LEGO Harry Potter Collection
Overview -
The 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection' bundles two previously released video games, namely 'Harry Potter: Years 1-4' (2010) and 'Harry Potter: Years 5-7' (2011) that were released on all major platforms of the time (a promised PlayStation 2 port was canned, however). The re-release for the PS4 promises updated graphics and other minor alterations. So in 2016, will a first time player find the games to be excellent wizarding wonders, or mere muggle musings?
Video Review
Just like all LEGO games, the graphics and visual effects in 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection' are pixel-perfect plastic renderings. Which means the game constantly reminds you you're playing with virtual LEGO bricks, without the associated injuries (I can't wait for the inevitable LEGO virtual reality game where the pain of stepping on a brick will be recreated in perfect foot-lambasting pain). This isn't a game that embraces the raw processing power of the PlayStation 4. It's never presented as a demo game to showcase the system, and it was never intended to be one. I'm betting the PS3 can pull this one off in its stand-by modus.
Audio Review
In 'LEGO Jurassic World', the voices were ripped straight from the movies, and it made the whole experience extra awesome. In 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection', however, characters speak in grunts, shouts and whispers. Simlish, but not quite. I know this is true to the original games, but ever since 'Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes', LEGO games have featured full voice acting. Is it too much to ask a remastered collection to address this? As it stands, the specifics of this mute 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection' are unclear, but it soon grows tiresome. Sound effects are spot-on, though, and the orchestral soundtrack is just as epic as the movie counterpart, if a tad repetitive.
Final Thoughts
The 'LEGO Harry Potter Collection' is a fancy-free, funny and robust brickified version of the eight Harry Potter movies. The current asking price of $50 may be a little steep, considering these are 5 year old games without additional content. One to watch once it hits a more comfortable price point. Worth a look, but only if you don't already own the games.
