New Hogwarts Legacy: A Spellbinding Exploration of Magic, Nostalgia, and Controversy

Legacies are intricate entities. They embody the history of the past yet exist within the context of the present, forever negotiating the influences of two separate realms. Over time, legacies may fade or take on new interpretations. Grasping their essence is akin to exploring multiple timelines. So, what does the Harry Potter legacy signify? For someone like me, a millennial who was swept up in the wave of Pottermania, JK Rowling’s magical series feels like cherished family treasures. The entire collection of seven books stands in tidy chronological order on my shelf, untouched as the years pass. However, resembling family heirlooms, they’ve also accumulated a bit of dust and indifference. Admittedly, they occupy considerably less space in my thoughts than they do on my bookshelf.

In contrast, while the Harry Potter movies have achieved remarkable commercial success, they aren’t exactly celebrated as cultural landmarks. The less discussed about the recent Fantastic Beasts films, the better. The Wizarding World hasn’t faded away, but it has undoubtedly faced some decline. The realm of Harry Potter thrives on nostalgia, preserved in the hearts of a generation that grew up with the books. Moreover, we have the legacy of JK Rowling. The author behind the highest-selling book series has encountered backlash due to her remarks regarding transgender topics. Numerous actors from the Harry Potter films, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Eddie Redmayne, have bravely and openly opposed her, while some have tactfully distanced themselves from her views. Once seen as a self-made novelist and feminist figure, Rowling is now perceived as a divisive figure among progressives.

This cultural conversation has undoubtedly influenced Hogwarts Legacy, a highly anticipated and controversial triple-A action RPG that launched on February 10 for PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. As one of the year’s major video game releases, Hogwarts Legacy has already established new records and has been selling rapidly. However, it has also faced boycotts due to a portion of the profits being directed as royalties to Rowling. Despite all the discussions surrounding the game, it undeniably resonates with the Harry Potter fanbase. In our initial impressions, Hogwarts Legacy emerged as a commendable return to the Wizarding World — the highly anticipated Harry Potter game fans had long wished for. But underneath the glittery Harry Potter exterior, which grants it cultural significance, does the substance of the game hold its own?

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The brief response is an emphatic yes. Hogwarts Legacy is not only a commendable video game but may surpass its role as a mere extension of the Harry Potter universe. Familiar elements are present with often breathtaking attention to detail and respect — the magnificent Hogwarts castle, the delightful bell-and-chime score reminiscent of John Williams’ iconic music from the films, and an array of hidden treasures and collectibles scattered throughout the game world — yet I found myself captivated by the sheer gameplay experience. The wand-based magic combat impressed me more than anything else. It serves as a lesson in effective yet straightforward game design. Hogwarts Legacy’s combat could have easily devolved into a standard third-person spell-shooter, but instead, it offers a vibrant array of combinations and spell manipulation. Exploring the Hogwarts grounds as well as the surrounding highlands and villages is consistently enjoyable and immersive. While a fast travel system cleverly integrates Harry Potter lore, I frequently found myself soaring on my broom to reach my quest objectives. The diverse cast of non-player characters ensures that side activities and distractions feel refreshing and entertaining. Although the essence of the Wizarding World makes sure that charm rarely turns into monotony, I never felt burdened by assignments.

The majestic Hogwarts castle
Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Manas Mitul

Hogwarts Legacy astonishes right from the beginning. After creating your preferred wizard or witch, the game embarks on an expansive, dynamic opening act that is reminiscent of the early escapades depicted in the books. As a new fifth-year student en route to Hogwarts alongside Professor Fig, you face a dragon attack, experience teleportation via a Portkey, and subsequently find yourself entangled in the heart of a long-buried mystery situated within the caverns of Gringotts Wizarding Bank. You quickly uncover a Goblin rebellion and a dark wizard plot to revive a long-forgotten form of magic. This ancient magic flows through you, marking you as the long-lost key to solving the mystery.

The story of Hogwarts Legacy centers around this mystical magic, with sources hidden throughout the realm. You encounter students and professors from previous eras, converse with enchanted paintings, and chase after ghosts as you gradually unravel the narrative threads. The storytelling unfolds in a way that captures the essence of a novel, encouraging exploration as quests unfold gradually. Main storylines are accompanied by side activities that further enrich the world and its cast of characters. Changes in your surroundings, even within Hogwarts itself, manifest subtly but noticeably over time. At one point, carved pumpkins appeared throughout the castle, signaling the arrival of Halloween.

Possibly Hogwarts Legacy’s greatest achievement is its accurate portrayal of the school experience. Its secondary characters are written with distinct personalities that shine through. Sebastian Sallow is playful yet ambitious and plays a significant role in the main storyline; Poppy Sweeting prioritizes magical creatures over people; Nerida Roberts is fascinated by merpeople and is often seen near the Hogwarts Lake. Your professors boast unique personalities as well. Your Potions instructor Aesop Sharp, a former Auror, is strict and hard to impress; Mirabel Garlick, the young Herbology teacher, is kind and considerate; and your Charms professor Abraham Ronen is both charming and witty, always ready with a clever remark. While Hogwarts is richly detailed in every nook and cranny, it is its vibrant occupants that truly animate the environment.

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The Great Hall at Hogwarts is richly detailed
Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Manas Mitul

Wandering around Hogwarts is a fulfilling fantasy experience, and even casual strolls through the castle often reveal new sights or discoveries. You can summon floating Field Guide pages full of Hogwarts lore or observe two enchanted suits of armor battling. Encountering Peeves, the notorious poltergeist, causing chaos or a student floating by like a balloon—possibly a victim of a botched magical experiment—is commonplace. The castle resembles a labyrinth, and it took me hours to become familiar with its layout. You might traverse a hallway and find yourself lost, even after 30 hours of gameplay. The immersion is only briefly interrupted when entering a new section of the castle, as there is a slight loading time before you can pass through; a minor inconvenience to seamless exploration.

Beyond the Hogwarts grounds lies a vast world. The surrounding Scottish Highlands encompass hamlets, marshes, caves, forests, lakes, and beaches, each teeming with challenges and collectibles, including Merlin trials, Ancient Magic locations, infamous enemies, and astronomy tablets. Hogsmeade, the quaint village located just north of the castle, has received equal attention to detail, with famous locations from the books meticulously recreated. The vibrant atmosphere of The Three Broomsticks, the sugary delights of Honeydukes, and the dubious service at the Hog’s Head Inn are all vividly presented. Just beyond Hogsmeade stretches the Forbidden Forest. During the day, the forest is a picturesque sanctuary awash in sunlight, while at night, it morphs into a shadowy maze filled with dense trees and thick fog.

The world of Hogwarts Legacy transforms into a different realm at night
Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Manas Mitul

Classes are held at Hogwarts where you learn spells, but your main adventures largely occur outside the school’s confines. In the wild, you’ll encounter goblins, trolls, dark wizards, and dugbogs. Your wand is your weapon, and your spells serve as ammunition. The combat in Hogwarts Legacy provides a refreshing twist on the conventional third-person action genre. Spells are employed in strategic combinations, turning duels into a choreography between you and the enemy. For instance, you can defend against an attack using the Protego spell by tapping the Triangle button on the PS5 controller to create a protective barrier, use Levioso to lift your opponent into the air, pull them closer with Accio, and finish with Descendo, crashing them back to the ground. This is merely one approach; imaginative combos can be devised, arranging spells from your collection as you see fit.

Adapting your spell wheel dynamically adds another layer to gameplay. Each wheel accommodates four spell slots, which increases as you enhance your abilities. While evading attacks and casting spells in heated situations, you must wisely switch between different spell loadouts, toggling between offensive, control, and powerful magic. This can become chaotic when facing numerous adversaries, but the experience remains exhilarating. Opting for stealth is also an option; you can render yourself invisible with a disillusionment charm while infiltrating enemy hideouts and subtly reduce the number of foes you face. To top it all, performing an Ancient Magic attack is possible once a certain meter fills up. Hogwarts Legacy has crafted a genuinely captivating combat system, though it could have benefitted from the inclusion of companions, mirroring the spirit of the books. While professors and fellow students accompany you on certain quests, a more developed cooperative system for tackling challenges together would enhance the experience. After all, the most memorable school adventures are best shared with friends.

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Hogwarts Legacy’s combat is an exhilarating dance of magic and spell combinations
Photo Credit: Avalanche Software

Beyond the thrilling combat mechanics, Hogwarts Legacy encompasses everything one might expect from an open-world action RPG. The map is dotted with hidden treasures, Merlin Trials, and enemy camps, inviting you on various side quests that allow you to earn experience points and enhance your character with new abilities and superior gear. While these activities generally avoid the monotony that often plagues open-world games due to their careful design and the novelty of the Wizarding World, the collection of gear can sometimes become tedious as they litter the landscape. You may frequently find items like a new pair of gloves offering only marginal enhancements over your current ones or a duplicate hat from hours earlier. This quickly clutters your inventory, requiring periodic selling, dismantling, or discarding of excess items.

Crafting in Hogwarts Legacy is primarily limited to potions and plants, which can be prepared in the Room of Requirement. There is also a loom available for crafting enhancements for your gear. The game introduces a Vivarium, a magical habitat where you can release caught creatures to create a thriving ecosystem. Nurturing these creatures in the Vivarium earns you magical ingredients needed for the loom. While this feature is entirely optional, it can be indulged in for those who enjoy such activities.

Whether wandering through the corridors of Hogwarts or caring for magical creatures, everything presents a visually stunning experience. Hogwarts Legacy excels in crafting atmosphere and achieves a pleasing visual aesthetic for an RPG. It rarely appears wooden or lifeless, a common flaw seen in many big-name genre games. Occasionally, it flirts with the uncanny valley, but even with its slightly awkward animations during cutscenes and dialogues, the game maintains a sense of charm. The splendid design of the castle is striking, and its visual beauty shines whether day or night. However, there are issues with lighting and flickering during gameplay. Additionally, there’s a persistent problem with rendering nature; every time you open a door to go outside, the game takes a moment to load visual effects. Draw distance can also be an issue while soaring on your broom, as objects may appear late in view.

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The experience of riding a Hippogriff around Hogwarts is every bit as enchanting as it sounds
Photo Credit: Screenshot/ Manas Mitul

These concerns are relatively minor. Hogwarts Legacy may not match the visual brilliance of Horizon Forbidden West, but it certainly stands its ground. The game captures a warm, inviting art style that makes it a delight to immerse oneself in its world. On the PlayStation 5, the Performance mode promises a smooth 60fps, although it occasionally dips during climactic fights, maintaining consistency for the most part. There are also two additional modes, Fidelity and Fidelity with Raytracing, offering enhanced graphical quality and precise reflections at the expense of frame rate fluidity.

With Hogwarts Legacy, Avalanche Software has endeavored to cast a broad appeal. It has been a while since a Wizarding World adaptation has authentically captured and expressed the inherent charm of its source material, and Hogwarts Legacy is undoubtedly here to take on that responsibility. Warner Bros. Games understands that there is always a demand for magic. Avalanche has created a product with mass-market appeal that will draw in an audience beyond just gamers, and it will certainly satisfy that group as well.

Hogwarts Legacy successfully checks all the necessary boxes. It could have easily turned out to be a diluted RPG merely trying to profit from its name, but at its core lies a rich and enjoyable game that holds its own, even for those indifferent to Harry Potter. The engaging combat system, consistently astonishing exploration, and a vibrant cast of characters elevate Hogwarts Legacy as if lifted by a levitation spell. Avalanche Software has drawn from a beloved literary work but ensured to infuse it with its own essence.

Pros

• Outstanding combat
• Captivating story
• Endearing cast of characters
• Richly detailed world

Cons

• Attempts to encompass too much
• No companion system
• Inventory management can be tedious

Rating (out of 10): 8

Hogwarts Legacy released February 10 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X.

Pricing begins at Rs. 2,999 for the Standard Edition on Steam and Epic Games Store for PC, while for PS5 it’s Rs. 4,399 on the PlayStation Store and for Xbox Series S/X it’s available at the Xbox Store.