Hogwarts Legacy is an upcoming action RPG set in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, the game has generated a lot of buzz among fans of the franchise. Released in February 2023, Hogwarts Legacy promised an immersive experience where players can attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, cast spells, and explore a vast open-world. However, despite its potential, Hogwarts Legacy falls short in many areas, as we will discuss in this review.

Graphics:

One of the first things that struck me when playing Hogwarts Legacy was the outdated graphics. The game’s textures are low-resolution, and the character models feel stiff and robotic. While the environment design is impressive, the overall graphics package is underwhelming. The lack of detail in the textures can make some scenes look bland and uninteresting, which can break immersion. The lighting effects are also underwhelming, with little to no shadow and reflection work.

Furthermore, the animation quality is disappointing. Character animations are stiff, and the lip-syncing is sometimes off. In some cases, characters’ movements and facial expressions feel unnatural and robotic, detracting from the overall immersion. While the game is still in development, it is hard to believe that these issues will be fixed before release.

Gameplay:

The gameplay is another aspect of Hogwarts Legacy that is disappointing. The combat mechanics are clunky and unsatisfying. While the game offers a variety of spells and magical abilities to the player, the actual combat feels repetitive and lacks depth. The spells don’t feel particularly impactful, and the enemies don’t have much variety. The game’s targeting system can also be frustrating, as it is imprecise, making it difficult to aim at specific targets.

The game’s exploration is also lacking in depth and variety. While Hogwarts Legacy offers a vast open-world to explore, there is little to do beyond the primary story missions. Side missions and activities are limited, and the game’s world feels empty and lifeless. Additionally, the game’s fast travel system is limited, making it tedious to travel between different locations in the game world.

Story and Characters:

The story and characters of Hogwarts Legacy are underwhelming. The game’s story follows a generic narrative of a chosen one rising to save the world from dark forces, which is not particularly original. The characters feel one-dimensional and lack the depth and complexity that we have come to expect from the Harry Potter universe. The game’s dialogue can also feel stilted and uninspired, failing to capture the magic and wonder of the world it is set in.

Furthermore, the game’s handling of diversity and inclusivity is problematic. The game allows players to create their own character, which is a welcome feature. However, the game’s portrayal of marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ characters, is problematic. Reports have suggested that the game allows players to discriminate against transgender characters, which is a deeply concerning issue that needs to be addressed.

Conclusion:

Overall, Hogwarts Legacy is a disappointing addition to the Harry Potter universe. While the game has the potential to be an immersive and engaging experience, it falls short in many areas. The outdated graphics, clunky gameplay, and lackluster story make it hard to recommend the game to anyone, even the most ardent Harry Potter fans. The game’s problematic handling of diversity and inclusivity is also a cause for concern. As such, I can only give Hogwarts Legacy a score of 2 out of 10.