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Fans have been in wait for the arrival of Hogwarts Legacy for a while, and while it's only just been released, many are debating whether the game lives up to the hype. Most open-world RPG games are arguably too similar in overall gameplay, but there's something undeniably charming about this one that brings players into the Wizarding World.
Despite the weight of its problematic background, the world of Harry Potter impresses players, even without the titular character. Whether gamers are interested in casting spells with a wand from Ollivander's or simply exploring the giant castle and beyond, there something for everyone in Hogwarts Legacy.
10 The Music Is Reminiscent Of The Films
Perhaps one of the most understated aspects of Hogwarts Legacy so far is the incorporation of its music. While original scores complement the atmosphere, there are distinct tunes that sound remarkably similar to the music of the Harry Potter films.
The music immerses players in the world with nostalgic and magical notes. The feeling that only "Hedwig's Theme" and "Leaving Hogwarts" can instill in fans comes back during certain quests throughout the map. Hogwarts Legacy's music alone is enough to keep players engaged.
9 Hogwarts Legacy Pays Great Attention To Detail
Of course, attention to detail should be an essential factor in every game, but Harry Potter fans are taking notice of the developers' work in the game. From the stunning landscapes of Scotland to the liveliness of Hogsmeade Village, the creators put passion and heart into Hogwarts Legacy for gamers to appreciate.
Even the most minute details are included, like the abundance of greenery in the Hufflepuff common room. Fortunately, these details aren't exclusive to the castle's interior and its surroundings, but extend all the way out to Diagon Alley and beyond.
8 The Gameplay Is Genuinely Fun
Those who are several quests deep into Hogwarts Legacy can attest to the fact that something is endearing about the overall gameplay. Aside from the vast amount of things to do and see, the game ensures that those who always awaited their Hogwarts letter get to live out their dream of being a Wizard or Witch.
Hogwarts Legacy incorporates mini tutorials in a class by teaching players valuable spells. Whether gamers find themselves wanting to explore the map or engage in combat, the side quests and main objectives are never tiresome.
7 Hogwarts Legacy Has A Vast Selection Of Character Customizations
While sorting into a house might be the most crucial decision to make, creating a character is just as important. Creating a character's outward appearance is just one part of the identity portion. Hogwarts Legacy even provides the option to alter a character's voice.
Players get to choose from an extensive amount of physical assets from facial structure, skin complexion, eye and hair color, down to the freckles and accessories. While this might be less exciting for some looking to jump right into the action, the library of character customization options Hogwarts Legacy offers is a fantastic starting point.
6 The World Is Indeed Massive (And Daunting)
Like all open-world games, Hogwarts Legacy is no different when it comes to the size of the map and the amount of exploring it takes to learn every path and shortcut. It can even be a little daunting when locating a specific object or completing tasks.
However, the size of Hogwarts Legacy's map is more than welcome. Fans would find little to complain about when the open concept provides an enchanting experience. The most exciting part of navigating the world is getting to see the places that were only briefly mentioned in the films.
5 Experiences Differ Slightly From House To House
Even though Hogwarts Legacy's main objectives are essentially the same for each house, choosing a house affects a player's overall experience. The individual houses are known to separate characters based on certain qualities, from the cunning of Slytherins to the bravery of Gryffindors.
In Hogwarts Legacy, players get to pick their house and make it count, although it will take a few playthroughs to achieve 100%. From how NPCs treat them to the strict color scheme of their outfits, gamers' choices will slightly differ in their gameplay.
4 Players Can Learn The Dark Arts, But Still Be The Hero
Talks of becoming a "dark wizard" arose near Hogwarts Legacy's release when developers admitted that the unforgivable curses could be used in-game. However, it's not so cut and dry for gamers to be the "bad guy."
The central conflict in Hogwarts Legacy will set players on a course to be the hero whether they want to or not.
Of course, the idea of heroism can be subjective, but those who expected to jump in and cast Crucios and Avadas right off the bat will have to put in the well-deserved hours, to learn the dark arts and use them with intention.
3 There's An Abundance Of Things To Do, See, And Collect
With a map as vast as Hogwarts Legacy, it's expected that there will be various characters, objectives, tasks, and more. Games can be an investment nowadays, but this one is worth every Galleon.
While the battles have already been critiqued for being somewhat repetitive, there's so much more for players to experience within Hogwarts Legacy's story. The collectibles alone will take players on quite a journey to obtain them all and complete quests on the side. Even then, discovering every inch of the castle is a quest in itself.
2 The Graphics Are Impressive For An Open-World RPG Of Its Size
Graphics can make or break a game. Today, video game graphics are often immaculate, particularly in those that are primarily narrative driven. However, in open-world RPGs the size of Hogwarts Legacy, like that of Red Dead Redemption or Elden Ring, the graphics and mechanics aren't always perfect.
However, the graphics don't have to be. They shouldn't be the driving force in a game that establishes a massive universe full of challenges and exciting story elements. That being said, Hogwarts Legacy does a tremendous job of incorporating graphics of an impressive caliber.
1 Spell Casting Is More Fun Than Anyone Could Have Expected
Fans can name a handful of spells from the top of their heads. Lumos, Leviosa, and Expecto Patronum are some of the most popular spells in the Harry Potter universe, but they're just a few. Something is exciting about going to class and learning new tricks that come in handy for defeating enemies or revealing hidden items.
Hogwarts Legacy's usage of spell casting and requiring players to understand which spell is best for specific situations is appreciated. What could have been an oversimplified defense system remains a fun inventory of magical spell casting.