Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7

Every prevalent entertainment franchise needs a Lego set. Not only that, every popular Lego set based on said media needs a Lego video game. There are probably ancient cave paintings in France dictating this mantra. So it comes as a surprise to absolutely no one that Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7 tails off one of the world's most popular book series.

Traditionally, Lego games have been at least mildly entertaining, regardless of what franchise they come from. In the case of Harry Potter, they've got the challenging task of reviving the series video game reputation. Harry Potter games of the past have not been great, putting it politely. The saving grace here, though, is that the game's predecessor was pretty good. We can expect more of the same, hopefully.

Wingardium Lego-OSA!

Whatever Lego game you are playing, you kind of know what you are getting into. They don't tend to change much from their core mechanics. You'll find a game based on your beloved franchise, where the Lego transformed characters will explore their respective worlds, solve puzzles, and eliminate foes. Why do people keep playing these games, then?

Well, Lego games have actually managed to generate a following based on their humor, light-heartedness, and entertaining storytelling alone. That notion saved the first game of Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, and it continues the same with Lego Harry Potter: Years 5-7. Only this time, we've got added spells and potion making!

Visuals are as one would expect. You'll play as blocky Lego characters against the toybox wizard world. Players follow the narrative of the final 3 books in the series, albeit with a lighter approach than the originals. Gameplay features the traditional puzzle-solving skills widespread in Lego games, with additional spells to make things slightly more interesting.

Lego Harry Potter: Year 5-7 isn't a poor effort by any means. In comparison to other franchise games - it's extraordinarily playable. However, it does not feel like a standalone game - only an extension of the Lego game series as a whole. One built-in the skin of the Harry Potter world. There's nothing wrong with that, but it does detract from the excitability of the game.

Just Keep Repeating the Same Spell

We don't seem to play Lego games for their revolutionary gameplay - only for their storytelling. Players always know they will get a few laughs and feel more wholesome for what's on offer. These games are an excellent node of escapism, and that's why we play them. Any other approach, and we would have ditched them years ago for being samey.

Pros:

• Fun-loving take on the Harry Potter franchise
• New spells added to diversify gameplay a little
• A lighthearted and humorous approach to what was already a dark narrative

Cons:

• Mechanics are fundamentally the same as all Lego games
• Feels like an expansion of the predecessor