ($29.99-$49.99) beginning on June 19.
  • Nintendo WiiU with Game Pad While work can be done to make the Game Pad more portable and stylish, Game Pad provides multiple possibilities to play with grownups and adults alike.
  • Mature content games such as Hitman: Absolution (November 20), Assasin’s Creed 3 (October 30) and ZombiU had me at their trailers.  Gorgeous graphics, smooth game play, and incredible story lines make these titles a must-have for any adults who love shooting or situational games.
Ubisoft’s Just Dance 4 features all new music that fans will love

For previous my posts about E3, please visit:

As a PlayStation Family Ambassador, I received a VIP demo of the new WonderBook while attending E3 and receive products in exchange for my participation. I attended E3 as a guest of AMD through my work as an #AMDTechMom. AMD covered my travel expenses for the trip and provides me samples for testing purposes along with a stipend for participation.  However, all opinions about E3 are my own.

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Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
©2012