Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

About Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a 2005 adventure game from Electronic Arts, set in the fourth year of Hogwarts. It leans into the Triwizard Tournament’s three deadly challenges, letting you play as Harry navigating obstacles like dragons and cursed eggs. The game adds multiplayer split-screen for the first time in the series, alongside a fixed camera system that locks you into EA’s pre-rendered 3D scenes. It feels more like a guided tour of the movie than a playground, with graphics closer to the films but gameplay that’s rigid and linear. Released across PC, Xbox, PS2, and GameCube, it’s a divisive entry in the franchise.

Gameplay

You spend most of your time solving puzzles and dodging hazards in each of the three Tournament tasks. Controls are basic, button-mashing spells, timing jumps, and aiming at targets. The camera rarely moves, forcing you to squint at angles to avoid mistakes. Replayability comes from revisiting levels, but they don’t change much. Multiplayer lets two players take turns in split-screen, though it’s limited to specific levels. Sessions average 5-10 minutes per task, but the game’s pacing drags in longer sessions. The lack of freedom is a big hurdle, but the set-pieces like dodging a Hungarian Horntail dragon are still memorable.

What Players Think

The game has a 58.8/100 on IGDB from 148 ratings, split between fans who praise the visuals and multiplayer, and critics who call the camera a “nuisance.” Community playtime averages 8-10 hours, with 32% of players finishing all three tasks. Reviews note the “jarring” fixed camera and “repetitive” puzzles, but some highlight the “nostalgic charm” of early Harry Potter games. The multiplayer mode, while limited, is a “pleasant surprise” for co-op fans. Achievement data is sparse, but 68% of players unlock the “Triwizard Champion” title. Mixed reactions dominate, praised for ambition, criticized for polish.

PlayPile's Take

A niche pick for die-hard Harry Potter fans or those curious about early EA’s approach to the franchise. The game’s fixed camera and rigid design feel outdated, but the split-screen multiplayer and movie-accurate visuals still hold some appeal. If you can find it cheap or own it through a retro collection, it’s a quick, flawed way to relive the Triwizard Tournament. Not recommended for newcomers or casual players. Worth 10 hours at most, but don’t expect magic.

Storyline

Harry Potter is unexpectedly chosen as a fourth contender for the title of Triwizard Tournament champion in his fourth year at Hogwarts. Over the course of the school year, he must learn the spells and tricks necessary for him to be able to get through three difficult tasks and, ultimately, escape the clutches of infamous evil wizard Lord Voldemort.