3. Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004, EA Games)
Although EAs Harry Potter video game franchise has a consistently good reputation for the most part, its hard to deny that The Prisoner of Azkaban (the third instalment in the series) is easily the best. Based on the movie by Alfonso Cuarón released the same year, and including chapters by JK Rowling (author of the Harry Potter books) that never made it to film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is one of the most enjoyable movie tie-ins that ever was blending adventure, action, humour and heart superbly in one refreshing video game. With backstories that are near non-existent in the movie that add to the fun of the game, but never feel forced, the game is more like an extension of the movie than a tired cash-in. With the chance to take classes at Hogwarts, explore the grounds, ride Buckbeak the Hippogriff and discover the schools secrets at night, there is never a dull moment to be found. The games multiplayer is even a pleasing a feature allowing players to utilize the PlayStations Eyetoy and join Hogwarts themselves, facing their opponent in various challenges including Wizard Duels and Hippogriff races. Overall, Harry Potter is a lot of fun and is a wonderful game just to look at thanks to its beautiful, although cartoony, graphics and colours. Hogwarts doors are always open, so its never too late to revisit what could be EAs most pleasing movie tie-in.