You couldn’t be blamed for sighing and rolling your eyes at the prospect of yet another popular franchise finding its way to your console within the LEGO series. You will undoubtedly be expecting the usual collecting of studs, combined with plenty of combat, stacks of content to unlock and the familiar drop in and out co-op play for which the series is famed. However, although all of these elements certainly make an appearance within LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, the game feels decidedly different to the previous titles in the series. You’ll still laugh along to the comic and wordless take on the Harry Potter story, but many of the core elements to constitute previous LEGO titles such as combat are pushed to the background to create a new, and arguably a much better, experience.
LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will thrust you into the world of the first four movies of Harry Potter. The beloved characters of the series have been transformed into interchangeable LEGO models, and will live out the key moments that combine to make Harry Potter memorable. Fans of the books and films will be in hysterics due to the game’s comedic slant on the many events that occur. But even those that have never understood the fascination with the world of wizards will be impressed with the adorable sound effects and animations within each and every cutscene.
Sounds similar to the previous LEGO titles so far right? So what distinguishes Harry Potter: Years 1-4 from its predecessors? For a start, the emphasis placed on combat that was evident in previous LEGO games has been replaced with additional stud collecting and the introduction of a problem solving spell system. We have seen custom outfits and items that made individual characters within these titles unique before such as the whip of Indiana Jones, but never anything to this extent. As you take control of the different characters you will encounter a range of different spells, each with their own unique purpose. Some of these spells will be invaluable in the occasional boss fight that is present within LEGO Harry Potter, but many more will simply enhance your experience in the world around you as you solve puzzles to continue through the levels.
Unfortunately targeting the new spells included within this game is not always a precise art. The targeting halo that should highlight an interactive element on which you could use one of the spells in your repertoire sometimes doesn’t show up at all. This makes it easy to accidentally select an item that you have no interest in whatsoever. It’s an occasional frustration, but really doesn’t detract from the overall excitement and interest in the game.
With so many spells, puzzles and areas to explore within LEGO Harry Potter, you will be lucky if you even reach 50% completion from your first run through. You’ll undoubtedly wish to replay the title, just to discover the hidden areas and learn every different spell. Some lingering AI issues and the occasional confusing camera angle could cause slight annoyance, but it is slight enough that it won’t detract from what is undeniably the best Harry Potter game, and arguably the best LEGO game, to hit the high street.