LEGO Harry Potter Collection
- October 8, 2024
- Double 11
- 28h median play time
The LEGO Harry Potter Collection combines LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 and LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 into one remastered game for PlayStation 4. This magical adventure features spell-casting, potion-making, puzzle-solving, and dueling, with enhanced graphics and two DLC packs. Fans of J.K. Rowling's Wizarding World will enjoy this game as a perfect gift or addition to their collection.
Reviews
- The remastered graphics and improved performance make the game more enjoyable compared to the original versions.
- The inclusion of Steam achievements adds a new layer of engagement for players who enjoy completing challenges.
- The game runs smoothly on modern systems, with fewer crashes and bugs than the original releases.
- The collection is criticized for being a simple repackage of the original games with minimal improvements, leading many to view it as a cash grab.
- Players have reported persistent bugs and issues, including crashes and glitches that were expected to be fixed in the remaster.
- The price point is considered too high for what is essentially a bundled version of older games, especially for those who already own the originals.
- graphics34 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The graphics in the remastered collection of the LEGO Harry Potter games show only minimal improvements over the original versions, with some players noting enhanced textures and lighting effects, while others argue that the changes are barely noticeable and come with persistent bugs. While some appreciate the polished visuals and smoother performance, many feel that the lack of significant graphical upgrades and the unchanged gameplay make the collection less appealing, especially for those who already own the originals. Overall, the remaster seems to primarily cater to achievement hunters rather than offering a substantial graphical overhaul.
“I appreciated the remastered graphics.”
“Enhanced graphics: improved visuals with higher resolution textures and better lighting effects.”
“The remastered visuals are pretty good, but other than that it's the same game as the originals.”
“The fact that WB charges full price for this when the two games by themselves come out incredibly cheaper, the graphics in terms of textures and lighting are slightly prettier in comparison but also weaken in other places (the 5-7 red brick room has all the red bricks in complete shadow) and despite the games being fourteen (years 1-4) and almost thirteen (years 5-7) years old, the bugs in the original versions have gone unfixed for this collection.”
“Returned it in 15 minutes after realizing the graphics looked essentially the same as when I played this game on my Switch.”
“The supposed graphics improvement is not or at most barely noticeable.”
- stability12 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs, including audio glitches, random crashes, and unresponsive controls. Many players noted that while some older bugs were addressed, new issues emerged, leading to a frustrating experience that often feels less polished than previous versions. Overall, the game's stability issues have led several users to recommend sticking with the original releases instead.
“Not to mention it's hella buggy.”
“There are new glitches that show lack of attention to detail and that they only tested it on the Steam Deck and not with any other controllers (year three, level 2 bridge opening glitch - the controller lets go too soon, but the deck controllers hold it the longest and you can force it to work).”
“With crashes, corrupted save files, glitches, softlocks, the works.”
- optimization8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game has seen notable improvements compared to the original releases, with many users reporting enhanced stability and reduced stuttering issues. While some players experienced minimal performance changes on PC, the game is generally considered well-optimized, making it a worthwhile purchase for newcomers or dedicated fans despite the existence of the original versions.
“But performance has definitely been improved; on the old game, I used to have quite a lot of stutter and FPS issues.”
“I feel like the game in general is much better optimized than the original releases.”
“Bug fixes and optimizations: various bugs from the original releases have been addressed, leading to a more stable experience.”
“But if you don't have performance issues with the second game, or are not a big LEGO game or Harry Potter fan, stick to the original release; it will do you just fine.”
“Terrible stuttering issue.”
“PC is very minimal to changes in performance.”
- gameplay7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the latest installment in the franchise is noted for its nostalgic appeal and diverse mechanics, but it has been criticized for lacking significant improvements over the original games, leading some to view it as a "copy paste cash grab." While quality of life features like streamlined menus and faster loading times are appreciated, issues such as crashes and unchanged game mechanics detract from the overall experience, leaving players wanting more innovation and depth.
“This franchise has the scope, nostalgia, and capability similar to Star Wars to provide a new unique game that takes advantage of the progress the team at TT has made in creating LEGO games with a diversity of mechanics, character selection, voice lines, and available world.”
“Quality of life features: streamlined menus, faster loading times, and improved character-switching mechanics.”
“I concede that I would have liked the Harry Potter collection to follow the more visually polished formula of 'Legos in a realistic world' like the Skywalker collection does; I would have enjoyed some more gameplay loops outside of what was available in the original game.”
“And after a few more hours of gameplay... I experienced one crash while playing the last chapter in free play. I'd like to say it's acceptable, but I just don't think so. A game that was re-released should have such issues fixed.”
“Another issue for Harry Potter is that it doesn't add any gameplay to the original games, giving a valid argument to being perceived as a 'copy-paste cash grab.'”
“The other and the most annoying thing for me is that they didn't even care to change the game mechanics to be better.”
- story5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is noted for its longer and more involved sections, although some DLCs lack new story content, focusing instead on character packs. Comparisons are made between different collections, with the Harry Potter collection praised for its faithful recreation of the source material, while the Skywalker collection introduces new episodes, despite mixed opinions on the recent trilogy.
“The story sections are longer and more involved, while the exploration is cut in half.”
“On the other hand, the Skywalker collection adds episodes 7, 8, and 9, bringing new story to the series, even if most dislike the most recent trilogy.”
“The story sections are longer, more involved, but the exploration is cut in half.”
“This DLC only includes character packs, with no story content.”
“When it comes to having a 'home' area for your story, I believe the Harry Potter collection came out on top in terms of faithful recreation.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization of the game has been widely criticized as a cash grab, with players feeling that it offers little value or innovation compared to the original titles. Despite some discounts making it more affordable, many reviewers believe the lack of meaningful content and improvements reflects a disregard for player investment.
“I got a loyalty discount from $60 down to $25 in my currency and thought that was a decent deal, but having played it, I’ve got to agree with others - there was no love here by the devs, it’s just a cash grab.”
“Another issue for Harry Potter is that it doesn't add any gameplay to the original games, giving a valid argument to being perceived as a 'copy-paste cash grab'.”
“This game seems to me to be nothing more than a thinly veiled cash grab and produces next to no improvements versus the original.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is well-received, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere that immerses players in the Harry Potter world. Many users fondly recall the laughter and bonding experiences the game facilitated, highlighting its nostalgic value and fun gameplay. However, some players note that the game's launcher could use improvements.
“The atmosphere is excellent and puts you into the world of Harry Potter; it's a fun and funny game.”
“These games defined my childhood, bringing love and joy as I spent countless hours with my dad, laughing and bonding with him.”
- music2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for incorporating iconic tracks from the original films, featuring compositions by renowned composers like John Williams and Alexandre Desplat, which enhances the overall experience. However, some users noted that the launcher music is excessively loud and reminiscent of older gaming experiences.
“Great LEGO game, heaps better than the other two games. I like that they didn't make a separate soundtrack; they just took the music straight from the movies and added it to the game. Excellent music from John Williams, Patrick Doyle, Nicholas Hooper, and Alexandre Desplat.”
“The 'launcher' brings back memories of pirating games and their launchers with extremely loud music.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for immersing players in the Harry Potter universe, creating a fun and engaging experience. However, some users note that the game's launcher requires improvements.
“The atmosphere is excellent and immerses you in the world of Harry Potter. It's a fun and entertaining game.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect tedious, particularly due to the repetitive need to scroll through and accept terms of service jargon each time they launch the game.
“The grinding in this game feels endless and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged.”
“I find myself doing the same tasks over and over just to level up, which quickly becomes boring.”
“The amount of time required to grind for resources is frustrating and takes away from the enjoyment of the game.”