Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (video game)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a video game developed byElectronic Arts and published by Electronic Arts. The game coincides with the theatrical release ofHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The game was released on30 June,2009, on the Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, and Xbox 360 platforms.

Plot[]

In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore prepares Harry for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching as Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defences and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, the well-connected and unsuspecting bon vivant Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information about Voldemort's power.

Content[]

• Quidditch
• Wizard duels and multiplayer duelling mode
• Potion-making
• Hogwarts free-roaming (similar to the previousHarry Potter game,Order of the Phoenix)
• Missions at night
• Ron's love-life
• Inferi battle

Locations[]

Note:- Locations initalicsare optional areas that are not necessary to visit to complete the game.

Hogwarts[]

• Initial location
  • Front Gates
  • Hagrid's Hut
• 1st location area unlocked (Main Entrance Area and Grand Staircase Tower)
  • Gryffindor Tower
  • Grand Staircase
  • Entrance Hall
  • Entrance Courtyard
  • Viaduct
  • Viaduct Entrance
  • Entrance Dungeon
  • Dungeons
  • Potions Classroom
  • Great Hall (GryffindorDuelling Club Location)
  • Dumbledore's office
  • Paved Courtyard
• 2nd location area unlocked (Clock Tower Area - 5th Floor)
  • Hospital Wing
  • Clock Tower
  • Clock Tower Courtyard
  • Covered Bridge
  • Stone Circle
  • Quidditch Gate (Flying Club Location)
  • Training Grounds (Hufflepuff Duelling Club Location)
  • Hogwarts Greenhouses (Potions Club Location)
  • Boathouse
• 3rd Location area unlocked (7th Floor)
  • Sixth Floor
  • Seventh Floor
  • Slughorn's Office
  • Paved Courtyard (Slytherin Duelling Club Location)
• 4th Location area unlocked (Transfiguration Area)
  • Stone Bridge
  • Transfiguration Courtyard (Ravenclaw Duelling Club Location)
  • Library
  • Charms Classroom
  • Transfiguration Classroom
• 5th Location area unlocked (Astronomy Tower Area)
  • Suspension Bridge
  • Astronomy Tower
  • Moaning Myrtle's Bathroom(similar tosixth-floor boys' bathroom)
  • Owlery

Other locations[]

• Horcrux Cave
• The Burrow
• Spinner's End(in cutscenes)
• Diagon Alley(in cutscenes)

Gameplay[]

Wii[]

The game utilises the Wii Remote features as it did in theHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game.^[1] But unlike the previous game, players can now also use the motion sensing and vibration features to brewpotions.Potion brewing involves following a complex recipe one step at a time. The steps include picking up vials of liquid, shaking them (by shaking the Wii Remote) until they froth, and tipping the Wii Remote to pour it into the mixture, being very careful not to pour in too much. Another possible step is stirring the mixture with the Wii Remote until it changes colour. If it starts vibrating, that is the sign to move away before it blows up.^[2]

Harry Potter can duel againstDraco Malfoy in a Duelling Room with a long platform, similar to the one seen in thesecond film, but wider to allow dodging of spells. Moving in order to dodge is done with the Nunchuk Control Stick, while casting spells is done with Wii Remote and Nunchuk gestures. Combat spells currently implemented include a shield spell ("Protego") cast by crossing the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, a standard attack spell by striking downwards with the Wii Remote ("Stupefy"), a charged version by holding the Wii Remote up for longer first, and a more powerful attack spell by swinging the Wii Remote and Nunchuck to the left.^[2] There is also Quidditch & 2-player Duelling.

The game follows the film nearly word for word but misses out on some points from the book, just like the film did. First the player follows a story mode type of play and completes missions, but after Dumbledore's death, there is free time to finish potions, complete Quidditch trials and practise duelling with the Gryffindor's, Hufflepuff's, Ravenclaw's and Slytherins.

Nintendo DS[]

Main article:Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Nintendo DS)

In the Nintendo DS version of the game, the Stylus is used, once again, forspells as well as mini-games such asGobstones, collecting ingredients for potions,Quidditch games, andExploding Snap. It also has have six "environmental" spells includingAccio andIncendio, and twelve combat spells. The game is free roaming with mini quests as well as closely following the story line.^[3]

PSP[]

The Game-Mechanics are different in the PSP version, because of the lack of the right analogue stick. Detailed information about the mechanics is missing.

PlayStation 3[]

The game uses SIXAXIS controls or the right analogue stick just like the previous game, but this time it includes DUALSHOCK 3 vibration capability. Also, it includes use of the PS3's trophy system.

PC[]

A keyboard and mouse is used, just like the previous game and the controls are reportedly easier to use. However, the game can also be controlled with an analogue joypad. Support for the Xbox 360 controller is built in (and graphics of controls use this controller), but other generic controllers work perfectly as well. There is no multiplayer wizard duelling for the PC platform, as the PC is purely single player.

Xbox 360[]

Spells are cast with the control stick just like the previous game.

PlayStation 2[]

Spells are cast with the control stick just like the previous game.

Characters[]

• Daniel Radcliffe asHarry Potter (appearance), voiced byAdam Sopp
• Rupert Grint asRon Weasley
• Emma Watson asHermione Granger (appearance), voiced byRachel Sternberg
• Bonnie Wright asGinny Weasley
• Tom Felton asDraco Malfoy
• Evanna Lynch asLuna Lovegood
• Katie Leung asCho Chang
• Georgina Leonidas asKatie Bell
• Jessie Cave asLavender Brown
• Josh Herdman asGregory Goyle
• Jamie Waylett asVincent Crabbe
• Alfie Enoch asDean Thomas
• Jim Broadbent asHorace Slughorn (appearance), voiced byMichael Percival
• Alan Rickman asSeverus Snape (appearance), voiced byJames Faulkner
• Helena Bonham Carter asBellatrix Lestrange (appearance), voiced byBeth Chalmers
• Violet Columbus asShepherdess (appearance), voiced byEleanor Hans
• Michael Gambon asAlbus Dumbledore (appearance), voiced byChristopher Birch
• Helen McCrory asNarcissa Malfoy (appearance)
• Dave Legeno asFenrir Greyback
• David Bradley asArgus Filch (appearance), voiced byAllan Corduner^[4]
• Romilda Vane(Mentioned only)
• Hannah Abbott(Mentioned only)
• Susan Bones(Mentioned only)
• Amelia Bones(Mentioned only)
• The Bloody Baron(Mentioned only)
• Tony Dudson asGiffard Abbott
• Jonathan Kydd asBasil Fronsac /Temeritus Shanks
• Beth Chalmers asDamara Dodderidge /Gargoyle
• Michael Percival asTimothy the Timid /Gargoyle
• Isobel Middleton asFat Lady
• Fred andGeorge Weasley(Mentioned only)
• Sybill Trelawney(Mentioned only)
• Fang(Heard only)
• Leanne
• Tom Riddle
• Lestrange
• Avery
• Pansy Parkinson
• Sirius Black(Mentioned only)
• Freddie Stroma asCormac McLaggen
• John Cleese asNearly Headless Nick (appearance), voiced byDavid Coker

Gryffindor students[]

• Katherine Armitage
• Bradley Cook
• Jess Hill
• Rosalind Knox
• Matthew Sharman-Hayles
• Elliot Smith

Hufflepuff students[]

• Michael Hindmarsh
• Matthew Hodge
• Alex Howes
• Jack Saunders
• Chelsey Seymour
• Joanna Shah

Playable characters[]

• Harry Potter - Set as the main character, Harry can travel around the castle, on the grounds, at the Quidditch Pitch, duel, and mix potions.
• Ron Weasley - when he is under the love potion sent byRomilda Vane. Hearts burst out of Ron's head as he walks and he is very slow. His only mission is to follow Harry to Slughorn's office.
• Ginny Weasley - when Harry is in detention and can not make a Quidditch game. Ginny becomesSeeker and plays againstCho Chang in the Gryffindor-Ravenclaw Match.

Spells[]

Duelling spells[]

• Stupefy
• Protego
• Expelliarmus
• Petrificus Totalus
• Levicorpus (if used on aDeath Eater they will float upright instead of hang upside down)
• Flipendo (Mobile version only)

Environmental spells[]

• Wingardium Leviosa
• Lumos (automatically cast when entering dark areas such as caves or at nightfall)
• Incendio
• Reparo
• Accio (used to summon mini crests)
• Depulso (used to push objects so they release mini crests, untargeted)

Other[]

• Sectumsempra,Avada Kedavra andVulnera Sanentur also appear in cut scenes.
  • 3 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 1: Draco & Luna
  • 8 Crests - More health in duels
  • 14 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 2: Training Ground Duelling Arena
  • 21 Crests - Dungbombs in prank boxes around Hogwarts
  • 29 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 2: Crabbe & Goyle
  • 38 Crests - Score boost in flying events
  • 48 Crests - Exploding Cauldrons in prank boxes around Hogwarts
  • 59 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 4: The Transfiguration Duelling Arena
  • 71 Crests - Max health in duels
  • 84 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 5: Ginny & Hermione
  • 98 Crests - Love Potion in Potions Club
  • 113 Crests - Two Player Duelling Pack 4: Paved Courtyard Duelling Arena
  • 129 Crests - More mini-crests with each cast
  • 150 Crests - Multiplayer Duelling Pack 7: Severus Snape

Achievements[]

Achievements

Image	Name	Description
	Grime Buster	Clean up after Fred and George at The Burrow
	Used the Pensieve	View Dumbledore's first memory of Tom Riddle in the Pensieve
	Quidditch Captain	Assemble the Gryffindor Quidditch Team
	Great Party	Create a great Christmas party for Slughorn
	The Burrow Defender	Protect The Burrow
	Good Deed	Helped the Student retrieve her stolen Gobstone
	Great Mate	Helped Ron avoid Lavender
	Hidden the Book	Hid the Half-Blood Prince's Potions Book
	Mystery Solved	Retrieved Slughorn's missing memory
	Quidditch Champion	Won the Quidditch Cup
	Escaped the Cave	Escaped the Cave
	Portrait Novice	Used your first portrait shortcut
	Portrait Pro	Used all of the portrait shortcuts
	Portrait completed	Completed the adventure
	Crest Collector 1	Complete Crest Collector Level 1
	Crest Collector 2	Complete Crest Collector Level 2
	Crest Collector 3	Complete Crest Collector Level 3
	Crest Collector 4	Complete Crest Collector Level 4
	Crest Collector 5	Complete Crest Collector Level 5
	Crest Collector 6	Complete Crest Collector Level 6
	Crest Collector 7	Complete Crest Collector Level7
	Crest Collector 8	Complete Crest Collector Level 8
	Crest Collector 9	Complete Crest Collector Level 9
	Crest Collector 10	Complete Crest Collector Level 10
	Crest Collector 11	Complete Crest Collector Level 11
	Crest Collector 12	Complete Crest Collector Level 12
	Crest Collector 13	Complete Crest Collector Level 13
	Crest Collector 14	Complete Crest Collector Level 14
	Potions Beginner	Earned the Potions Beginner's Luck Badge
	Potions Club Star	Earned the Potions Club Star Badge
	Potions Club Veteran	Earned the Potions Club Veteran Badge
	Master Potioneer	Earned the Master Potioneer Badge
	Duelling Beginnerg	Earned the Duelling Club Champion Badge
	Duelling Veteran	Earned the Duelling Veteran Badge
	Master Duellist Badge	Earned the Master Duellist Badge
	Quidditch Beginner	Earned the Quidditch Beginner's Luck Badge
	Precision Flyer Badge	Earned the Precision Flyer Badge
	Earned the Combo Flyer Badge	Earned the Combo Flyer Badge
	Earned the Keen Flyer Badge	Earned the Keen Flyer Badge
	Master of Flying	Master of Flying Badge

Behind the scenes[]

• In the game, during the Death Eater attack on The Burrow, Harry duelsBellatrix Lestrange twice andFenrir Greyback once. In the film, Harry only deflects a few of their spells, and sends a couple of spells back at them, with the aid of Ginny and later with the aid ofRemus Lupin,Nymphadora Tonks, andArthur Weasley. In the book, the attack on the burrow scene doesn't take place.
• In the game, Harry duels two normal Death Eaters in the castle,Fenrir Greyback in theClock Tower Courtyard, andBellatrix Lestrange byRubeus Hagrid's cabin, which is on fire. In the film, Harry doesn't duel with any of the Death Eaters. He casts two spells at Snape, both of which get deflected, and Bellatrix hits him with a spell. In the book, Harry sends several curses at Snape, all of which get deflected. Snape retaliates with some spells of his own, then he leaves. Some other Death Eaters also attack Harry.
• In the game, the stalls in the bathroom that Harry and Draco duel in have disappeared, leaving a wide open space with urinals on two walls. There is no cover whatsoever, unlike in the film.
• After Harry takesFelix Felicis, he duels Crabbe and Goyle. During this duel, Crabbe and Goyle cannot hit Harry even when aiming directly at him. He then meets Slughorn in the Herbology greenhouses and brews aDragon Dung Fertiliser. While brewing this potion, Harry can add as much of each correct ingredient, and boil or stir the potion as much as he likes without causing it to smoke.
• Several areas were added to thecastle, and some were taken away. Areas that were added are theEntrance Gates, theQuidditch Gate, theQuidditch Pitch, theAstronomy Tower, theTraining Grounds,Slughorn's office, and a passage in the dungeons that leads to a spiral staircase that goes up to the sixth and seventh floors. Areas that were taken away include the entireFourth Floor (except theHospital Wing and the corridor outside of it that leads to theClock Tower),the Prefect's Bathroom (you can see the door, but you can't go inside), Myrtle Warren's bathroom (replaced with the boys bathroom),the Trophy Room (you can see the door, but can't go in),the North Tower,the DADA Classroom (which is inaccessible) andthe Room of Requirement, which is also not accessible.
• As described in the book, whenever Harry goes near the Room of Requirement, a girl drops a scale. In the game, when you do the mission to find Draco on the seventh floor (where you find the Polyjuice Potion recipe), a girl drops scales which can be repaired, broken, levitated, and repulsed.
• All the wands in the game are exact replicas of Harry Potter's wand and all brooms resemble Harry Potter's Firebolt.
• In the game, only a fully charged Protego sends Expelliarmus, Levicorpus, and Petrificus Totalus back, but if it's a non charged Protego the spell is not deflected, and the spell still hits you.
• In the game, if you beat all of the Duelling Clubs, you can fire two Stupefys in one shot, making it easier to stun someone.
• In the game, during Gryffindor's second Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, Harry catches the snitch and Gryffindor wins the match. In the book, Harry is hit in the head with a bludger by McLaggen, causing him to fall from his broom, and for Hufflepuff to win the match.
• If Harry use Levicorpus on Bellatrix or Fenrir Greyback, the effect is not like when Harry casts it on students. Bellatrix and Greyback just fly up, they are not hoisted into the air and dangle upside-down.
• This was the lastHarry Potter game released for the PlayStation 2 and the PlayStation Portable.
• There was a small cutscene where Harry finished making a Shrinking Solution and asked Ginny to go to Hogsmeade which she denied it. During this, you can hear a record screeching sound effect and becomes one of the hilarious transitions in an HP game.

Notes and references[]

See also[]

• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (soundtrack)

External links[]

• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at theInternet Movie Database