Hogwarts Legacy Review: Is This the Best Harry Potter Game?

For over a quarter of a century, the world of Harry Potter has captivated the imaginations of millions of people across the globe. It all started with a young, innocent child surviving an attack by the most notorious dark wizard, followed by an unexpected admission to the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Over the years, the wizarding world has been explored through spells, stories, films, and video games, becoming a beloved and integral part of the lives of fans. And yet, despite all these explorations, there has been one dream that has remained unfulfilled: the opportunity to actually step inside the walls of Hogwarts and experience life as a wizard. Until now. The recently released video game, Hogwarts Legacy, promises to deliver that dream, but how well does it actually do so?

The answer is not simple. The game, developed by Avalanche Software, is a true creature with a dual soul – it can be seen as just another role-playing game set in an open world, or it can be viewed as the realization of an impossible dream. The experience of playing it will vary greatly depending on which lens you choose to view it through.

However, there is no denying that Hogwarts Legacy is the best video game dedicated to the world of Harry Potter to date. It is a tribute to the wizarding world, crafted with care and overflowing with content. But like any creation, it is not without its flaws.

The brighter the love you have for the Harry Potter universe, the more the positive aspects of the game will shine, blurring the line between the experience and reality. So, is Hogwarts Legacy worth the wait? Read our comprehensive review to find out.

And Once Upon a Time…

It is the year 1890, and the wizarding world is in a state of unrest. The Ministry of Magic is grappling with the rise of uprisings led by the revolutionary goblin Ranrok, who is active in the Scottish countryside. Meanwhile, trains filled with young students en route to the highlands and families flocking to the enchanting village of Hogsmeade continue life as usual. At the heart of this magical world is the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where a new protagonist is about to take center stage.

Enter the protagonist of Hogwarts Legacy, a character that you, the player, get to bring to life. This young wizard is peculiar in that they were taken into the magical world several years later than their peers, and will therefore be admitted to the fifth year of Hogwarts on an exceptional basis.

Alongside the young wizard is Professor Eleazar Fig, who joins them in order to help fill the gaps in their education. During their training, they make a surprising discovery: the young wizard has a mysterious connection to ancient magic, a source of power lost for centuries and once capable of constructing the very walls of Hogwarts.

This newfound power is coveted by many, including Ranrok and the dark wizard Victor Rookwood, leader of the notorious mercenary group Ashwinder. The young wizard must navigate their dual life as a student at Hogwarts and a wielder of ancient magic, as they embark on a journey filled with challenges and adventures. From attending lessons and forming friendships within the walls of Hogwarts to embarking on a dangerous mission that could determine the fate of the entire wizarding world, every day brings a new exciting experience.

The narrative of Hogwarts Legacy is a delicate balance between the ordinary and the extraordinary, as it weaves together a thrilling story of ancient magic with the daily life at Hogwarts. It dips into the rich world of the wizarding series, introducing minor adventures and paying homage to familiar places and dynamics. Although it may rely a bit too heavily on fan-service, it remains a charming and light-hearted tale that will captivate fans of the series.

The journey of the “chosen one” begins, a challenging journey marked by the changing seasons. As autumn gives way to winter and its first snows, the adventure splits into two parts, balancing the everyday life within the walls of Hogwarts with a secret mission that will determine the future of the entire magical universe. It’s a delicate balance, as the protagonist attends lessons, builds relationships, navigates the complex halls of the school, and dives into the world of magic, all while facing dangers beyond their years.

Hogwarts Legacy’s narrative takes advantage of this dual identity to tell a light and atmospheric story, exploring the rich Wizarding World through the busy days at Hogwarts. Alongside the main story, numerous side adventures arise, drawing from supporting characters and delving into the world established in the original series.

However, this also leads to one of the plot’s biggest flaws – its reliance on familiar situations and places that have been seen before in the novels or on the big screen, sometimes to the point of feeling like a pure tribute to the fans.

Unveiling the Enchanted Structure of the Magical World

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands lies the iconic Hogwarts Castle, an ancient institution of magic that stands tall amidst a lush carpet of dense forests and tranquil lakes. Surrounded by towering mountains, the castle overlooks a tapestry of rolling hills dotted with small villages, including the charming Hogsmeade. Through the valleys run the express train tracks leading to London, and beyond the last ruins on the horizon lies the coast, where rugged cliffs plunge straight into the sea.

In Hogwarts Legacy, players are treated to an immersive open world experience that brings the world of Harry Potter to life in a way never before seen. From the moment you step out of your dormitory in the morning to wander the courtyards, to the moments spent exploring the bustling village of Hogsmeade or stocking up on potions ingredients, the vast open world is brimming with opportunities for adventure.

The richness of the game’s world is both a blessing and a curse. From Trials of Merlin – challenging puzzles that offer rewards for completion – to dark wizard camps waiting to be defeated, from tiny caves filled with valuable equipment to hidden lairs of mythical creatures, every step you take reveals a new point of interest. It can be overwhelming at times, but it’s hard not to be captivated by the depth and variety of content.

But what sets Hogwarts Legacy apart from other open world games is its rich and imaginative setting within the world of Harry Potter. Instead of wielding a bow and arrow or a sword, players must master a wide range of spells to tackle the challenges they face. From encounters with graceful Hippogriffs to the eerie Thestrals, the game offers a truly magical experience.

At its core, Hogwarts Legacy is a love letter to fans of the Harry Potter series. It takes the familiar, sometimes even simplistic, interactions of other open world games and imbues them with added value by tapping into the magic and wonder of the beloved franchise. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the world for the first time, Hogwarts Legacy is a feast for the senses, inviting players to explore and experience the wonder of the wizarding world.

Stepping into the magnificent gates of Hogwarts is a journey like no other, where every twist and turn is filled with wonder and magic. This world is so vertically complex that it warrants its own dedicated map, a labyrinthine network of shortcuts and stairways that promise to keep you on your toes, as you explore its many hidden corners.

The artistic direction of Hogwarts Legacy is nothing short of breathtaking, expertly capturing the essence of the original series and translating it into a beautifully rendered, three-dimensional world. From the one-eyed witch statue that conceals a secret passage to Hogsmeade, to the Prefects’ bathroom on the fifth floor, every detail has been meticulously crafted to perfectly capture the beloved wizarding world.

As you wander the castle’s sprawling corridors, the magic of the Harry Potter series is brought to life in a breathtaking display of sensory delight. The chance encounters with poltergeist Pix and the famous ghosts, the moving paintings and the independently playing musical instruments all add to the rich atmosphere, immersing you fully in the world of Hogwarts.

The atmosphere takes center stage in Hogwarts Legacy, as Avalanche Software has masterfully captured the soul of the Harry Potter series, bringing it to life in a feast of settings and details that have lived solely in the imagination of the most dedicated fans until now.

While the architecture may be more about atmosphere than depth, it does not aim to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it succeeds in its true purpose, which is to transport fans into a world of magic and wonder, beyond the looking glass like Alice in Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale.

An Epic Scholastic Journey at Hogwarts

Hogwarts Legacy is a game that’s long, leisurely, and best enjoyed slowly. It’s not that the main story can’t be completed quickly, but doing so would detract from the spirit of the game. The team has deliberately designed the game to encourage players to explore and discover its many secrets, collectibles, challenges, and side activities.

To truly experience the full potential of this wizarding world, players must take their time to discover all that it has to offer. The game’s leveling system is straightforward, with players gaining experience points by completing various tasks. However, to truly unlock the full potential of your character, you must delve into the game’s various challenges.

These objectives are divided into various categories like Combat, Missions, Exploration, Practical Guide Pages, and the Room of Requirement, and reward players with rare and exclusive items that can be used to upgrade your character’s equipment.

The game’s campaign will take you on a journey that lasts around 10 hours. During this time, you’ll have access to all parts of the game and its advanced mechanics. The talents, secondary spells, and Room of Requirement will become available at the end of the first act, when you begin to unravel the mystery of Ancient Magic.

The role-playing aspect of Hogwarts Legacy is all about character customization and equipment management. The character’s appearance can be customized with a variety of hats, gloves, face accessories, cloaks, scarves, and sets of clothes. However, the menus can be a bit cumbersome to navigate and managing your inventory can be a challenge, especially if you haven’t completed the Trials of Merlin. Nevertheless, taking the time to carefully manage your character’s appearance and equipment is a crucial part of the role-playing experience.

For those looking to craft the ultimate outfit for their avatar in Hogwarts Legacy, the statistics may not be incredibly detailed, but they still offer enough options to create a unique “build.” While the RPG component linked to the character’s progression may not be as complex as some might prefer, it still proves to be long and stratified, making the game accessible even to those who are less familiar with the RPG genre.

However, it’s important to note that this game is primarily aimed at fans of the Wizarding World, as evidenced by the exceptional amount of fanservice included in the product. From the faithful reproduction of the magical world’s vibrant and extravagant clothing styles, to the various talents and spells available to enhance your character’s abilities, everything has been designed to immerse players in the world of Harry Potter.

Speaking of abilities, the Talents system plays a crucial role in the progression of your character. Divided into Main, Dark Arts, Spells, Stealth, and Room of Requirement, these talents allow you to enhance your spells and basic skills. By spending skill points, you can increase the effectiveness of spells such as Expelliarmus, Incendio, Levioso, and more. You can also improve your potion-making abilities and streamline your attack management.

With 24 basic spells available and even more available through unlocking specific Talents, the options for customizing your character are virtually endless. And with the ability to assign spells to a rhombus of skills and potentially increase the number of quick command sets, the game offers a level of customization that is sure to delight fans of the Wizarding World.

Immerse in the Academy Life

Welcome to the enchanting world of Hogwarts Legacy, where the magic of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry comes to life. From the very first trailers, it was evident that this immersive RPG was designed to fully immerse players in the experience of a young wizard navigating their growth path.

In this captivating adventure, players are given the opportunity to manage their own private spaces and tend to their collection of Fantastic Beasts. The Room of Requirement serves as the hub of it all, just as it does in the beloved Harry Potter universe. Like in the books and movies, this secret chamber will only appear when the player has an urgent need, and it will provide everything necessary for success.

For our young wizard, it is crucial to have a place to focus on their studies. The Room of Requirement offers a range of activities that would normally only be accessible in the classrooms. Here, players can brew potions or cultivate useful plants without having to leave the comfort of their private space.

But that’s not all! The Room of Requirement is fully customizable, giving players the chance to personalize the look and feel of their private haven. From the style of the flooring to the color of the walls, and from the furniture to the aesthetic accessories, players can choose and arrange everything to their liking. Whether you prefer warm colors, classic styles, or ornate furnishings, the Room of Requirement is yours to shape into the perfect space for your magical journey.

The Room of Requirement in Hogwarts Legacy is more than just a space for practicing magic and honing one’s skills. It’s a central hub where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of wizardry and take your experience to the next level.

Beyond the loom and bench, the Room of Requirement is home to a magical garden, where you can house and care for fantastic beasts that you’ve captured on your adventures. This Newt Scamander-style bag allows you to contain all the creatures you’ve captured, and you can release them into the garden to take care of them and even use their fur or feathers to upgrade your clothing.

Everything in the Room of Requirement is fully customizable, from the architectural structures to the furniture, and completing challenges and collecting collectibles grants you access to further upgrades, including larger and more effective tables for crafting potions and plants. These elements are essential for not only enhancing your character but also for using potions and plants in combat, turning even the toughest battles in your favor.

Hogwarts Legacy features an open world that can be easily explored on a broomstick, and while it may not be particularly vast, it’s full of points of interest, from the Forbidden Forest to the hills, each hiding secrets and rewards. The real magic, however, lies within the walls of the iconic Hogwarts castle.

The halls, secret passages, and iconic locations, such as the Great Hall, the dormitories, and the Quidditch field, are brought to life in a stunning reinterpretation of the film franchise, complete with hidden secrets, information, and rewards at every turn.

Whether you’re getting lost in the corridors or waving your wand to interact with the world around you, Hogwarts in this game is as alive and immersive as ever, truly capturing the magic of the beloved literary and film series.

Your Average Day at Hogwarts

Welcome to the wondrous world of Hogwarts, where the passing of the seasons echoes the progression of the main narrative. Here, each season is divided into four distinct acts, each presenting a wealth of activities to be explored. An abundance of content awaits you, with some being optional and others necessary for advancing the adventure.

The passage of time at Hogwarts is dictated by the completion of important tasks, and it’s possible to find yourself without a goal if you neglect the optional content. However, attending lessons and mastering spells, herbology, and potions is crucial for accessing certain missions and advancing in your journey.

As you rise from your cozy dormitory bed each morning, you’ll find yourself surrounded by a vibrant and bustling world of magic. Attend Professor Sharp’s class to master potion-making or study the ancient curses guarded by the Hecat. Remember to complete your homework, special assignments, and magical creature-capturing tasks to gain access to even more advanced spells.

Aside from academics, there is plenty of time for socializing with your fellow Hogwarts students. Each student has their own stories to share, and building relationships with them is a crucial aspect of life at Hogwarts. Whether you choose to explore the open world or stay focused on your studies, don’t forget to take a break and interact with the people around you. After all, the most classic of days at the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry are filled with a sense of community and camaraderie.

As you embark on your journey in the magical world of Hogwarts Legacy, you’ll have the opportunity to forge real and meaningful relationships with your companions. Whether it’s the cunning Slytherin Sebastian, the brave Gryffindor Natty, or the kindhearted Hufflepuff Poppy, you’ll have the chance to get to know these characters on a deeper level. Rest assured that your choice of house, whether it’s Ravenclaw or another, won’t impact the growth of your relationships with these companions, except for some specific dialogue related to house affiliations.

The bond missions provide a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the personalities of your companions, and to cultivate your relationships with them. These lengthy narrative chains are rich with special rewards and are a true showcase of the depth and writing talent that is sometimes missing from the open-world activities. They offer a chance to witness the full potential of what Hogwarts Legacy has to offer, both in terms of gameplay and storytelling.

In addition to these relationships, the real highlights of Hogwarts Legacy are its linear missions. These missions take you on a journey through the magical world, from the corners of Hogwarts to the far reaches of history. Explore lost ruins, delve into mysterious dungeons, and uncover the darkest secrets of the wizarding world.

These are the moments when the game truly shines, offering a level of complexity in both the narrative and mechanics that is not always present in the open world. So buckle up, and prepare for an adventure like no other!

Wands Out: How Is the Gameplay?

Hogwarts Legacy offers a magical and captivating gaming experience that combines the genre’s established rules with the fantastical world of Harry Potter. At the heart of the game is the protagonist’s ability to master thirty spells, each with its dual purpose: not only are they essential for defeating dark wizards and magical creatures, but they also serve as the primary means of interacting with the game’s rich and immersive environment. The spells are divided into categories, ranging from basic spells such as “Revelio” and “Alohomora” to more advanced combat spells designed to control, hinder, or eliminate enemies.

The game’s environmental interactions are straightforward, but nonetheless, they are effective in immersing players into the world of magic. Simple spells such as “Incendio” can light a fireplace, “Accio” can pull handles, “Repulso” can push heavy objects, and “Lumos” can even attract a moth to follow the protagonist. These interactions are encountered throughout the open world, but the challenges presented in the “Trials of Merlin” are more focused on observation than strategy.

However, the protagonist’s guidance is often too overt and they sometimes give away the solution before players have had a chance to fully understand the puzzle. The true test of the player’s spellcasting abilities comes in the form of the mission-linked dungeons, where players will have to use their wits and creativity to overcome obstacles.

Overall, Hogwarts Legacy’s spellcasting system is fluid, fast, and enjoyable, allowing players to switch spells on the fly and cast multiple spells in succession. The game’s responsive feedback and wide range of spells make for an exhilarating gaming experience, especially as the player’s arsenal grows and they become capable of performing complex spell combinations like alternating between “Bombarda” and “Wingardium Leviosa.”

The combat system in Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive and action-packed experience, as described by the developers as a form of “distance duel”. Players can master all the classic mechanics of the action genre, from dodging and somersaulting to avoid enemy attacks, to the use of the protective Protego bubble and the strategic “parry”. This system allows players to engage in intense battles, stringing together a series of powerful spells and magical abilities.

However, the limited variety of enemies and bosses can quickly become repetitive, detracting from the overall excitement of the game. To counter this, players can also rely on powerful potions and magical plants, each with its own unique effects, as well as the spell of Disillusionment, which allows for stealthy, invisible attacks. These elements, combined with the vast array of spells at the player’s disposal, make for a thrilling and diverse combat experience.

In general, the combat system in Hogwarts Legacy is a perfect blend of classic action mechanics and the magical world of Harry Potter. Whether it’s unleashing lightning storms or stunning entire arenas of dark forces, players are given the tools to fully immerse themselves in this fantastical world.

Magic Duels and Where To Find Them

The combat in this world is a thrilling and intense experience, where wizards wield their wands with determination and mastery. The system is designed to showcase long-range magical duels, where strategy and spell-casting skills are key to victory. Our hero is a formidable warrior, equipped with a basic attack that allows him to rapidly unleash stunning spells at his enemies. He also possesses a vital dodge maneuver, which enables him to evade dangerous enemy curses.

But relying solely on the basic attack will not lead to dominance on the battlefield. The wizard must master a range of spells, each with its own unique properties. There are formulas for manipulation, which enable the wizard to attract, repel or levitate opponents, making them vulnerable.

There are also spells for blocking, which slow down the actions of enemies, and spells for disarming or dealing massive damage. It is crucial to choose the right spell for the situation, as some enemies, such as dark wizards, poachers, and goblins, can activate barriers that can only be penetrated with specific magic.

To fend off enemy attacks, our hero can unleash the powerful spell of Protego, which creates a barrier that acts as a shield. At the right moment, this barrier transforms into a classic parry, enabling the wizard to cast Stupeficium, stunning his opponents for a few seconds.

Moreover, the protagonist is blessed with the ability to harness the ancient magic, granting him access to special and incredibly powerful blows. With a sufficient amount of ancient energy, accumulated through successful combinations of spells, the wizard can hurl objects from the environment at his enemies, causing massive damage. The combination of strategy, spell-casting, and the power of ancient magic makes our hero a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.

Hogwarts Legacy is a captivating game that invites players to delve into a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. The game offers a hint of stealth gameplay, but, as our test has shown, it’s not the primary approach to taking down camps and outposts.

Although the player is equipped with concealment magic and a spell for stealthily defeating enemies, the map configuration makes silent raids challenging, which are mainly reserved for specific, narrative-driven missions. Currently, the magical battles are dynamic and engaging, and with the gradual expansion of the talents, they hold the potential to surprise us further as the game evolves.

In the PS5 version, which we tested, the game supports the haptic functions of the DualSense controller, adding a touch of realism to the gameplay. The controller vibrates differently depending on the terrain, and the adaptive triggers add resistance when casting spells or boosting during flight. These additions may not be revolutionary, but they’re still enjoyable and add to the overall gaming experience.

Lights and Shadows: What About the Graphics?

Embark on a captivating journey through the Wizarding World, where magic and mystery await at every turn. The main quest and most critical deviations of the game last approximately 20 hours, but for those eager to uncover every secret of Hogwarts Castle, the hours can quickly multiply.

The game’s artistic direction is a perfect balance between the light and shadow aspects of the genre, with a particular emphasis on honoring the beloved Harry Potter franchise. The virtual universe created by Avalanche Software is capable of captivating even the most demanding fans, with mechanics that meet the high expectations set by the franchise.

However, like any adventure, there are obstacles to overcome. While the interior of Hogwarts is a visual feast, featuring an exceptional level of detail and quality shaders, the same can’t be said of the game’s open world. The graphics are not on par with the current generation of consoles, with low rendering distances and subpar materials and textures. The lighting system also leaves much to be desired, resulting in frustrating graphic glitches.

The production’s heft is also apparent during exploration, as players may find themselves stuck in front of doors while waiting for the next area to load. To alleviate these issues, the larger dungeons have been placed in dedicated instances, but this has resulted in more transitions to black and load-masking sequences.

Despite these shortcomings, the gaming experience remains enjoyable, and it’s important to keep in mind that Hogwarts Legacy is set to debut on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and eventually Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or just looking for a thrilling adventure, the Wizarding World is ready to welcome you with open arms.

On PlayStation 5, we had the pleasure of experiencing the game in Performance mode and were thoroughly impressed. Despite some minor dips in framerate during intensive sequences, the magic of the Harry Potter universe always manages to make up for any technical imperfections. However, it’s important to be cautious, as the game engine offers a lot of freedom, leading to some unexpected bugs. We encountered a few frustrating moments, such as being stuck in a dead-end room or accidentally passing through solid objects, but these issues have largely been resolved after updates.

While there may be some philosophical elements to debate, such as the “Starkiller effect” or the indifference of the magical world to our actions, Avalanche Software has delivered on its promise to bring the world of Harry Potter to life.

The doors of Hogwarts Castle are open once again, inviting millions of new students to immerse themselves in its timeless charm. Even 26 years after its original release, the allure of the Wizarding World remains as strong as ever. The dream of Hogwarts continues to captivate, and we are proud to be a part of it.

Avada Kedavra: You Will Enjoy the Game

As you embark on your magical journey at Hogwarts, you are faced with a series of decisions that shape your character and determine your path. From choosing your appearance and identity to selecting your home and wand, each choice you make adds another layer to your story. Hogwarts Legacy promises an immersive role-playing experience, with decisions affecting not only the main character but also their interactions with others.

For instance, your choice of home, such as Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, can determine the rewards of certain side quests, affect your wardrobe and limit access to certain areas of the castle. Although your home will define the tone of your conversations with your dorm mates, the dialogues are ultimately limited to choices between kindness and rudeness, without a clear karma system in place.

However, one moral dilemma stands out as having far-reaching consequences: the path of the Dark Arts. Unlike the original Harry Potter saga, where the use of Unforgivable Curses required a deep desire to do so, in Hogwarts Legacy, you must actively seek them out. The journey into the Dark Arts is a captivating story that slowly lures you into temptation and then pushes you to perform evil acts. As you delve deeper into the abyss, you transform into a cruel and manipulative wizard, much like the infamous Tom Riddle.

While it is possible to avoid the Curses, it is uncertain how the decision will impact the narrative. Will you embrace the darkness or resist the temptation? The choice is yours, and the consequences of your actions will shape your legacy at Hogwarts.

The Hogwarts Legacy is a thrilling adventure that takes you through a series of decisions that will shape your character’s appearance, identity, and future. But despite its promises of RPG elements, these decisions often come with limited consequences. For instance, choosing a house will only impact your interaction with your dorm mates, the rewards of side quests, and your clothing aesthetics.

However, one decision that carries significant weight is the path you choose to follow in the Dark Arts. In the game, you are not just encouraged to use the Unforgivable Curses, but you have to actively seek them out. This is a story that takes you on a journey of temptation and darkness, turning you into a cruel and manipulative wizard just like Tom Riddle. But, you do have the option to stay away from the Curses, but it’s unclear how this will impact the overall narrative.

Aside from this, the RPG mechanics of Hogwarts Legacy are limited to character growth and advancement. You can specialize your character through five branches of talents, and level up to increase your statistics. Experience points are earned by engaging in various activities and battles, and higher-level opponents can prove to be a challenge.

However, the leveling and equipment systems are not as impactful as they could be. The constant influx of loot reduces the value of secondary activities and causes the inventory to become cluttered with useless items.

On the bright side, the game offers a rich system of challenges and a wide range of aesthetic customization options. The Room of Requirement is a standout feature, allowing you to build your own house and take care of magical creatures within the Wizarding World. This room provides a solid foundation for longevity in the game, and it’s a great way to extend your stay at Hogwarts even after the finale.

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