Not Another Potter Let Down :( (Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix (PS2))

Member Name: scotlandizdabest

Product:	Harry Potter: Order of the Phoenix (PS2)
Date:	07/02/09 (314 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Slightly better than the DS version, Great Hogwarts

Disadvantages: BORING! BORING! BORING! BORING!

I love Harry Potter, so it seemed right to buy the game to my favourite film. I already had the DS version of this which was a massive let down but however found in the HMV sale, the PS2 version. I've never actually played a 'bad' PS2 game so thought it would be interesting to see if this version would be any better than the terrible Nintendo DS version.

A Bit About Harry Potter
Harry Potter is the exceptionally famous boy wizard who is in his 5th year at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. His parents were killed by the evil Lord Voldemort, in which he tried to kill Harry as well but failed. So it is Harry's life goal to kill Voldemort at all costs, in this book (story) you see yourself setting up a rebel group against the new horrible Defence Against The Dark Arts teacher, Professor Umbridge. You have to learn more advanced spells, play quiddich and of course, save the wizarding world from doom... All in a days work for Harry though!

Where To Find It?
I found mine at the HMV sale in January (09) in which I was able to get it half price, at £14.99. I've paid up to £30 for one game, so felt £15 was a good price to pay, and it appealed more as it was Harry Potter related. Now having a wee search around, you can get it from many stores such as Play.com, Zavvi (if it is still around?) Amazon (the best one) and of course HMV. There are other stores that sell it full price such as Argos but if you can get it cheaper somewhere else, then you are better doing that. It is a fairly common game which won't be that hard to find, if you ever wanted to buy it.

Start-Up
The game is made by EA, so as many of the regular players know the long set up of the game, as it loads up. You then get a trailer, but this only happens when you first play the game. Setting up a new 'file' is easy enough and you are able to get onto your first game. You can start the main adventure, or go onto the mini-games. However you will not be able to play them yet as you do need to unlock them while playing the game.
When starting the game, you are given the most boring tasks by having to pack Harry's stuff and find Ron's lost prefect badge... Hmmm is this really a game or getting someone to do the housework? It does help you however practise basic spells, which is slightly different controls compared to other Harry Potter PS2 games. You then have to practise 'Reparo' which is repairing large items. It is done quickly but the game doesn't quite have the fun level.

Progressing Through The Game
After packing and doing silly little practise spells you finally get to Hogwarts. I absolutely loved exploring the huge castle as it is just like in the films, you can actually recognise certain areas. For people who haven't played Harry Potter, it will be exceptionally likely of you getting lost and bored after this. Hermione and Ron are constantly following you, giving you hints and tips on what to do next and of course being moral support. However you cannot play any other character so are kind of stuck as being Harry, which is ok for fans. You have to do tasks for the teachers, and help other characters such as Neville and Luna. One of my favourite missions was to find the "Room Of Requirement" in which you must follow Neville and do a mini-game to get in. Game play becomes exceptionally slow after this and you just give up eventually.

Graphics
The PS2 graphics weren't bad but if compared to the graphics of such games as "GTA" and "Colin McRae Rally" then this has bad graphics. Hogwarts looks fantastic as you get to roam around it. You get to visit such areas as Moaning Myrtles Bathroom and the Gryfindor Common room, which are really good and detailed. The characters faces look just like actors/actresses who play them and when running, it does look like they are actually running (there are games where characters just seem to glide?) The graphics are good and are getting much better.

The Highs
The only real highs of the game is that fact that you get explore Hogwarts to your hearts desire. I have to say this is really good fun to have a look around and see your favourite areas. The music and graphics is really good, with the familar Potter theme tune in the background whilst you play. Also the fact it is Harry Potter, which means fans will go out and buy this just for this fact.

The Flaws
he game has a big flaw, repetative and boring game play. One of the key things to do is to clean up potions and spells... Why would anyone want to do that? This is for ages 4+ and they would find it boring. The challenges are pretty awful and boring for example fixing a bench? I want to use exciting spells to duel and defeat Voldemort, or re-enact my favourite scenes? I actually was so disappointed with this game I haven't looked at it since, and I will think twice before buying "The Half Blood Prince" (The next film/book) which will hopefully be better. One word for this game BORING!

Conclusion.
This game really lacks the magic which the books and films fondly had. The game is only marginally better than the DS version which was awful and now this is another let down. I really didn't enjoy pressing 'X' to summon and object to me, or use 'O' to repair an object. Come on EA, your just taking the mick now, I'm just hoping they learn the mistakes in time for the next film...

Copyright of Scotlandizdabest, Dooyoo.co.uk 2009

Summary: Who wants a game where you have to clean up/pack clothes/fix benches?