Electronic Arts Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (XBOX 360) > Reviews (1)

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Multiplatform)

Tested and reviewed based on the Xbox 360 version.

Review by Ben Nacca

(Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/BenNacca )

XBL GT: Darkeyes2k7 PSN ID: Darkeyes2k11

So what happens when Warner Brothers decide to split a film into two parts? They do the same with the games as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 is primed to wrap everything up for the fans in this entertaining finale. Not only do they want to cash in on the films from the books but the game void needs to be filled to, and with that we get graced by a video game worthy of recognition, that stands in comparison to the talented acting abilities and the riveting plot that is the embodiment of exhilaration that we have become so fond of… wait, I can’t lie anymore. Anyway, as for the game, Part 2 is everything that Part 1 was and much, much less.

If you read my review for Part 1, then you would have figured that you can just play the game spamming the first spell you get while enduring needless “adventuring” and tiresome cutscenes with a little bit of Kinect compatibility thrown in to boost some sales of all those people who splashed some cash on Microsoft’s motion detection equipment.

Now, strip Part 1 of the Kinect functions, the bearable gameplay and various environments and you essentially get Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. It is a shame, I presumed EA Bright Light would make a step in the right direction after Part 1’s release in November but it seems this is yet another shameless movie cash in with little appeal at all.

With intrusive loading screens, terrible cutscenes and voice work that is a new definition of dire, anyone playing this prior to the film would surely be put off. I guess by removing the Kinect features, they saved users from some truly poor activities to endure but it wasn’t replaced by anything. All you do is take Harry and his buddies through the story till you get to Hogwarts and have a bit of a scrap with the not-so-nice witches and wizards. If only it was worth being played… I try not to be this objective of video games when it comes to reviewing them, focusing on positives and moving on to the negatives. As you can see I have little in the ways of positives with this game and it is just a shining example of a movie-game tie in that was rushed, unimaginative and bottom line; not fun to play.

You can control Harry and his (Inbetweeners-style now, all with me; “friends”) and get to play as numerous characters in the fight for good and evil. Shame they all feel the same and replacing any of them as a sluggish zombie would probably have been more use in the movement department. The cover system makes a return (hooray…) and the magic of the spamming spell makes a glorious return as well. Literally do not use any other spell unless you have to and you will have this game wrapped up under 4 hours if that.

Graphics are on par with, if not worse than Part 1 and I would go as far to say that this looks below average at best.

Character likeness is presented, sure, but lip syncing and the incapable movements of the characters with repetitive character models for enemies and lacklustre effects for spells; this is a concoction equivalent of nails on a chalkboard while licking wet paint.

Visuals 3/10

Best played with the TV off and the disc in the box, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 can make even the worst games on consoles look fantastic (I’m looking at you Hannah Montana: The Movie) and even that is pushing it. A real eye sore let down further by poor character models and a really uninspired environments/palette.

Audio 2/10

Some of the worst voice acting in a long time and the music is the only thing that is worthwhile at all and if you’re not a Harry Potter fan (begs the question, why would you play this anyway?) then that will be wasted on you too. Repetitive phrases and button press sounds mean that this one is most enjoyable with that mute button handy, or solves both visual and audio problems by turning the TV off as mentioned above.

Gameplay 4/10

I am not too sure if this is meant to be enjoyable? You would assume some quality assurance testing would have taken place…How this was released, I will never know.

Delivery 2/10

They stripped this of everything Part 1 had which was good? It is like a step backwards off of a cliff and I don’t understand why. Poor game modes, poor replay value, poor game. Rent for an easy 1000 gamerscore but I wouldn’t wish that pain upon anyone. Good luck.

Summary 2.8/10

So Thor: God of Thunder had a short time as the worst game I have reviewed, having been succinctly replaced by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. I guess all that we can learn and take from this game is that there will thankfully, hopefully be no more Harry Potter games but I am sure someone will find some way to spin it. Here’s to the next 7 books/films/games about Harry Potter’s children…

This guide is the property of Ben Nacca and is for the sole use of www.lanraiders.co.uk, www.dooyoo.co.uk and www.ciao.co.uk. No copying to other websites or other mediums without written permission first.