Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup

Worth Playing

Definitely personifies the magnificence of the sport, but it is lacking because it's not as advanced as I had hoped it would be.

GameZone

The controls are easy to figure out, and the tutorials not only help you learn how to play but also unlock magic collecting cards to unlock secrets within the game. The AI is tough, even at the get go, but the game remains fun nonetheless.

Next Level Gaming

It really only has two problems, both of which can be overcome very easily. It's way to easy in the single player mode, and the lack of true 4 dimensional movement keep the game from being super great.

GMR Magazine

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.

Game Informer

What EA has so successfully done is taken a franchise that scares away most hardcore sports fans and built a game that's technically solid, entertaining, original, and unbelievablly fun. [Nov 2003, p.142]

Gamer.tv

Quidditch World Cup's strengths take a little while to unlock, but if you're a fan you should get your money's worth.

IGN

I am disappointed both by how easy the game can be advanced thanks to the forgiving AI (it does get harder as different difficulties are unlocked, but it takes awhile) and the development team's decision to eliminate vertical control from matches as it dilutes some of the go-anywhere-flight that is part of this sport's appeal.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

The snazzy visuals will initially draw you in, but you'll stick around for the instinctive, responsive gameplay. [Dec 2003, p.201]

netjak

The graphics are absolutely amazing.

PSM Magazine

Unlockable items and special moves help keep interest in the single player mode, but the versus mode is where this game shines. [Holiday 2003, p.46]

Yahoo! Games

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.

Deeko

The reality of the younger audience aspect is that it isn’t as deep as other EA sporting games and therefore the lasting appeal will drop significantly for older gamers.

Cheat Code Central

If EA had relied on their stellar background in sports to enhance QWC, this game would be infinitely better and much easier to play. That's not to say it's not enjoyable. It can be, at least before the challenge ramps up later in the game.

GameSpot

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.

1UP

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.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

It's fun for a few hours or as a nice diversion for two-player matches. Hardcore Harry fans will want it for their collections; the rest of us will marvel at the fact that it really is just like the books...and then go play something else.

Play.tm

Ultimately though the shallow game play means that this is one present that, unlike the puppy, is just for Christmas.

G4 TV

The basics are here and they work. But it's still a little bit shallow. Harry Potter fans will naturally eat this title up.

PSX Nation

A confusing sport that at times is fun. Fans of the franchise who really get this game will likely be pleased while the rest of us simply scratch our heads.

Game Revolution

It surprises with its cool references and attention to detail, but loses a lot of luster in attempting to appeal to a wee audience.

TotalGames.net

A tediously simple game, utilising all of two buttons and an analogue stick to do just about everything - which isn't much. This minimal depth repels any desire to want to return to this game ever again.