Hogwarts Legacy Analysis - Xbox Zone

Hogwarts Legacy, is the latest adaptation of JK Rowling’s magical universe to the world of video games. A title whose main objective is to offer fans of the franchise an unforgettable experience. An experience that is not limited to reliving what has been seen in films and books, but rather tries to expand the story of the saga much more. It is a differential point within the adventure, because, while it is true that the nostalgia factor is very present in this product, it does not become the main claim. Here, the factor that should influence the most when deciding whether or not to buy this game is the desire we have to experience and explore this universe from a completely new angle.

SO, Hogwarts Legacy comes to our consoles by the hand of avalanche software there Warner Bros.. The goal behind this release is pretty clear; to be the best experience of the Harry Potter universe ever created. A goal that, if we are clear in the world of video games, is presumed to be quite affordable. However, we should not divert attention from this adventure, since it would have been very easy to turn the game into a real disaster. Now well,how is the experience of being a young wizard in 2023? Well, let me tell you, far from perfect, it’s good enough to spend a good number of hours of fun.

back to hogwarts

The beginning of our adventure takes us to the middle of the 19th century, allowing us to experience an alternative vision of the history of Hogwarts. It is at this stage that our character, due to his relationship with a very rare type of magic (arcane magic), can afford to enter the famous school in the fifth year. Something very unusual, but possible for us thanks to this strange quality and our affinity with Professor Fig. Also, as the main plot, we have a goblin rebellion in the background that seems to have the wizarding world on hold.

. With all this and after a brief tutorial we will arrive at the school.

The feelings of our arrival at Hogwarts are simply magical, a touch of nostalgia that makes the child in us smile. It’s not for nothing, the artistic section and the decor are among the most powerful weapons of this new adaptation. The studio knows this and uses it masterfully so that during the first bars of the adventure we are glued to the seat, wanting to experience moments as memorable as those of the original work. In a way, he achieves this, and this is undoubtedly one of his great achievements. Shortly after arriving at Hogwarts, we will have to go through the sorting hat, a procedure that could have been much more thorough but is solved with only two questions. However, it should be clarified that the choice of the house does not have a particular impact on the main plot, but on some secondary activities.

After choosing a home and going through our rooms, it will be hard not to be amazed when contemplating the amount of detail the rooms have. Full of students, photos and direct references to our house. The whole castle itself is extremely well maintained and exploring its recesses becomes one of the most rewarding experiences of adventure. In addition to this powerful artistic section, the game has not neglected the sound section. Count with its classic melodies, as well as a simply exceptional dubbing.

Go to class

Having such a late arrival at Hogwarts allows the game to experiment not only with classes but with additional tasks that our teachers will ask us. The classes in which we live Hogwarts Legacyconvey the same feelings as the films at the time, in fact the personalities of the various teachers are a clear example of this. In each of the classes we will discover new spells and enchantments, as well as new functions such as flight, herbalism or the possibility of creating our own potions. While it is true that at first there may be too much information, the reality is that these are fairly simple systems.

In itself, the game tries to introduce us to all the activities that appear in the books, but it does not delve into any of them

. Generating that in many cases gamers end up ignoring many of these possibilities. This is also motivated by the fact that the game does not encourage the player to use potions or take the time to investigate these systems. Remaining for the majority in a second or third plan.

On another side, spells will be the main tool of the game, allowing us to explore the world in depth, while being the main tool for a wide variety of combinations in battle.

Open Kedavra

Another of the pillars found in Hogwarts Legacy It’s your battle system. At first I must say that I had a lot of doubts about it, but as the hours went by they were dissipated. His fight is quite solid and dynamic. In addition to a basic attack with our wand, we will have the possibility of using a large number of spells during combat. These will allow us to make spectacular combinations that we can complete using powerful arcane magic.

Also, during combat, enemies will have shields of different colors. In order to break down these defenses, we’ll have to use one type of spell or another, which gives the fight some depth and variety. It should be clarified at this point that there is not a huge variety of threats in the adventure, although the combat itself is quite enjoyable. What’s not so nice is its gear and talent system.

In that sense, I have to say that both systems feel totally wasted. The equipment system looks like simple paperwork, a collection of items with different rarities that the player simply changes, but which have no real impact on gameplay.

In addition to the fact that every few minutes we will find more and more loot, which makes the progression system lose some of its meaning. On the other hand, we have the talent system, which doesn’t delve into anything and also feels wasted. Be fairly flat and simple.

Beyond the walls of Hogwarts

In addition to the possibilities offered by the college of sorcery, we have many worlds to explore. Within it we will have since the endearing village of Hogsmeade, even small places and paths full of secrets. In itself there is a lot of content, a lot of space to cover either with our broom or on the back of our mount. Now the initial magic starts to fade over the hours.

It was impossible for me not to feel a bit disappointed to explore the outskirts of Hogwarts a bit. And it is that, all this amount of content that comes to us in the form of dungeons, collectibles and other objects does not end up convincing me. Arrive in many times to be tedious. This is due to the constant repetition of the formula. For example, most puzzles and dungeons will have the same pattern and we will have to face them in the same way.

That’s why I have the impression that over the hours, this nostalgic essence ends up dissipating.

A more than remarkable game

Despite this, the game remains a highly recommended experience, especially if we are fans of the saga. If so, we will enjoy this new story like children. Howeverwe cannot ignore that the game is not perfect. Indeed, in addition to the playable flaws we mentioned earlier, the game has some performance issues. Some problems that appear in all its graphic modalities, including the performance mode. Likewise, it is common for us to encounter occasional graphical errors, as well as loading times when moving around the school.

Even with all of this Hogwarts Legacyhas become the best title the Harry Potter franchise has given us.