Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Play through the game based on the popular book series by JK Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a movie tie in game that has one big advantage to other tie ins: it actually contains an enjoyable experience and some thoughtful construction. Unlike many of the other games in the Harry Potter series, Order of the Phoenix is a sandbox game which means that the player is largely able to do what they want. There are main missions, but the player has freedom to roam about largely as they wish and complete mini-games, side missions and main missions at their leisure. Completing main missions will advance the story which follows closely to that of the book as opposed to the movie.

Game Play

Like all Harry Potter games, Order of the Phoenix is an adventure style game, where puzzles are presented to overcome, mini-games offer some rewards and there are secrets and wonder to discover that befit the world. Combat exists in the form of dueling, but you won't find much excitement with it. Learning and leveling up spells is a big part of the game, the attack and protection spells are used during dueling but there isn't much skill in it. Limited movement to dodge and then keeping the offense up along with some defense will win the day every time. The largeness of the maps is a high point, Hogwarts was recreated in the game by using the blueprints the movie sets were built by so they're incredibly accurate and large. Along with including all the critical locations from all previous movies, the game adds new room sand corridors to explore and discover as well.

Presentation

The game is par for course for looks and the story is well told. Cut scenes are snippets from the movies mingled with in game sequences. These are largely told as the player access the main missions in the game. Sound is fine and the voice acting is above average, each of the characters is voiced which is a nice touch. Spell effects won't be winning any awards but they're suitable to the content and do their job well enough.

Pros

• Huge maps to explore in an open world format
• Loads of secrets, rewards and trophies to earn expands the play time considerably

Cons

• Flat and unimaginative combat won't have you looking for fights