Released in 2001 on the three major consoles, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (known as the Philosopher's Stone outside the United States) was the first video game adaptation of the series - based on the plot of the first novel. Sorcerer's Stone received mixed acclaim but as of May 2022, it sits at sixth in all-time selling PlayStation games. Despite the varying degrees of success critically, the game still holds a strong place in the hearts of Harry Potter fans who grew up alongside the film series, and for many, a level that could be compared to Donkey Kong is the standout memory.
The 15th level of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone game, in particular, lives long in the memory of those who experienced it in 2001. Set in the goblin bank of Gringotts, the majority of the gameplay during this mission takes place within one of the mine carts that are featured in some of the films' most memorable moments. Using the directional buttons, players must adjust the mine cart on the train tracks to collect coins and gems while avoiding obstacles, in order to reach the vaults of the bank.
The level was notoriously difficult and caused frustration, especially with the vault's unusually slippery floors, but with gameplay akin to that of a Donkey Kong game or Crash Bandicoot title. The throwback to some of these beloved series gave fans a strong dose of nostalgia that made the level that much more enjoyable. The platforming nature of the level represents a fresh breath of gameplay for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which up to that point and beyond does not have a mission that feels quite like what happens in Gringotts.
Harry Potter's Gringotts Level Is The Best Part Of The Sorcerer's Stone Game
The Gringotts level of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone still feels fast and exciting - especially for a video game released over 20 years ago. The majority of levels in the rest of the game follow a more simplistic nature, following Harry Potter in a third-person perspective, casting spells and finding collectables around Hogwarts and the grounds surrounding the school. These collectables include fan-loved items from the novels, including Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans and Famous Witch and Wizards cards.
With the excitement around Hogwarts Legacy swirling, fans of the earlier games will probably look back. The Gringotts level in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was very exciting and felt a lot like the mine cart levels in Donkey Kong. Hopefully, the next Harry Potter game can provide memories similar to those found in the deep bank of Gringotts.