LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7

Well dressed charm with the Lego brand.

Bright and enjoyable Lego fun with another franchise instalment. Years 1-4 was a refreshing blast of Lego amusement, especially since most players were expecting to be sick of it by now. Thankfully, Lego bounced back with a well crafted and story driven game, but is years 5 to 7 just as good (or better)?

Well Directed And The Effects Are Good

The graphics are typically good computer-generated Lego style, with the graphics becoming more polished as time goes on. Of the noticeably good things are the directing and visual effects, both of which are very good and very clever. Look on YouTube for the scene where Voldemort (the bad guy) dies to see how well the visual effects are directed.

Dueling With Your Wand

The simplification of the use of the wand has made the gameplay experience more fun and somehow more immersive. Hogwarts is more like a puzzle box that you can explore, which means it is far removed from the level system that existed in the Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean games. Yes, there are points and areas that move the story along, but they feel natural and organic to the point where you can forgive them when you are railroaded.

The Typical Lego Fun Dynamic

There are plenty of things to collect and lots to smash up, but the game falls down a little when you realize just how similar it is to the first version. There are many areas that have only changed a little. The biggest difference is that you are moving a different story along, but like in the movies, you are doing it in very similar settings.

The Things You Are Bound To Notice

There are plenty of magic movie moments that have been expertly rendered, which does make this a game ideal for fans. There is also a section where you get to fly over London landmarks on a broom.

There is a new duelling system that is far more simplified, which is probably a bad thing, but it helps to suitably recreate the action and magic of the duels from the movies.

The entire game is very well paced, there is plenty to do, and you can complete the game’s 24 levels if you are tired of exploring. There is lots of variety and on the whole, it is a good and well-packaged game.

Pros

• Great for Harry Potter fans
• The new duelling system makes the fight scenes better
• Well rendered movie moments
• Smash and collect fun

Cons

• Similar locations may get repetitive for previous version players
• New duelling system may lack the complexity that older people want