Hogwarts Legacy

Developer: Avalanche Software
Release: Feb 10th 2023
Platforms:
Action
Adventure
RPG
Immersive
Magical
Exploration
Repetitive
Technical Issues
Hogwarts Legacy Poster

" Immersive action-adventure RPG with creative spell combat but a bland main story "

Hogwarts Legacy Review

Hogwarts Legacy is a visually stunning open-world RPG that immerses players in the magical Harry Potter universe, especially appealing to fans eager to explore Hogwarts and its surroundings. The game offers a vast world filled with collectibles, spellcasting mechanics, and varied activities such as beast taming and potion brewing. Combat is generally praised for its fun and strategic spell combinations, though it becomes easier with powerful spells late in the game. The detailed environments and authentic sound design contribute to a magical atmosphere.

However, many players criticize the game’s story as bland, with unengaging characters and a lack of meaningful choices that impact the narrative. Quests are often repetitive and uninspired, frequently reduced to fetch tasks. Technical issues such as janky controls, optimization problems, and bugs detract from the experience for some. The absence of Quidditch and limited RPG depth also disappointed fans. Overall, while it delivers an enchanting world and enjoyable combat, the game falls short in storytelling and polish.

Highlights

Players most praise the immersive recreation of Hogwarts and surrounding magical world, noting the detailed environments and authentic Harry Potter atmosphere. The combat system is highlighted for its fun, strategic spellcasting and satisfying mechanics. Exploration is rewarding with numerous collectibles and Easter eggs, and features like beast taming and potion crafting add depth. The graphics and sound design receive frequent commendations for their quality and contribution to the magical feel. Fans appreciate the freedom to customize characters and the engaging side activities that enrich the open-world experience.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the bland and predictable storyline with unmemorable characters and limited player agency. Many quests are described as repetitive fetch tasks lacking twists or excitement. Technical issues such as poor optimization, stuttering, bugs, and janky controls hinder gameplay for some users. The game’s RPG elements and side content are considered shallow, with filler content detracting from engagement. The absence of iconic elements like Quidditch and the lack of meaningful consequences for choices further disappoint fans. Overall, the game feels incomplete and sometimes tedious despite its strong worldbuilding.

Pros

  • The open world is beautifully detailed and immersive for Harry Potter fans.
  • Combat mechanics are fun, allowing creative spell combinations.
  • Exploration offers rewarding collectibles and secrets throughout the map.
  • Authentic sound and music enhance the magical atmosphere.
  • Customization options for characters and gear are satisfying.
  • Beast taming and potion brewing add enjoyable gameplay layers.
  • Graphics are stunning with impressive art direction and environments.

Cons

  • The main story is bland, predictable, and lacks depth.
  • Many quests are repetitive fetch tasks with little excitement.
  • Technical issues include bugs, stuttering, and poor optimization.
  • Controls and UI can be janky and immersion-breaking.
  • Lack of meaningful player choices reduces replay value.
  • Characters are often unmemorable and poorly developed.
  • The world, though beautiful, sometimes feels empty or lifeless.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world.

Release Date Feb 10th 2023
Publisher Warner Bros. Games
Developer Avalanche Software
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (127,108)
92% Positive 8% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83