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The LEGO Harry Potter comes to its happy conclusion with the adaptation of the latest books and movies, direct sequel to the first tie-ins seen in recent months on all major platforms. Since we're talking about a production Warner Bros. and TT Games related to the LEGO brand, it is impossible not to find the same structure already seen in the various Star Wars , Indiana Jones and Batman . On the other hand, do not change a winning team, especially in video games.

The underlying problem, for those who have played the previous version, is therefore a strong feeling of deja vu even bigger than the mere knowledge of the LEGO titles (already very similar to the latter title). Characters, settings, implementation and gameplay make the game seem more than an expansion or a data disk that is not a title published separately, as it is the reality. The real differences emerge only to the most avid connoisseurs of Harry Potter film, thanks to the faithful reproduction of scenes and situations drawn from the new film. Even the tone more "grim" graphics is a nice homage to the design of modern films, as the humor and fun scenes remain a trademark in this output. Like the gameplay, we could not expect great upheavals and in fact here is the typical structure of the entire back line LEGO for six years now. A lot of gambling facility "old school" in which one or two characters (playing with a friend, only offline) to explore the environment by solving small puzzles, but mostly by collecting all types of collectibles. As always be a premise, namely that the entire series is aimed at mass audiences and families, and concepts such as "difficulty" and "challenge level" rarely enter the discourse. Even here, the solution to the puzzle is always indicated clearly different, the battles are all malleable, and there are points where the user can crash or be penalized by the game. Despite the ease general, however, is good for finding the occasional gameplay so simple and straightforward, which is appreciated especially in the company of another player. The multiplayer, of course, is the traditional dynamic of split-screen: the two players occupy the same screen until one of them has broken away and the view is to follow both. As always, we find the "drop in / drop out" or just connect a second controller to go into any game already started.

As we said, the gameplay goes back directly to its predecessor, and even before, the other outputs of LEGO with the addition of magic-based battles that we had already shown in the preview stage . Above all, increase the settings that you can visit and the quests that are activated, for example, talking to a NPC, or opening a secret passage. This forces the user to the Exploratory and therefore gives greater longevity to the game even after completing the first. The more that are so many items to collect and characters to unlock (and then use them directly with their personal spells) are often hidden in the scenario. For those who appreciate traditional titles-rich secondary activities, therefore, there is much to see and play in LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7, maybe turning a blind eye on the strong recycling present in mechanical and manufacturing. Even after years, gives some discomfort doing the same things in scenarios very similar to each other or spend time for the umpteenth time in the reconstruction of objects using blocks. In this sense, the less apt and most boring stages are those related to the LEGO license (perhaps mandatory for specific agreements with the parent) where you hold down a button and wait for the rotating object is destroyed or reassembled. In terms of the absence of the narrative voice-over, in favor of the usual "verses", and the continuing animated skits, do not facilitate the understanding of the plot for those who know Harry Potter escaped or has lost even one of the latest movies. We are in the most radical fan service, where those who do not pass the test input could not understand almost nothing of the events told on screen.

Looking at the technical realization, we review a nice GUI that shines for more design choices than to the detail or the way that exploits the hardware it runs on. The sympathy of the characters, the variety of scenarios (although very close to the previous chapter) and the careful choice of the shots make you forget the flaws in the graphics engine. Among these, at times smooth and springy, a problem of aliasing on the distance and small defects in the camera that sometimes "hide" the protagonists. However, the overall aesthetics plays perfectly his task is to stay close to LEGO bricks and focus on the most sympathetic of characters. In this regard, they are very well chosen sound effects and music, often in epic tone for the film but with grafts derived from "comedians" that highlight the lighter moments. Ultimately, LEGO Harry Potter Years 5-7 fills all the boxes required of a modern gaming license without risking anything: a proven gameplay, celebrities and look altogether pleasant. And the scarcity of additions are its main drawback, besides the simplicity of fund that might annoy more experienced users (but they are careful to point out to the like). Only a good game, therefore, directed to the collectors of virtual bricks signed TT Games who may have missed another title broadly similar.