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Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter game fans of the wizarding series have eagerly anticipated for years. With a few exceptions, it's a delightful slice of gaming magic.
Back to School
In typical RPG fashion, Hogwarts Legacy allows you to craft your unique character as you commence your journey. You select your gender, voice, hair color, and other details before embarking on your adventure as a 15-year-old wizard.
A Wand is a Necessity
Nevertheless, you're not just an ordinary student, but a fifth-year latecomer with unexplained extraordinary magical abilities. There's no undue pressure on you to be "the chosen one."
Potion-making is a Must
After an encounter with a dragon and a visit to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, you finally arrive at Hogwarts. You choose your house, find your common room, and dive into school life. This means attending classes, forging friendships with fellow students, and completing homework to learn new spells. These activities are relatively straightforward, like the initial potion lesson, which involves mixing ingredients in a pot. It'd be nice to have more school-related tasks, homework, and a daily schedule like in Persona games.
Instead, Hogwarts Legacy offers a more relaxed version of the school, where you can roam freely at night without consequences and skip school for days without repercussions.
Enchanting Environments
Nonetheless, this freedom is advantageous when exploring the enchanting world of Hogwarts. The castle itself is the standout character, filled with intricate details and a magical ambiance. The corridors teem with paintings, artifacts, and hidden gems, all referencing the Harry Potter books and films.
The music captures the essence of the series, incorporating iconic themes while introducing new compositions. Unlike many RPGs, the music accompanies you throughout the game, enhancing the magical atmosphere.
A Vast World
Hogwarts Legacy brilliantly expands upon the familiar Harry Potter universe. It incorporates movie-inspired locations but masterfully fills the gaps. The game's world extends beyond Hogwarts, encompassing Galtvang, the Forbidden Forest, and beyond. It's a vast map with ruins, magical creatures, and diverse challenges.
You eventually acquire a broomstick, making exploration easier and more enjoyable. Hogwarts Legacy offers a plethora of spells, allowing you to switch between them easily, resulting in dynamic battles.
Explosive Magic
The game introduces numerous spells, which you learn as you progress. The combat system is fast-paced and flashy, though it has room for improvement in terms of balance and enemy variety. Nonetheless, the action and main missions keep you engaged throughout the 30-hour campaign.
Hogwarts Legacy's character-driven narrative, well-written dialogue, and charming characters maintain the game's appeal. While some conversations feel stiff, they serve their purpose. Your dialogue choices have minimal impact on the story.
The promised aspect of "learning the unforgivable curses" plays a smaller role in the final game. While these quests offer intriguing moments, they don't significantly affect the story.
Inventory Woes
One notable flaw is the loot system. The game inundates you with equipment, and managing your inventory can be frustrating. The system doesn't add much to the experience and could use improvement.
Verdict
Hogwarts Legacy is a fantastic game for Harry Potter enthusiasts, offering a magical experience within the wizarding world. The game excels in capturing the essence of the school and providing enjoyable game mechanics. Despite some flaws in the loot system, enemy variety, and facial animations, it offers a vibrant and engaging world filled with secrets and exciting activities.
While not perfect, Hogwarts Legacy is the closest we'll come to the perfect Harry Potter game, delivering magic, wonder, and immersive content.
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