It has been approximately sixty days or more since the release of the highly anticipated video game, Hogwarts Legacy. In just a short amount of time, the game has already broken numerous records, as fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the chance to explore the open-world RPG developed by Avalanche Software.
The overwhelming reception that the game has received may come as no surprise, considering that it has already broken the record for the most-watched single-player game on Twitch. Shortly after breaking this record, the game also became the biggest title developed by WB Games on Steam, reaching a peak of 489,139 concurrent players. As per sales figures released by WB Games, it appears that the game has been similarly successful across other platforms.
Before we dive into the Hogwarts Legacy review, it is important to note that the game is, in fact, a prequel to the Harry Potter books and films. Set in the 1800s, the game predates even the Fantastic Beasts movies.
Entering Hogwarts
Players take on the role of a character of their own creation, with the ability to customize their name, skin tone, body type, and even their voice. The player assumes the role of a fifth-year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The game’s world-building and central story have both been executed with excellence, with the addition of new content that is both authentic and consistent with the source materials, which include both the books and movies.
The game also caters to newcomers to the series, introducing various methods to provide them with context regarding the Wizarding World, such as through dialogue options that explain magical terms.
Hogwarts Legacy focuses primarily on the protagonist and their connection to Ancient Magic, as well as the looming threat of a potential Goblin Rebellion. As a new student at Hogwarts, the game offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and progression. Players who enjoy immersive and story-driven games are sure to be impressed with Hogwarts Legacy.
The Game Play
While the game deviates from Harry Potter’s journey in the original stories, the developers have made sure to tap into fans’ nostalgia with familiar elements. The game begins with a kindly wizard visiting an ordinary muggle street, reminiscent of Dumbledore on Privet Drive. Throughout the adventure, players will encounter other parallels, but the game’s story soon takes major deviations from the original plot.
The visuals of the game are a sight to behold, evidence that no expense has been spared to bring the Wizarding World to life in a video game. From dragons to beautiful landscapes, Hogwarts Legacy features a mysterious new story that delves into hitherto unseen areas of the magical sandbox created by JK Rowling.
Moira Squier, the game’s writer, and Alan Tew, the director, confidently establish about a hundred new characters while putting their own spin on a few old favorites. The game doesn’t rush to set out all its wonders, gradually introducing players to the massive open world, including not just Hogwarts and Hogsmeade but also various hamlets in the Scottish highlands and several other locations.
The game design is top-notch, drawing inspiration from various sources and blending them seamlessly. Players will cast spells, dodge and deflect, and use powerful plant life to distract enemies while boosting their own stats with potions. The level design is nicely varied, featuring dungeon-like missions filled with puzzles and boss battles that push players to their limits.
In terms of gameplay, Hogwarts Legacy has some great elements that fans of the Harry Potter series will love. The combat system is fluid and spell combos are creative and satisfying to execute. However, there are a few issues that players may encounter, such as the aiming mechanics which can be tricky to manage without adjusting the settings to lock aim. The spell sets can also be challenging to navigate if you’re playing with a keyboard and mouse, but it becomes easier with a controller.
One thing to note is that some players may experience motion sickness due to the camera work and the lack of an option to zoom out while exploring or riding a broom. This is something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to these kinds of effects.
Overall, the gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy has some minor flaws but it’s still enjoyable to play. The combat and spell-casting are highlights that fans of the series will appreciate, but it may take some time to get used to the aiming mechanics and spell sets.
Critics on the Game Story
Critics have noted that while exploring Hogwarts and the surrounding Scottish Highlands is undoubtedly charming and wondrous, the game’s cast of characters is flat and two-dimensional in both animation and dialogue. However, the game’s visual and audio design elements coalesce into a genuinely stunning interactive experience.
One issue we noticed while playing the game is that the main character can come off as a bit dull for extended periods. Throughout much of the game, the character seems like a blank slate. We experimented with Sebastian Croft’s voice and found that it often sounded like he was trying to do an impersonation of a young and polite Daniel Radcliffe. After a while, we started opting for the more antagonistic dialogue options just to add some variety. Fortunately, there’s no clear-cut morality system in place, so don’t hesitate to do the same and add some excitement to your experience!
One aspect of the game that we found particularly enjoyable was the performances of the various teachers. Lesley Nicol’s portrayal of Professor Matilda Weasley was a delightful contrast to Simon Pegg’s portrayal of Phineas.
However, as you progress through the game, you may start to feel overwhelmed by the number of adult characters pulling you in different directions. Each teacher seems to assign an excessive amount of homework (in an effort to help you catch up on missed years one to four), which translates into lengthy to-do lists that can feel tedious at times. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to keep in mind that completing these tasks will ultimately help you to advance in the game and become a stronger wizard or witch.
Final Words
Hogwarts Legacy promises to offer a magical adventure through the Wizarding World like never before, with top-notch game design and stunning visuals. While the game may not offer the most compelling cast of characters, it more than makes up for it with its immersive world and gameplay.
