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Review of Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on Nintendo DS

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Nov 2011
Cover image of Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 on DS
Gamefings Score: 6.9
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 11 Nov 2011
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Traveller's Tales
Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Introduction

Ah, the magical world of Harry Potter meets the colorful blocks of Lego. What could possibly go wrong? In 'Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7', you'll experience the latter stages of everyone's favorite wizard's life, albeit through the lens of his cute plastic counterparts. If you ever fancied displaying your mastery of the spell 'Wingardium Leviosa' while simultaneously building a castle made of bricks, this is the game for you. It's like Hogwarts meets kindergarten, but in a creepy old castle that schools wizards. Buckle up, folks. It's time to dive deep into the blocky wizarding world!

Gameplay

The gameplay closely mirrors its predecessor, 'Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4', which means that if you enjoyed the previous game, prepare to be swept away again. We're talking spells, puzzles, and a whole array of characters that include everyone from wizards to slightly terrifying house elves (seriously, how can something so cute be so... unsettling?). You'll work your way through the final stories of The Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, and Deathly Hallows - Part 2, all while collecting those sweet Lego studs. And let's not forget the hilarious cutscenes-if you thought the cinema versions were entertaining, just wait until you see them in brick form! More humor and slightly fewer moral dilemmas make this an enjoyable ride. If only it was as smooth as lifting a wand to cast a spell. Some quality-of-life updates like no longer needing to select a spell to move objects are appreciated. Isn't it nice when things get a little less...spellbindingly complicated?

Graphics

In typical Lego game style, the visuals channel a playful atmosphere. On the Nintendo DS, things get a bit squished, but the game manages to deliver a cute and colorful representation of the Harry Potter universe despite the limitations of the hardware. Sure, the graphics may not win any awards for realism. After all, we're playing with Lego blocks! But fans of the series will find it hard to resist the silly charm. Characters look as blocky as ever, and it's a delight to witness Dumbledore's beard fashioned out of tiny bricks. Plus, every cutscene is basically a mini-movie, jam-packed with comedy that could capture even the crankiest Muggle's attention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7' on the Nintendo DS is a whimsical farewell to the beloved series that captures all the delightful absurdity we've come to expect from the Lego franchise. While it can't quite match the depth and polish of its console counterparts-and it's certainly not the most groundbreaking title on the handheld-it's a charming romp through one of the most popular fantasy worlds of all time. If you already own the first game, you might as well complete the series. Just don't expect to turn into a wizarding prodigy. Mostly, you'll experience a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and your yearning for a Lego version of every movie that's ever been made. For the wizard in all of us-but don't take it too seriously. After all, it's just a game...right?

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