Phoenix arises for Harry Potter on DS, PSP and GBA
Dumbledore's ashes ignite fifth game in the series
The only surprise in EA's announcement of the tie-in game for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix is how early the company has decided to release the news: both film and games won't be out until July 2007. Maybe after the disaster that has been Superman Returns – released a tardy five months after the movie – it's just keen to prove its gamemakers (our neighbours down at EA UK) are already on the case?
In terms of pocket gaming, there will be PSP, DS and GBA versions, alongside four console releases and a PC variant, with each following the plot of the J.K. Rowling book/Warner Bros' film.
As all good reading muggles knows, the Order of the Phoenix concerns the growing power of the evil Lord Voldemort, against a backdrop of seeming appeasement at Harry's magic school, Hogwarts. Like a teenage version of Dad's Army (Wizard Scouts anyone?), Harry, Hermione and Ron decide to set up their own resistance force to prepare the students for the inevitable encounter between good and evil.
The only other thing we know so far is that Harry, headmaster Dumbledore and maverick wizard Sirius Black will all be playable characters.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will be released in conjunction with the film, due 13th July 2007. Click 'Track It!' to put a spell on us, compelling us to cast an email your way when we hear more.