A boy discovers magical powers, goes to wizard school. End of HP history lesson. Hogwarts - the home of spooky schooling - is the place to cut your teeth in the Quidditch cup. You begin by picking one of four house teams (Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Slytherin, or Gryifindor), then your captain briefly explains the rules: everyone flies around the pitch, passing the Quaffle (big ball) between team-mates and through the opposition's rings for ten points. Two beaters per team keep the sadistic Bludger balls at bay, while the seeker searches for the elusive Golden Snitch, a tiny winged orb whose capture earns that team 150 points and signals the end of the match.

Each team member gives a brief tutorial on basic passing, tackling, and chasing the Snitch, and success in these challenges unlocks Quidditch cards which allow you to unlock further matches and learn special moves.

These special moves are crucial to victory, owing to the peculiarities of this 'sports' title. Using the triggers in conjunction with the pass button results in a gravity-defying pass combo. At the top of the screen are two special meters, which are marginally filled every time you score a goal, but quickly increase after the completion of combos and special moves. When the two bars meet, the Snitch is released. Each seeker is allotted a boost bar (not the chocolate, the turbo meter kind), which is in direct proportion to... their special meter. Slipstream behind the Snitch to replenish the turbo meter, then hit A for a speed burst. This is a match-winning way of encouraging you to try more special moves and works well.

After winning the House final, it's on to the titular World Cup. You must choose a team and lead them to success, all the while earning cards and unlocking more teams and stadiums. At this stage, everything's looking as fine as Cho Chang to Harry Potter. The graphics are lush, and the varied stadiums and environments look outstanding. The broomstick animation (the exhilarating Snitch chases in particular) is very smooth and fluid, and the great commentary accurately keeps pace with the fast-paced events.

It's great fun too, when your opponents are in possession, to quickly switch to a beater and let one of them have a face full of Bludger. However, tackling is a far easier option, and against the computer AI it's ridiculously simple. After so many matches of combo, combo, pass, shoot, score, the action can get a bit repetitive, though this is somewhat remedied with the inclusion of an ace two-player option. Aimed squarely at kids and die-hard Potter fans, this is a surprisingly entertaining title, but Harry and his Nimbus 2000 won't sweep away too many serious sports titles.

1. The environments looks great!
2. Exciting snitch chases
3. Fun multiplayer

1. Tackling too easy
2. Repetitive gameplay
3. No Live Play summary

Power
Fast framerate keeps up with the frantic action. Some occasional stutters between sequences.

Style
Gorgeous to look at, with great characterisation of all the major Quidditch players.

Immersion
Completing challenges is harder than the matches themselves, though multiplayer is more fun.

Lifespan
Tons of teams to complete the game with, plus 104 cards to unlock. It'll keep you coming back.

Verdict Although aimed at a younger market, Harry and co snatch credibility with an exciting alternative sports game.