Summary
- Release Year: 2007
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii, Xbox 360
- Developers: Electronic Arts, Rebellion Developments
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: A Magical Adventure
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is the fifth installment in the popular Harry Potter video game series. Released in 2007, the game follows the events of the fifth book in the series, as Harry and his friends face new challenges and dangers in their fifth year at Hogwarts.
Players take control of Harry Potter and navigate through the castle of Hogwarts and beyond, learning fifth year spells, solving multiple puzzles, avoiding traps, and even getting a chance to play as the Weasley brothers, Sirius Black and Dumbledore himself. All versions of the game are the same with the exception of the Wii, which allows players to use the Wiimote as Harry’s wand to cast spells, providing a new level of control never before possible in a Harry Potter game.
The game begins with Harry and his friends returning to Hogwarts for their fifth year. However, they quickly discover that the Ministry of Magic has appointed Dolores Umbridge as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Umbridge is a cruel and oppressive figure who refuses to teach her students any practical defense spells. In response, Harry and his friends form Dumbledore’s Army, a secret group where they can learn how to defend themselves against the dark arts.
As the year progresses, Harry and his friends face a number of challenges. They must deal with Umbridge’s oppressive regime, investigate a series of mysterious attacks on Hogwarts students, and prepare for the eventual confrontation with Lord Voldemort.
The game features a number of new gameplay elements, including the ability to play as different characters, a new spell-casting system, and a variety of new puzzles and challenges. The game also features a number of memorable set pieces, such as the battle in the Department of Mysteries and the final confrontation with Voldemort.
Gameplay
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a third-person action-adventure game. Players control Harry Potter as he explores Hogwarts and its surrounding areas. The game features a variety of gameplay elements, including combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
Combat
Combat in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is based on a spell-casting system. Players can use a variety of spells to attack enemies, including Expelliarmus, Stupefy, and Avada Kedavra. Players can also use spells to defend themselves, such as Protego and Repello Muggletum.
Puzzle-Solving
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix features a variety of puzzles that players must solve in order to progress. These puzzles range from simple environmental puzzles to more complex logic puzzles.
Exploration
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix features a large and detailed world that players can explore. Players can explore Hogwarts castle, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade village. Players can also find a variety of hidden secrets and collectibles throughout the game world.
Characters
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix features a large cast of characters from the Harry Potter series. Players can interact with these characters to learn more about the story and to receive quests.
Reception
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix received generally positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its faithful adaptation of the book, its engaging gameplay, and its impressive graphics. However, the game was also criticized for its repetitive missions and its lack of innovation.
Overall
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is a solid action-adventure game that is sure to please fans of the Harry Potter series. The game features a variety of engaging gameplay elements, a large and detailed world to explore, and a large cast of characters to interact with. While the game does have some minor flaws, it is still a worthwhile experience for fans of the series.
Score: 8.5/10
Review Score
8.5/10