Potter-mania weaves its spell

MCT

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has cast a spell over the console, lending a helping hand to a new project that brings interactive storybooks to life.

Harry Potter author JK Rowling has cast a spell over the console, lending a helping hand to a new project that brings interactive storybooks to life.

Wonderbook uses Sony's PlayStation Eye and Move motion controller to create a sumptuous virtual reality experience.

In Book of Spells, players hold a book open in front of the PS3's camera, reading through wizard training at Hogwarts. As you learn magic spells, and use the Move controller as a wand, amazing special effects emerge from your hands and the book's pages. “This is the closest a Muggle can come to a real spellbook,” Rowling said.

Lots of other interactive stories are also in the works for Wonderbook.

Ebenezer Scrooge could organise better collections than the one on show here.

Stealth fans will question the absence of the first groundbreaking game in the Metal Gear series and the more recent MGS: Peace Walker.

Anyone yet to tinker with stealthy ninja Solid Snake will be in for a treat, though. Konami's collection features two titles. MGS 2: Sons of Liberty opens on board a tanker, where you chuck terrorists overboard and hide in cupboards. In MGS 3: Snake Eater, skulk around a jungle, fighting crocodiles, snakes and bad guys.

MGS is a cinematic, action-packed, handheld experience. You can even get touch-feely with Mr Snake, using the touchpad to shimmy along walls and peep around corners.

8/10

Sonic the Hedgehog is a nippy little critter, but age has withered his blue bones.

The first episode in this downloadable series returned gaming's speed freak to his 2D roots. Despite the old-school presentation, the game was too short and sweet.

Episode II - which tips the hat to the 1990s - also loses momentum.

Dr Eggman, Sonic's dastardly nemesis, hasn't stopped our hero. Just poor game design.

In this adventure, Sonic is joined by his long-term pal Tails. While the computer controls this fox in single player mode, you can get a friend to steer him in co-op.

While some of the levels look great, the relentless soundtrack would drive a monk to madness.

5/10 - The Independent

Hungry for more scitech news? Sign up for our daily newsletter