A typical Summer's day in England
This is not to say that LH2 is not enjoyable. The diverse levels mean that it is more interesting to play than the last effort, but other issues do get in the way. Players must cycle through 8 different magical powers, as well as some unique abilities i.e. Harry’s cloak, Ron’s magic light etc. At times you can be juggling upwards of 15 different ways to tackle an issue. This may not be too much of a problem for an older gamer, but younger players will be left frustrated and seeing as this is the core audience for the game, TT are making a rod for their own back.
It is the hidden characters, abundant gold bricks and quirky Easter eggs that remain the LEGO universes saving grace and this is the case again. LH2 is a massive experience, once you complete the story you can re-enter the levels in free play mode with characters you have unlocked. They in turn can find new sections within the level and unlock more characters. Finding all the extras in the levels and the giant hub will take a good 14-16 hours for seasoned gamers and perhaps an eternity to little nippers.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is a LEGO game that stands upon the precipice between a quality experience and the depths of unoriginality. Too many assets are reused from the last game and the gameplay is still too complex for younger players. However, bang for your buck means a lot in today’s Broken Britain (Aching America?) and LH2 is a lot of game for your money that, despite its faults, still entertains as the hours fly by. The game’s co-op is a strange mix of being integral and worthless. You don’t have to play co-op, but the game is a lot duller experience without a friend. With so little to distinguish the game from the plethora of other LEGO titles it is hard to overly recommend this LH2 except for fans of the franchise. You will have fun, just the same fun you had 5 years ago.
Editor's Note: The Co-Optimus Co-Op Review of LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 was based on the Xbox 360 version of the game.
Verdict
Co-Op Score
Overall
The Co-Op Experience: Two players build stuff in local co-op within another LEGO game. Play through the final 4 films of Harry Potter LEGO style and then replay them again in freeplay as characters as diverse as Moaning Myrtle to Voldemort. A lot of game for your money, but still the same LEGO experience.
Co-Optimus game reviews focus on the cooperative experience of a game, our final score graphic represents this experience along with an average score for the game overall. For an explanation of our scores please check our Review Score Explanation Guide.