Metascore
68 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. The highest compliment we can give EA's portrayal of JK Rowling's magic-infused faux sport is that it's so much fun (for fans and nonfans alike) that it makes us wish Quidditch were actually real.
  2. 80
    The intended audience will love Quidditch World Cup, if only because it expands on the Potter novels' rich mythology. It’s fun, and as a fantasy-sports game, it flies - but not as high as it could.
  3. Some of the game's intricacies are a tad complex, but it's easy to understand the basics. [Jan 2004, p.159]
  4. Quidditch World Cup's strengths take a little while to unlock, but if you're a fan you should get your money's worth.
  5. 72
    The good news is that EA's interactive take plays well and looks sharp. The bad news is that it is neither as frantic-fast nor as unrestricted as Quidditch is in the books and movies, which is sure to disappoint the Potter hardcore.
  6. The snazzy visuals will initially draw you in, but you'll stick around for the instinctive, responsive gameplay. [Dec 2003, p.201]
  7. One part hockey, one part soccer and one part pure fantasy, Quidditch World Cup may not have the draw or the depth of Madden, but it is still plenty of fun to play.
  8. 67
    Building energy for certain basic moves, such as boosting and sending a Bludger, takes too long, which keeps the general gameplay pretty basic for much of the game. [Dec 2003, p.74]
  9. A decent first effort at simulating the chosen sport of wizards, it falls short of its promise primarily because of sluggish controls and shallow gameplay.
  10. 65
    It's all a bit dull, gameplay-wise, until you can trudge through at least one season of shutouts. The good news is that presentation-wise, Quidditch World Cup sparkles.
  11. The lack of depth doesn’t ruin the game, but only younger sports lovers and dedicated Harry Potter fans will appreciate this.
  12. We've made up better games involving elastic bands and office chairs. A treat for Quidditch lovers but proper sports fans'd be better off with basketball. [NGC]
  13. 60
    Ultimately though the shallow game play means that this is one present that, unlike the puppy, is just for Christmas.
  14. Dissatisfying and a pale comparison to how good this game could have been if it were designed to play like a fantasy sports simulation. Granted, there is an oxymoron inherent to a fantasy simulation, but as it stands Quidditch World Cup merely feels like a semi-responsive movie. A slow, semi-responsive movie.
  15. It surprises with its cool references and attention to detail, but loses a lot of luster in attempting to appeal to a wee audience.
  16. An extremely large turkey. And one that any Potter fan would do well to avoid, even if it means waiting a tad longer for the next "proper" game to follow Chamber of Secrets.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. JaredC.
    0
    Its addicting and fun, but I lost interest of it two days after I bought the game, it got so pointless with nothing great happening with no storyline but playing Quiditch and winning. Full Review »
  2. TommyC.
    10
    this is a awsome game for harry potter freaks and also if you dont like it.its still then a great game.the stadium and the teams and players look good.and you can also be the international teams.and wat the most fun is that you could play it with 2 players wat makes you playing this game for ages cause i am still playing this game. you just keep playing and thats way i gave this game a 10! Full Review »
  3. PeterA.
    10
    It is awesome. i wish I had it.