While critics are giving two thumbs up to the final Harry Potter feature film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows —Part 2— the video game — hasn't fared as well. In fact, the average score from 12 professional reviews is a paltry 49.3%, according to GameRankings.com.
Bad scores aren't unusual for licensed games that debut at the same time as the movie, but it's a shame when it's based on such a coveted franchise. Plus, not all previous Harry Potter games were lousy, such as the decent Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
So, what went wrong with Deathly Hallows — Part 2, where players face off against the Dark Lord Voldemort for the last time? Similar to the Deathly Hallows — Part 1 game that debuted in November of last year, there are a few major issues — ranging from concept and execution to brevity and (lack of) replayability.
First of all, the game is a third-person shooter that uses a wand instead of a gun — including magic that acts like a pistol, automatic machine gun, missile launcher, grenade launcher and C4 explosives — so it just seems and feels ridiculous from the start. Similar to games like Gears of War, you'll use cover behind objects, peek around to see the baddies, change weapons to suit the scenario and fire away. As silly as it is in concept, it might be acceptable if it were fun — but it isn't. The action is repetitive and tedious, even though you get a number of different spells to choose from, especially during the second half of the game. And then there are times when there's no action at all, such as sitting around and waiting for a computer-controlled Hermione to slowly cast an unlock spell on numerous doors. Sigh.
While it's fun to see familiar locations such as Gringott's Bank, the dark Chamber of Secrets and Hogwart's Room of Requirement — and play not just as Harry but also Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Seamus, Neville, Molly Weasley and professor McGonagall — you're kept on a tight leash by the game designers as you navigate down narrow paths to the next group of generic baddies, take them down, and then repeat the scenario a few moments later. You'll fight to save Hogwarts from Death Eaters, Snatchers and other creatures, and attempt to locate and destroy the remaining Horcruxes (and of course, Voldemort, too).
There's a tad bit of variety, such as sniping from afar, running toward the camera instead of away from it and engaging in a memorable dual against a giant — but for the most part all the excitement is in the non-interactive cut-scene sequences.
Deathly Hallows — Part 2 is very easy and can be completed in under four hours, which isn't very good for a $50 product. You can replay story missions ( as timed challenges, if desired), but you probably won't want to.
Alas, this waste of wizardry should be left for the bargain bins unless you're a major "Harry Potter" fan who enjoyed last year's game -- and even then, this is a weekend rental at best.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2
Platform: Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, PC.
Genre: Shooter.
Developer: EA Bright Light.
Publisher: Electronic Arts.
Website:harrypotter.ea.com.
Price: $49.99 ($29.99 for PC).
Rating: "Everyone 10 plus".
Score: 2.0 stars (out of 4).
Source: [http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/2011-07-23-harry-potter-video-game_n.htm]
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