Hogwarts Legacy is a fantastic, long-overdue game that brings together both the Harry Potter community and gaming community. The game’s expansive world provides an opportunity for ample exploration, with something new to see around every corner. From running through the fields to flying on magical brooms and bird-like creatures called hippogriffs, there are a wide array of options for travel. You can also use the “floo flames,” which can take you from one place on the map to another near-instantly. 

The story begins in Diagon Alley, a popular shopping center for witches and wizards in Harry Potter. After facing a dragon attack and an encounter with an evil goblin named Ranrok at the wizard bank Gringotts,  you begin your Hogwarts experience after being sorted into one of the four houses; Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and the infamous Slytherin. After being sorted, you begin your classes the next morning, where you begin to learn spells that you can use while you explore or are in combat. Meanwhile, you can explore the vast castle and assist fellow students during side missions. Though these side missions don’t have an effect on the main story, they are often entertaining and offer rewards. As you continue your classes, you discover new spells and fight enemies throughout your school year.

The graphics in Hogwarts Legacy are stunning and immersive. As I played, it felt as if I was actually roaming the vast hallways of the castle. With vibrant colors and detailed textures, the game provides an extraordinary visual experience. Unfortunately, the game doesn’t run as well on lower-end computers or older consoles. I have a relatively high-end computer, though I still had to adjust many settings in order to have a smooth experience. With that being said, I’m sure most people would agree that performance is a worthy sacrifice in order to enjoy the cinematic aspects of the game. The animations are smooth and dynamic, which makes for fluid gameplay. You can dive and roll, which is especially helpful during battles in order to avoid enemy attacks. As you explore the map and castles, you can find other students who offer quests to complete for rewards. You must also travel around the map to find quests that progress the main story. There are a variety of hamlets, or small towns, littered around the map. 

The game allows players to cast numerous spells for combat or for fun. You can make a light with “Lumos” or disarm an opponent with “Expelliarmus.” The only complaint I have with the spells is that you can only have four spells available to cast at once. If you wish to use a different spell, you must open a menu and replace one spell with the one you want to use, which is especially annoying if you need several different spells to complete a task or battle. Despite this, the spells are certainly balanced well and each has particular strengths and weaknesses. Because of this, each spell provides a specific use. You can also use different magical clothing items in order to protect yourself or make yourself more powerful. 

Overall, Hogwarts Legacy is a beautiful game with plenty of interesting quests and opportunities for exploration, both of which can keep you hooked for hours. For those who enjoy open-world role-playing games and the Harry Potter series, Hogwarts Legacy has all you could ask for.