Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Review

By Tom Bramwell Published 28 June, 2007

Perish in flames?

Version tested: Xbox 360

As Potter fans around the world prepare for the Deathly Hallows' release next month, what better time to, er, play the game of the one before last? The point here, of course, is to keep step with the films, not the books - and so with Order of the Phoenix set to apparate down to the multiplex on 13th July, the timing is actually quite right. Can EA's latest capture the magic of the magic?

Where better to start with the answer to that question than in spellcasting itself - and the Order of the Phoenix initially seems an order of magnitude better off than before. The Wii and PS3 versions use motion-sensors, but where it's available the right-analogue-stick option is more precise, acting as a fairly natural interface between your thumb and the swirls and jabs of the on-screen cast. A simple range of motions takes care of all the important stuff: rotate left for reducto (smash things up), right for reparo (repair them); jab twice forward for depulso (push) and twice back for accio (pull). There are only a couple more to remember, but spellcasting is context-sensitive, so the scale of your options actually expands to fit duelling as well as housekeeping.

The same is also true of Hogwarts itself - quite possibly Potter 5's greatest asset. This time the entire castle's at your disposal, and EA's own brand of technical magic means you'll never encounter a load-screen as you trot past the Fat Lady and out of the Griffyndor common room, descend the stairs to the dungeons, pop down to Hagrid's cabin, head over to the boat-house and take in the gorgeous countryside, or even pop up to the owl-house for a snog with Cho. Challengeverythingo!

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Screenshot 1

Dumbledore's Army gets together quite quickly. Or would do if you didn't have to round up all 58 members by running up and down stairs all day.

Many elements of the book and film have been moulded into action-adventure mechanics. The Marauder's Map always sounded a bit like a videogame map anyway, with its ability to track the movements of your friends and foes, and so it proves here, but EA goes further by running a trail of footsteps ahead of your own so you can work out where you're going without constantly hitting the map button. It's a GTA-style plot arrow by any other description, but it slots neatly into the Potter world. Elsewhere the Invisibility Cloak enables stealth, as you, Hermione and Ron crowd under it and show up to the player as a prismic distortion; a sort of magical Vaseline smear running around the castle evading prefects and Slytherin.

The characters themselves have been brought to life through a mixture of full head-scans and extensive voice sessions. In one of the unlockable "making of" vids (guarded by Moaning Myrtle in the Room of Records, incidentally), fanciable Tonks actress Natalia Tena explains that they recorded each bit of disposable dialogue thrice to avoid repetition. Not staggering, exactly, but good enough, and while there's an initial stiffness to certain exchanges there's quite a lot to applaud too, with difficult bits like the blossoming relationship between Potter and Cho handled delicately enough by Dan Radcliffe and Katie Leung. Graphically they all give the impression of slightly crap enchanted waxworks thanks to mouths and eyes that move sunk into faces that don't, but you can look past it. And hey, some of the people you encounter are dead.

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Screenshot 2

Potter fans will adore all the incidental detail. Most of the portraits you encounter have things to say or little quests to offer.

Sadly it's harder to look past the faults in a lot of what you do around Hogwarts. Perhaps the symbiotic good versus evil riff of Potter and Voldemort has wound the sentient castle up into a fit of emulative mischief, but more likely the game's biggest fault is a necessary evil: with such a brilliantly huge and detailed castle to explore, you spend most of the game simply running between people and locations. And this is very boring. The journey, initially, seems to justify it, but by the seventh or eighth time you've climbed the moving staircases to the seventh floor you'll have spoken to most of the portraits - Hoovering up most of the best content in the process - and what charm the experience had is gone.

EA has tried to pad things out by breaking pots, dumping portraits on the floor, covering things in cobwebs and scattering leaves around, but while each represents a chance to bank a bit more experience and potentially level up, none is challenging, there are only a handful of varieties, and "cleaning" doesn't seem like the bit Rowling was trying to emphasise. There are some mini-games too, like Exploding Snap and Wizard Chess, and they relieve the tedium a bit. Not a "more points on the score" bit, but a bit.

'Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix' Screenshot 3

Why aren't there any rabbits in Harry Potter?

Nothing you do when you get to where you're going is ever that compelling either, and there's an uncomfortable cynicism about some of the task design. You enter the library and there are four bookshelves, with the book you need resting atop the one on the far left. You levitate a desk to the foot of the unit and climb onto it and the book flaps its way to the next bookshelf over. Each time you approach, it flaps to the next. The same model's used a few minutes later when you need to grab an owl, except it moves between about a dozen points. Other missions are home to daft quirks, like one about lifting boxes into two identical boats that lie side by side, which only advances when you put the boxes into the boats in a particular sequence that isn't explained.

On top of all this are the niggly faults: the Marauder footsteps sometimes put you into a spin (and who wants to spend the whole game looking at the floor anyway?); character models sometimes warp across the screen in cut-scenes, or get lodged into the scenery; and the camera's under the game's control for the most part, so there are times when positioning yourself to wave your wand is the more difficult than what you're trying to do. Given that it's a game about Dumbledore's Army, the almost complete lack of duels (and the weakness of them at that) is another Dark Mark.

Setting that stuff aside, the broader fault is simply that by the time you've spent an hour in Potter's company, you'll have sussed out the rest of the game, leaving you with even less to look forward to than usual - because of course you know what's going to happen to everyone anyway. If you don't, you're better off reading the book. Or watching the film, probably. By the time I'd reached the Room of Requirement, the most fun left to me was giggling at how Colin Creevey looks a bit like Ian Beale off Eastenders, and when that's what you've been forced to classify as fun, you know the magic is gone.

5 / 10

Read the Eurogamer.net scoring policy
Picture of Tom.

About Tom Bramwell

Tom is Operations director of Eurogamer Network and Editor-at-Large of Eurogamer.net. He joined the company in February 2000.

Read more articles from Tom by visiting the Tom Bramwell archive page.

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Comments (46) Latest comment 5 years ago

Comments threads automatically close after 30 days, but please feel free to continue chatting on the forum!

  • spidermanalf #1 5 years ago

    Wow, a Harry Potter game thats not that good!

    And to think I was going to get this after all the praise Gamer.TV gave it!

    I think this is going to be the month of crap movie tie ins.

    FF4, Harry Potter and Transformers!

    edit - first - joyous.
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/07 @ 08:28

  • Tonka #2 5 years ago

    Expecto Patronum!

  • EmiliasHorse #3 5 years ago

    Love the books, like the films not so sure about the games...

  • Wayne #4 5 years ago

    FF4 = Fantastic Four?

  • Talha #5 5 years ago

    I don;t think this game is crap. The main fault is its existence: books as a format is ill suited to game adaptation.

  • Muddtallica #6 5 years ago

    Well, aside from the dubious quality of the game, reading this review has assured me of one thing above all: that Tom Bramwell is a Potter geek through and through. Good on you, dude. :p

  • souljacker2000 #7 5 years ago

    haha FF4, must have been a later nite for Spidermanalf

  • Wash #8 5 years ago

    Annoyingly I'll be purchasing this, this weekend.

    For the girlfriend honestly...

    Then i can gently weep as Shrek The Third, Fantastic Four, Pirates Of The Carribean and Harry Potter all sit proudly in the top 10 - knowing i contributed to the downfall of quality game, and that any old movie tie-in, regardless of quality can sell.

    woe is me.

  • pinchofsalt #9 5 years ago


    When the book and the film are generic tosh then there's not much hope for the game.

  • BBIAJ #10 5 years ago

    ...so there are times when positioning yourself to wave your wand is the more difficult than what you're trying to do.

    I'm guessing that there's no need for that "the" there, right?

  • ballz #11 5 years ago

    How do the controls work on the Wii? Was really looking forward to that potential

  • Darren #12 5 years ago

    I watched the GameTrailers.com 8.0 review last night and was very tempted to pre-order this despite not being a fan of the Harry Potter books or movies. I thought the game appeared interesting in terms of setting and objectives plus it looked fantastic visually, very cinematic and all that. Kind of made me think of Canis Canem Edit (Bully) but with magic and monsters! GT reviewed the PS3 version. Now I've read this review I'm not so sure about it anymore... shame really I thought at last we're getting a decent movie licensed game... :(

  • Wendelius #13 5 years ago

    I've read more positive reviews elsewhere but generally give more weight to Eurogamer. Still won't prevent me from getting it... most likely on the Wii. Should be a fun throwaway experience and my kids will most likely enjoy it.

    "How do the controls work on the Wii? Was really looking forward to that potential"

    I'd like to know that too.

    Tom, do you have the game on other formats? Is there any chance you could add a paragraph or 2 comparing the controls, performance, ... on the different formats? The throwaway comment on it being less precise didn't quite cut it as a way to choose between versions. :)

    Wendelius

  • Talha #14 5 years ago

    @pinchofsaltL: How is a book/film about an orphan boy, fighting (or rather, running from) the darkest wizard of his time (who himself was reincarnated using Harry's blood), at the same time looking out for his friends and fellow students, coming to terms with his parents' past, spearheading a secret class when the school refuses to teach the real meat of a subject, and falling awkwardly in love with the girlfriend of someone he helped get killed, generic tosh? And if you are not amused by all this, why post comments for its shoddy game adaptation?

  • Darren #15 5 years ago

    The PS3 version looked great in the GTTV review, I didn't see any noticeable jaggies in the review or framerate woes although the reviewer mentioned that it had some of the latter. If I *do* buy this, I'm tempted to go for that version rather than the 360 one if only so I've got something new for the PS3!!! The Wii version was never a consideration due to the inferior visuals and besides I've just got Resi Evil 4 plus The Darkness on the 360 so it's only fair that the PS3 gets a game this week! LOL

  • TheSnotGoblin #16 5 years ago

    Favourable review of the Wii version over on 1up.com . Can't stand Harry Potter so won't be going near it regardless?

    Will there be a review here of the Wii version or ya'll gonna do a Spider-Man 3 on us (Which was shit but highly enjoyable at the same time)?

  • ProtoformX #17 5 years ago

    I must admit if you have to wave the Wii remote like a wand in certain gestures to cast spells I would be tempted by the Wii version. 5/10 seems to be the standard movie tie-in score right now. I eagerly await a review of Transformers: The Game. I'm gonna get it regardless because it's Transformers but I would like to know if my love of the things is truly blinding my taste in games.

  • declaration #18 5 years ago

    Wii version got a 7.8 on IGN and an 8.0 on 1up.

    Both said it's the best ever Potter game with a huge Hogwharts to explore and with excellent wand controls.

    Why you have chosen to review the inferior version of the said game is beyond me.

  • Rirekon #19 5 years ago

    A poor movie tie-in? Who'd have thought it!

  • bumgut #20 5 years ago

    I'm so gay for Harry Potter.

    That's legal, right?

  • Razz #21 5 years ago

    5/10 - so average then. Worth a go?

  • Wayne #22 5 years ago

    :wonders when Sofalover last finished a 900+ page book:

  • UncleLou #23 5 years ago

    Nothing is sadder than an adult reading Harry Potter.

    You know, I am almost 100% sure that I read more grown-up, sophisticated and intellectual books in a month than you read all year, and yet I still like reading Harry Potter, while, at a guess, your imagined moral high ground here most probably comes from a Grisham/Pratchett/generic fantasy tosh "for adults" perspective, am I right? :p

  • WJF #24 5 years ago

    Pullman's stuff was better...

    /runs
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/07 @ 11:14

  • Darren #25 5 years ago

    Oh sod it, after reading some of the more praising reviews, I've decided to order this game for the PS3 as I'm curious about it and interested to see how it plays. The video review I watched made the game look great and lots of fun to play.

  • captainrentboy #26 5 years ago

    I read the Harry Potter books, but only in private. I'm in the closet if you will.
    And rightly so too might I add, as I saw a buisnessman on the train a few weeks back reading the very first one, and it just looked mighty weird for some reason :/
    It doesn't matter how much people try to defend it, it'll always be regarded by most folk as a children's series of books.
    Annnyway, hasn't this game recieved mostly above average scores from nearly every other review source? This is the most negative one I've read yet.
    Although it did say in one of the official Playstation mags that the motion sensing was pointless, and badly applied to the sixaxis pad, so the reviewer knocked it off quick sharpish. Just a warning, incase any of you were buying it just to wave the pad around like a mad man.
    Ohhh and the Transformers game has been reviewed on a few of the American sites, and surprisingly, it's meant to be mega shit!! Can't fooking wait for the film mind.

  • Talha #27 5 years ago

    @UncleLou: FTW! I think the saddest part is how people categorize art by their perceived target audience. HP books, in my humble opinion, are as good as anything out there, 'juvenile' or 'adult'.

  • BeheretiK #28 5 years ago

    Not interested in the game but like the Dark Angel reference (assuming it was deliberate of course)...

  • Danbojones Verified Senior Staff Writer, GamesIndustry.biz #29 5 years ago

    WJF +1

  • afghan_jones #30 5 years ago

    Movie tie-ins make afghan jones a sad panda. (Because they are always shit.) Looks like this is no different.

    Was hoping Transformers would be good though as the PS2 game was pretty good.

    And yeah, Harry Potter is an admittedly above average series of childrens books but nothing more.

    (some of the books are utter crap though. The second one especially. And the 5th(?) one where he is all angsty and shouting at the beginning.)

  • Azazel #31 5 years ago

    WJF +1 again

    /stands ground

  • GrandpaUlrira #32 5 years ago

    So is this review only for the 360 game, or for the PS3 and Wii too? I was hoping the Wii game would be quite different from the other two, seeing as the control device is a wand after all.

  • Wendelius #33 5 years ago

    @GrandpaUlrira

    360 only. There is a very brief mention of the alternative control system that doesn't say anything, really. I think this is a big weakness of Eurogamer. I generally enjoy and respect their reviews.

    But they are really only good if they are reviewing the game for the format you own.

    If you own more than 1 system and are trying to find out what the differences are or which system to go for, Eurogamer is generally (there are a few exception) very poor at providing that info.

    For big multi releases like this with known differences (graphics, general performance, control system, ...) it would be nice if EG could get additional paragraphs in the review to tell us how it plays and differs on each system (or even format specific reviews) .

    Wendelius

    (edited for spelling)
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/07 @ 15:30

  • onyxbox #34 5 years ago

    So is this review only for the 360 game, or for the PS3 and Wii too? I was hoping the Wii game would be quite different from the other two

    ...they should have reviewed the wii version because I think we all kind of knew what this game would be like and the wii version is the only one that raises any quriosity.

  • Darren #35 5 years ago

    Doesn't the PS3 version offer the best of both worlds though - the motion-sensing controls of the Wii version plus the lush visuals of the 360 incarnation? That's kind of why I bought that version plus you can turn the motion-sensing controls on or off in the pause menu if they're not working properly, which is *always* a nice option. Sure the PS3 SIXAXIS controller isn't shaped like a wand but I'd still imagine it would work OK.

  • Wendelius #36 5 years ago

    "Doesn't the PS3 version offer the best of both worlds though"

    Apparently not. From the IGN review (apologies EG but since you don't provide that info). From the PS3 review:

    "Oh, have I forgotten to mention that this game features Sixaxis controls? Well, you'll forget too. Although moving the controller to wave your wand and beat up Draco Malfoy is a neat idea, the notion never matches the accuracy and natural fit of casting charms with the right joystick. When I played with motion -- a device that can be turned on or off at the options screen -- I felt like I was just waving my hands around willy-nilly and Harry Potter don't play that way."

    IGN liked the Wii controls though. From the Wii review:

    "These undertakings are especially enjoyable because of the new motion controls, which is why, for once, the Wii iteration of the game really does win out over the 360 and PS3 builds, which feature superior graphics. It is worth noting, too, that this latest Potter is one of Wii's prettiest efforts, spitting out spectacular environments complemented by extra detail, and the whole package runs in 480p and 16:9 widescreen modes."

    And from the 1up one:

    "While the Wii easily boasts the most natural interface, the others work perfectly fine. (...snip...) Even though the Wii's received all the attention for introducing motion controls, the PS3 version actually has them, too. Sixaxis controls, however, can be flipped on or off -- and you'll probably want them off. Unlike the Wii-mote, the Sixaxis doesn't feel like a wand, so gesturing forward, backward, up, down, et cetera, with both hands and shaking into a seizure when you're simply trying to cast a disarming spell on your wizarding opponent isn't so much fun as it is uncomfortably awkward. You really shouldn't be considering anything but the Wii version if one of Nintendo's sold-out machines is nearby, but lack of (quality) motion control is hardly a hindrance."

    Wendelius
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/07 @ 15:39

  • jimbob101 #37 5 years ago

    I completed the first game on the PS1, quite enjoyed it. WIll probably pick this for the Wii at some point when it's a bit cheaper.

  • Wendelius #38 5 years ago

    Personal insults are such an effective way to demonstrate one's sophistication. *shrug*

    Whether you like the books or not, it's hardly the topic of this game review thread anyway.

    Wendelius
    Edited by 1 at 28/06/07 @ 16:22

  • GrandpaUlrira #39 5 years ago

    Sigh, you can read War and Peace in Russian but still you don't know the difference between the contraction "it's" and the possessive "its".

  • Wendelius #40 5 years ago

    Erm... Sorry. *puts the moral high ground back where he found it*

  • UncleLou #41 5 years ago

    Uncle Lou, I know what you mean but that's not me.


    Well fair enough - your comment is still pretty silly though.

  • Katsumoto #42 5 years ago

    "I think the saddest part is how people categorize art by their perceived target audience. "

    Someone should tell that to the people who post on every Wii game's comment's thread!

  • Muddtallica #43 5 years ago

    Sofalover: What you say might well be true, but surely you must see you're being incredibly snobbish, judgemental and unreasonable about this? You might be Tolstoy himself for all I know, but that still doesn't entitle you to pass qualitative judgement on what people like to do for fun...given that you're in the hardly respectable position of being an adult videogame enthusaist yourself, I would have thought you'd have a bit more empathy.
    Edited by 1 at 29/06/07 @ 05:16

  • ronuds #44 5 years ago

    EA turns a good franchise into crap shocker?

  • ExplodingClown #45 5 years ago

    I only read Harry Potter slash fic. Violatio rectum!

  • thefilthandthefury #46 5 years ago

    I'm playing this and enjoying it to be honest. I've not seen any of the films bar the first one, so I was a little lost at first, but I'm having a lot of no-brained fun. Simple.