Prepare to mount your broomstick! (Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (PS2))

Member Name: jack_sparrow

Product:	Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (PS2)
Date:	21/05/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent gameplay and controls, wonderfully designed environments

Disadvantages: Doesn't take long to complete

Developed by Electronic Arts, Harry Potter Quidditch World Cup (PS2) is the ultimate video game on the fictional wizarding sports, Quidditch. Now, it is the non-wizarding world's chance to have a try at learning and playing Quidditch - for all those who aren't sure that they're capable of playing, don't worry, there are lessons you take to show you how to play and there is also the manual with detailed controls and help.

You first start by learning the basics of Quidditch at Hogwarts after choosing your favourite house, after which you can participate in the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup. Unlike the Quidditch matches in the other related Harry Potter videogames, you now have a shot at playing in every position; chaser, keeper, beater and seeker, thus putting you more in control of the final outcome of the match. You'll also learn and be able to perform selected moves; you'll unlock more as you'll progress throughout the game. Another key feature is that you'll collect Quidditch Cards which then help you unlock special moves and extra features - you will win these cards at several points during the game, such as completing a Challenge. The game doesn't stop at the end of the Hogwarts Quidditch Cup; if you manage to win it you will automatically unlock the Quidditch World Cup. You can choose from nine national teams and you will be responsible for one of them during the tournament. Here, you will also be able to play in different stadiums, which have been wonderfully designed. Another feature that will be unlocked here is that of broomstick selection, however, the range of choice depends on your level of skill - you will be able to choose amongst others the Firebolt and the Comet 260, all having different attributes.

The game has a wonderful case, with Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter competing to catch the Snitch (with Harry having the advantage), and I totally congratulate Electronic Arts for its graphical design. The game's main features are also on the back together with gameplay images. One must also mention the quality of the game's soundtracks (composed by Jeremy Soule, performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra) and the manual, which is very helpful for new players and contains a lot of information.

The game however, unfortunately, has its downfalls as well. For experienced PlayStation2 players (and I guess players on other platforms too) the game is relatively short to complete, even though some Quidditch matches may be more noticeably difficult than others. Another thing that attracted criticism was the limited choice of the national teams one can choose in the game (United States, England, France, Germany, Norway, Japan, Spain, Australia and Bulgaria), particularly the exclusion of the Irish team, which was featured prominently in the beginning of the fourth novel in the Harry Potter series. I also didn't like the menu interface - I thought it was too much simple and bland, as if it was done in a hurry.

To conclude, I give this game a star rating of 4 out of 5 - the gameplay is exciting and very entertaining, even in the view of the game's downfalls (hence the reduced star). I particularly recommend it to all younger Harry Potter games and to people who wish to play something related to Harry Potter.

Summary: Recommended.