Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review

Don't head into this one thinking you'll be in for a special treat, involving wizard duels or some kind of innovative combat. The simple truth is that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix delivers very little in the area where it's supposed to deliver the most - magic and combat. The new system of casting spells is fun and there's a decent selection before you; non-combat spells such as Accio, Depulso, Reparo, Wingardium Leviosa, Incendio or combat spells like Stupefy, Expelliarmus, Protego, etc. Non-combat spells are mostly used for manipulating objects or repairing them, whereas combat spells are more powerful and are used against other challengers and adversaries. However, even with all these spells, the game easily becomes a dull routine after a few hours of play.

With all that's on offer, it may take gamers some 15 hours to go through the entire game. Given its nature, there really isn't too much reason for you to return to it once you're done. If you're really that persistent, you might want to come back and unlock more secrets, but I doubt most of you will want to do that.

Despite its drawbacks, this is one of the better games in the Harry Potter series. Regrettably, it still lacks the kind of depth that would bring it closer to other competing games on the market. Certain flaws like the somewhat troublesome control system and camera may frustrate players.

In all honesty, Harry Potter never really crossed the threshold towards more adult-oriented gaming, which means this game can be fun for younger audiences... pretty much like the movies.