Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5075 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: Electronic Arts
• Released on: 2007-06-28
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Platform: Windows XP

Amazon.co.uk Review

‘The boy who lived’ is another movie hero whose video game adventures never seem to have matched up to the quality of his films (or books). Rather than simply repeat the predictable third person action of previous games though, this is something a bit different. It’s almost a sort of Grand Theft Auto: Hogwarts (or a variation on The Simpson’s: Hit & Run for those that are too young to know about Rockstar’s naughty blockbusters).

What this means in practical terms is that you’ve got almost the whole of Hogwarts school to explore from the off, with different missions of varying degrees of importance available from different locations. You now control only Harry, with Hermione or Ron reduced to supporting roles, although there are some short sections where you can play as Fred and George Weasley instead. The re-focus on Harry is a result of the sheer number of magical spells available to him now, from standard offensive and defensive magic to summons and levitation spells that help you uncover and unlock the hidden secret of Hogwarts.

Casting spells isn’t as simple as just pressing a button though, as you’re made to actually trace out a magical symbol using the controller (something that works particularly well on the Wii), which adds greatly to the sense of immersion. There’s also a range of similarly controlled mini-games, including wizard chess and gobstones, which you can play either in or out of the game. It’s all a vast improvement on the previous titles, with similarly superior graphics and a general air of effort not usually associated with film tie-ins.
Harrison Dent

Customer Reviews

Harry Potter 5 for the PC
Having bought and played all of the other 4 games, plus the Quidditch World Cup - which I enjoyed more than I thought I would; I loved the way it went back to being able to explore Hogwarts like the first 3 games.

I did like GoF, but found the inability to explore Hogwarts frustrating. I did play it endlessly though, so it wasn't too bad.

The only negative thing about this, is that I can only play using the keyboard and mouse, as it refuses to recognise my Microsoft joypad, which is unusual, as all the others recognise it. It means Harry is very hard to control, as to make him go in a certain direction, you have to aim the mouse to make him walk that way, which for a while, because my mouse is optical and very sensitive, it meant him walking round in circles!!!!!! I am use to it now, but would prefer the use of a joypad.

The spells are good, and I like that I can now do hexes against unsuspecting students! I managed to get detention from Snape for hexing a Slytherin!!!

The graphics are brilliant, and there is so much to find throughout the game.

I just wish my joypad worked!! Although, I must admit, it would be difficult to produce all the spells with a joypad.

Aside from the joypad issues, I have enjoyed this game so far, and can't wait to get to the Ministry bit!

A return to the better format!
After hearing numerous bad reviews leading up to the game's release, I was pretty anxious when installing it. However, I am pleased to say that EA have excelled this time by reverting back to the 'free rein in running around Hogwarts' format that were the highlights of the first 3 Harry Potter games.
Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire PC disappointed me greatly- the set levels system made the game unpersonal and going back into levels to find thing you've missed bored me to tears. This game is far better, and the graphics are incredible. The balance has to be set between speed and detail however; if the quality is set to maximum the game is very slow on my computer.
The new system of casting spells will also take some getting used to, but it's well worth my £29.99; and gives loads of hints to the plot coming up in the next film! Excuse me; I've got to go and play it...

The best game so far for older fans
Actually HP games have grown more mature in time, and are geared now for the older fans. Fantastic 3D background, a lot of puzzles to be solved, although less gameparts with emphasize on quickness (unlike the first 3 games). Maybe it will be less appreciated by younger people in search of action, but it is the best so far for those among us who prefer thinking and solving mysteries. It contains also some mini games such as chess, for this some basic knowledge of chess is needed.