Screenshot from Lego Harry Potter, Years 1 to 4. (Image courtesy Warner Bros.)

New Lego Harry Potter Game

Years 1 to 4 is pure magic

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Kid Reporter Joseph O'Connor with lead designer Arthur Parsons at a game launch in New York City. (Photo courtesy Joe O'Connor)

The first four books of the Harry Potter series have become a video game. Set to be released on June 29, Lego Harry Potter, Years 1 to 4 uses scenes, characters and storylines from the first four books and movies.

Lead designer Arthur Parsons demonstrated the game for the Scholastic Kids Press Corps at a recent press event in New York City. According to Parsons, a team of 70 people worked 18 months to make the Lego Harry Potter video game. People involved included animators, designers, artists, and programmers. The hard work shows.

The really cool thing about the game is that it involves the whole Harry Potter universe. According to Parsons, previous Harry Potter games have been limited to the storyline and scenes from one particular film. Here, gamers can explore absolutely any room in Hogwarts, and they can play as a wide variety of different characters.

"You can have a snowball fight with Malfoy or grapple with the Aragon spider," Parson said. "We really want people to laugh, to have fun."

The video game is rated E for everyone, but is especially designed with players ages 10 and above in mind. However, I couldn't tear my 6-year-old brother away! He, too, is a big Harry Potter fan and he loved it.

Parsons said the best part about designing a video game is watching kids like me and my brother play.

"When it's released and you see kids get really excited about the game, you realize all the effort is appreciated," he said.

I have a feeling he's going to feel very appreciated when Lego Harry Potter, Years 1 to 4 is released. If you are a Harry Potter fan like me, you will love this game.

Get more inside information about Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 from Kid Reporter Joe O'Connor on the Scholastic Kids Press Corps Blog!

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