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5 Harry Potter Video Games You Should Play, But Probably Haven't


Harry Potter first enchanted the masses in book form, and due to its massive popularity an inevitable film series quickly followed. While not quite as endearing as its written counterpart, the movies remain quite entertaining. As with many films, a series of movie tie-in video games debuted. Naturally due to these didn’t nearly achieve the acclaim of the novels or even the movies. With quite a range of gameplay styles, here are the top five Harry Potter games you should play but probably haven’t.

  1. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup (PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, PC)

    Most of the Harry Potter video games feature Quidditch matches or flying lessons, and often these were the most entertaining segments. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup is arguably the golden snitch of the video game series. It’s essentially Fifa on broomsticks, and should appeal to the Potterhead and sports fan alike. Playable teams included both Hogwarts teams and professional clubs. With loads of unlockable abilities and cards, along with challenges, there’s a ton of replay potential. 

  2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Playstation 1/PC)

    When Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone first hit game consoles, it came out on an array of platforms including PS1, PC, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance. A 2003 iteration followed for then next-gen consoles (GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox), but the 2001 version despite its less advanced graphics is superior. It’s one of the most underrated platformers available, and probably the best behind The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time. There’s quite a bit of puzzle solving which varies from timed mini games to collecting potion ingredients and can be quite challenging in a fun way.

  3. Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 (PC, Wii, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360)

    Fact: Legos are awesome. Fact: Harry Potter is fantastic. With Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4, the two combine like Voltron for a delightful experience. For whatever reason the Lego Harry Potter series simply didn’t garner the attention that EA Games’ movie tie-in franchise stirred. That’s not to say it didn’t deserve the same support. Like “The Lego Movie,” Lego Harry Potter Years 1-4 is jam packed with goodies for all age groups, and older audiences will arguably appreciate its humor even more than younger fans.

  4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PC, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube)

    EA Games’ Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was a huge hit with critics, as in Fred and George beating a bludger hit. The PlayStation 2/Xbox/GameCube version featured improved graphics and engaging gameplay which revolved around puzzle solving and mini games. However, a less linear narrative in comparison to the 2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone greatly benefited Chamber of Secrets. So strong was the sophomore entry that it spawned a 2003 iteration of Sorcerer’s Stone that launched on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube. While featuring updated graphics, it wasn’t quite as strong as Chamber of Secrets, or even its PC and PlayStation 1 counterpart.

  5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (PC, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii)

    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is notable for being the first of the series that hit then next-gen consoles (PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360), and for drastically changing gameplay. Previously, the Harry Potter games were platformers characterized by puzzle solving and mini games. However, Order of the Phoenix offered a much needed facelift both graphically and by infusing a free roam element. Deviating from the linear play of previous series entries lent a refreshed quality to Order of the Phoenix, amplifying its appeal and replay value.

  6. The Final Chapter

    There are loads of Harry Potter games, which were largely direct movie/book tie-in titles. Most hold up despite their age, but there are a few we’d like to use a memory charm to forget. Perhaps Gilderoy Lockhart can help us out. Notably, Harry Potter for Kinect, Wonderbook: Book of Spells and Book of Potions for PlayStation Move were bloody awful. Interestingly, these three were from the ill-fated motion control add-ons that Microsoft and Sony produced to compete with the Wii’s motion control system. These are the Harry Potter video game versions of the Cruciatus curse.

    Despite the low points, which were decidedly low, most of the franchise is superb. Which are your favorite of the Harry Potter games?

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