Hogwarts Legacy must have cast an enchantment spell on me throughout Sony's State of Play event for the fact that I am totally mesmerized by its beauty.
My interest in Harry Potter disappeared shortly after the release of the third book, The Prisoner of Azkaban. It's not because I didn't like the books, I just blame the movie adaptations. The Harry Potter in my head was usurped by the poor acting of a young Daniel Radcliffe and company. and I have never been able to change the representations of him since that moment.
So I wasn't expecting to have just a passing interest in Hogwarts Legacy, but was drawn to its richly detailed planet, magical combat mechanics, and role-playing game systems on display. The inventory lifted the curse of petrifaction that hit my heart many years ago.
massive muggle
Hogwarts Legacy is the invigorating tonic you've been waiting for. I am thrilled to rediscover what has always been an amazing magical planet, and one that has never presented itself in such complicated ways before. From exploring the twisting corridors of Hogwarts with their secret nooks and crannies, to hopping on a broomstick and soaring through the skies, Hogwarts Legacy is so packed with things to do, I can't imagine how moved he is. Potter enthusiasts must be.
Even the game's combat, an area I was sure would be a defining factor, seems to be witty, engaging and, as you'd surely expect, quite magical. You can smash opponents into the ground repeatedly just like a cartoon sketch, concoct stat-boosting potions to deal more damage, burn opponents to ash with blazing fire attacks, and unleash a fire from your wand just like it's Chinese New Year. It's a show.
I was also surprised to learn that you can actually kill people in Hogwarts Legacy. The Killing Curse spell is included in the game, which I didn't expect in a franchise as familiar as Harry Potter. I'm not a sadist or anything, not that I'm bummed about hitting Bowser with a star in the next Super Mario game, but knowing that developer Avalanche Software isn't afraid to fall back on the darker side of the source material . it has me intrigued.
You are a magician, Adam
But above all, Harry and the rest of his other well-to-do little actors are nowhere to be found in Hogwarts Legacy. It's a clear break from the movies and books in many ways, as the game is set in the late XNUMXth century and features a unique story that requires no prior knowledge to play.
Hogwarts Legacy also lets you create your wizard, an essential step that will let you dive into the planet, and you can narrow down your fighting style by choosing which talents and abilities to unlock. That in itself is a huge help, and judging by the gameplay trailer we've seen, your created character isn't going to look out of place among the rest of the game's cast.
However, perhaps Hogwarts Legacy's greatest strength is how thick and detailed the planet is. There are magical beasts to encounter, mystical threats to battle, secret areas to discover, and even active seasons to mark the change of season of the school year as you roam the grounds of Hogwarts. It's amazing how much content Avalanche Software packed into the game: there's more to consume here than you'd find in Hogwarts' Great Hall over dinner, and nothing felt out of place or cramped unnecessarily.
I was rum
Hogwarts Legacy still has a lot to prove: a carefully crafted trailer isn't indicative of the final game, but it's undeniably full of promise. I'm still amazed at how it all turned out, and it clearly looks like a game that's best enjoyed with all the bells and whistles present on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Like your character in Hogwarts Legacy, who joins the Philosopher's Stone at a later age, this Muggle has to catch up when it comes to Harry Potter. (I also really want to ride a Griffin.)