In Hogwarts Legacy, players assume the role of a fifth-year student at the titular school, immediately thrust into a compelling narrative. The protagonist must quickly catch up to their peers while simultaneously discovering traces of ancient magic. These traces are perceptible to few, and the player, alongside Professor Fig, endeavors to unravel the mystery while managing academic responsibilities and forging new relationships. Set in the 1890s, Hogwarts Legacy features no characters from the established films or books, though players will encounter their ancestors. Throughout the game, players will learn new spells, enhance their abilities, acquire new attire, and, most importantly, obtain their very own broom.
The anticipation surrounding Hogwarts Legacy as one of 2023’s major releases is undeniable. Originally slated for 2021, the game’s release was subsequently delayed to 2022 before finally arriving. Following a preview of Hogwarts Legacy, the sheer scale of the game was immediately apparent. Due to restrictions on exploration at the preview event, the review copy was eagerly awaited to fully immerse oneself in this expansive and meticulously crafted world.
The game begins with character creation, offering a robust suite of customization options. Once the player has designed their avatar and chosen a name, the adventure commences. The initial stages serve as both a narrative introduction and a practical tutorial, familiarizing players with movement and spellcasting mechanics before arriving at Hogwarts. Upon reaching the school, players learn new spells, selecting and assigning them for quick access and strategic deployment in various situations. As the game progresses, the number of available spells for quick-casting increases.
Throughout the game, players continuously acquire new skills through various lessons. They can brew potions and cultivate ingredients in the school’s greenhouse. As with many open-world titles, Hogwarts Legacy features a main storyline supplemented by numerous side quests offered by students and teachers.
Hogwarts Legacy presents an exceptionally expansive game world. The initial visit to Hogsmeade highlights the extraordinary level of detail. Every element, from the foliage to the architecture and non-player characters, demonstrates a clear dedication to creating an immersive environment. The village of Hogsmead, with its diverse shops, cobblestone streets, and inhabitants, exemplifies this meticulous design.
The voice acting is expertly cast, the score is appropriately magical, and the sound effects are meticulously implemented, contributing to a superb overall audio experience.
While not previously a devoted follower of the Harry Potter franchise, finding the books inaccessible and the films enjoyable but unremarkable, Hogwarts Legacy has proven captivating. The desire to explore the game’s world and the ease with which time passes within it are compelling. This contrasts sharply with experiences such as Forspoken, where the world often felt sparsely populated and repetitive.
One aspect of Hogwarts Legacy that warrants further consideration is the implementation of the house selection mechanic (Slytherin, etc.). While the game does allow players to be sorted into different houses based on their responses to the Sorting Hat, the impact on gameplay is limited. The choice of house does not significantly alter the player’s relationships or interactions with teachers, making it primarily a cosmetic distinction.
Initially, the control scheme, requiring the right trigger to be held down while selecting spells with the right thumb, presented a challenge, leading to discomfort during extended gameplay sessions. However, with practice, the combat system becomes engaging, offering opportunities to develop unique combat strategies based on spell combinations. The game exhibits a compelling “one more try” quality, encouraging players to persevere even after setbacks. The difficulty level can also be adjusted at any point to accommodate player preference.
A minor drawback lies in occasional graphical inconsistencies. Some textures exhibit glitches, and character hair can appear somewhat artificial. However, a planned “first-day patch” aims to address these issues. On the other hand, the game’s support for frame rates up to 120fps is a significant advantage, resulting in a fluid and responsive experience. Even during intense combat scenarios, the Playstation 5 maintains a commendable 90-100 frames per second.
In conclusion, Hogwarts Legacy earns a strong recommendation. While not previously immersed in the Harry Potter universe, the game’s immersive world and engaging gameplay are undeniably compelling. Fans of the books and films will likely find the experience even more rewarding. Soaring through the air on a broomstick while the score swells is a particularly exhilarating and memorable moment.
Warner Bros Games provided a review copy for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence editorial objectivity.
