LEGO Harry Potter 2

Some might argue that the big summer movie season officially kicks off with the release of Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Fortunately for gamers, an excellent adaptation of Jack Sparrow's fourth big screen outing is already available in LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean: The Video Game. But just as the latest Pirates movie isn't the only blockbuster moviegoers will flock to this Summer, LEGO Pirates isn't the last LEGO title gamers will play this year.

Harry Potter's cinematic exploits come to a conclusion this July with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, but fans will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the conclusion to Harry's LEGO adventures. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 has been officially announced, and will be available this holiday season for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, NGP, Wii, DS, 3DS, and PC.

That's right -- according to the game's press release, LEGO Harry Potter 2 is scheduled to ship this Winter for Sony's NGP. Has Warner Bros. Interactive accidentally outed the NGP's release date, mere weeks before Sony's E3 2011 press conference? Sony has been keen to assure gamers that the system's release has not been delayed by the tragedy in Japan, though many have remained skeptical that NGP would release this year. We may have to wait for E3 to find out one way or another.

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 is once again being developed by the talented and prolific TT Games, who in addition to shipping LEGO Pirates of the Caribbean just last week, released the equally sublime LEGO Star Wars 3: The Clone Wars less than two months ago. Will LEGO Harry Potter 2 continue the developer's hot streak? The first LEGO Harry Potter was a tremendously fun game. The magical world of the movies lends itself wonderfully well to the mechanics of the LEGO games, while the story gives TT Games endless opportunities to craft their signature cinematics.

A single image from the game has been released, showing nefarious LEGO Voldemort on the way to LEGO Hogwarts. The recent LEGO games have looked almost astonishingly good, and there is no reason to think that LEGO Harry Potter 2 will be any different.

Though each of the LEGO games manages a unique mechanic or two, the mold has been well established, and from its description, LEGO Harry Potter 2 will fall right in line.

"Based on the last three Harry Potter books and final four films, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 takes players through Harry Potter’s heroic adventures in the Muggle and wizarding worlds.  From Privet Drive in Little Whinging to Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and Hogwarts — plus new locations including Grimmauld Place, the Ministry of Magic, and Godric’s Hollow — players will encounter new faces, new challenges and new magic, preparing them for the ultimate face-off against Lord Voldemort."

As charming and fun as the last few LEGO games have been, three in a single year could prove to be a bit much. Still, for fans looking for one more trip though Hogwarts once the movies have come to an end, LEGO Harry Potter 2 could be just the thing.

Ranters, will you be joining Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their final LEGO adventure? What about the game's date for NGP? Does it confirm a Fall release for Sony's handheld, or is it just an oversight?

LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 releases this holiday season for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PSP, NGP, Wii, DS, 3DS, and PC.

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