Apart from walking around and talking to people, most actions are handled as minigames. To cast spells like reparo or wingardium leviosa, for example, you select an object and then follow the onscreen prompts. If you play the GBA version, you'll have to push the correct sequence of buttons before time runs out. If you play the DS version, you'll have to use the stylus to tap and drag objects on the touch screen. Of the two, the minigames in the DS version are more engaging because you actually feel like you're physically stirring potions and waving Harry's wand around. In total, there are roughly two dozen different minigames. Each fetch quest incorporates at least two or three of them, but, save for a few exceptions, you can also practice the majority of them in the Gryffindor common room. The various minigames are fun for a short time. Sadly, they're not so much fun that you'll want to forgive the lethargic story or the litany of tedious fetch quests.
Most actions are handled as minigames. In all, there are about two dozen of them.
Frequently, Malfoy and his Slytherin buddies will challenge you to a spellcasting duel. These duels play out as turn-based minigames that are best described as "Final Fantasy Battles for Dummies." In order to attack, you select the icon representing one of your opponents and then pick any of five spells from a list. To actually cast the spell, you have to press the indicated button sequence (in the GBA version) or drag the stylus between randomly appearing red orbs (in the DS version). You'd think a battle between wizards would be exciting. Here, duels are just plain boring. Harry, Ron, and Hermione each have the same five spells, and there's no variance apart from stronger spells consuming more magic and taking more time to cast. On top of that, the CPU is usually too outmanned or overpowered to put up an even fight. Out of the fifty or so duels that you'll participate in throughout the course of the entire game, there are only a couple where you can't coast to victory by alternating between protego and stupify spells.
You don't have to read the book or watch the movie to realize that the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS renditions of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix are both snoozers. The different minigames have their ups and downs, but they won't get you through eight hours of diluted story and pointless fetching.
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