Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry's fifth go-round is tailor-made for the Wii-Mote's ability to mimic a magic wand, but despite extensive efforts to bring Hogwart's to life, boring play and uninterruptible cut-scenes cast an ominous cloud.

While the Potter faithful will likely love Order of the Phoenix nonetheless, players who don't know Reducto from Reducio may want to wait for a more-satisfying Potter game. [Aug 2007, p.89]

Unlike the control system (on Wii at least), the camera is far from responsive and ultimately becomes one of the letdowns of the game, nullifying all of the solid work EA UK has managed to do with the gesture-controlled spells.

As you may have heard, this is the best Harry Potter videogame yet. But that's like saying "Bloodrayne" is the best Uwe Boll movie yet -- it might be true, but it doesn't mean much.

When Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix comes to a close, it's really hard to hold a grudge or feel disappointment, as there is no denying the energy, dedication and money EA have put into creating the greatest Harry Potter game yet.

Overall an enjoyable title for most, and definite must-have for Potter fans. Some more casual gamers may find the game boring after only a short time.

For diehard Potter fans and those who walk away from the movie with stars in their eyes, the game will hold some value, especially in the unlockable videos and interviews with the cast and staff members of the movie and games. However, the rest of you Muggles should definitely stick to the novels and the power of your imagination to get you in a magical state of mind.

Harry Potter’s latest adventure may be light on action, but it does replicate the Hogwartian life better than any game before it. Out of all of the books, games, and movies, it allows you to get closer to the school than ever before – all at the expense of actually enjoying your stay. It’s boring and tedious, just like a real school is. However, it’s also a place where your Harry Potter knowledge can bloom.

As far as move tie-ins go it’s better than some of them without actually having much innovative about it besides the Wii controls.

Phoenix has an unfinished feel, as though the game’s designers stuck in a placeholder for game play, planning to flesh it out later, only to run out of time.

While it will easily thrill Potter fans, it also provides an above average distraction for those curious about the series, or looking for a release that integrates the Wii remote with some reasonable success.

Lots of places to go but not much to do when you get there. [Sept 2007, p.42]

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was on the right track but needed more time to be great. Only fans will find any enjoyment.

The way the Wii version handles spell casting is a bit more complicated and a bit more entertaining.

The game should be played by everyone, simply so players can take in the impressive environment and the feeling of casting spells, but the game is worth little more than a rental to all except Dumbledore's dearest devotees, whose experience may certainly be worth a collectible.

The video game version of Order of the Phoenix captures none of the magic in the Harry Potter books or films.