Hogwarts Legacy has finally arrived, and it largely lives up to the high expectations built over the years. While not flawless, it comes remarkably close to delivering the Harry Potter gaming experience many have dreamed of.
Set in 1890, you play as a unique fifth-year student, new to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Your magical education intertwines with an intriguing mystery involving ancient magic, forgotten figures from the school’s past, and a menacing goblin rebellion.
While the narrative is arguably the game’s weakest aspect, the sheer depth and scope of Hogwarts Legacy compensate for this shortcoming. Unlike many open-world games that prioritize size over substance, Hogwarts Legacy feels vast and purposeful. It evokes a sense of wonder reminiscent of Red Dead Redemption 2 or The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
hogwarts-legacy.jpg
The game extends far beyond the familiar confines of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade, breathing life into the wider wizarding world. The Forbidden Forest, for example, is genuinely unsettling, with giant spiders, watchful centaurs, and hidden caves. One memorable encounter involved a troll ambushing me near a cave. After narrowly escaping its boulder barrage on my broomstick, I couldn’t help but appreciate the game’s dynamic open-world encounters.
A Vibrant and Immersive World
Hogwarts itself is teeming with life. From students opening Howlers to ghosts causing mischief, the castle feels authentic and dynamic. Avalanche Studios has masterfully crafted a bustling environment that captures the magic of the books and films.
Hogwarts Life and RPG Elements
Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t adhere strictly to a school schedule like Bully or Persona. While you do have companions, there are no deep relationships to cultivate or mandatory classes to attend. Instead, professors assign homework tasks that reward you with new spells and tools. Social interactions are limited, with most student interactions revolving around completing favors.
The game’s linearity may surprise some, especially given the initial character customization and house selection. Choices and branching paths appear to have minimal impact on the overarching narrative.
Spellbinding Combat
Where Hogwarts Legacy truly shines is its combat system. You have a basic spell for rapid firing and can customize a set of four more potent spells, many drawn directly from the Harry Potter universe. From levitation to incantations of fire, the possibilities are diverse.
hogwarts-legacy-dragon.jpg
Strategic spell combinations unlock the combat’s true potential. For example, you could levitate an enemy, pull them closer with Accio, and then unleash Incendio. As you progress and learn more spells, combat becomes increasingly dynamic and rewarding.
“Ancient magic” attacks provide spectacular finishing moves, from shrinking spiders to unleashing devastating lightning strikes. While the violence might seem jarring in a game about young wizards, it’s undeniably satisfying.
The lock-on system, however, can be cumbersome, particularly in confined spaces. Targeting the wrong enemy can lead to wasted spells and momentary vulnerability.
A Magical Experience, Despite Minor Flaws
Hogwarts Legacy isn’t perfect. The narrative could be more compelling, and the RPG elements are somewhat underdeveloped. However, the game’s immersive world, engaging combat, and authentic portrayal of the Harry Potter universe make it a truly magical experience.
hogwarts-legacy-hippogriffs.jpg
Hogwarts Legacy successfully translates the visual language of the films into an interactive experience. Despite a promising year of game releases ahead, Hogwarts Legacy has already secured its place as one of the best games of 2023.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Hogwarts Legacy released on February 7th for Deluxe Edition owners and February 10th for everyone else on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC. A PS5 copy of the game was provided by the publisher for this review.
