After much anticipation and a fair share of controversy, the highly-awaited video game, Hogwarts Legacy, is finally gracing the screens of gamers this week. It's available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, and it has ignited a significant wave of curiosity and debate among both fans and critics. So, what's the verdict?
Reviews for this enchanting open-world game have started rolling in, just in time for its release. For those who opted for the Deluxe edition, Hogwarts Legacy became available on February 7, while the standard edition will follow suit on February 10. Moreover, the game is on its way to PS4 and Xbox One in April, with the Nintendo Switch edition scheduled for release in July 2023. Fans have been holding their breath for Hogwarts Legacy since its initial slated release in 2021, which was subsequently pushed back to 2022 and then, once again, to 2023.
As players embark on their magical journey, they find themselves stepping into the shoes of fifth-year students at Hogwarts in the 1890s. Beyond exploring the iconic castle and mastering spells, players will venture outside the castle walls. What makes this adventure truly unique is the player character's rare gift – the ability to perceive the "whispers of ancient magic" – which serves as the guiding light on their extraordinary journey.
Now, let's dive into some of the review scores and excerpts below. Please note that one publication chose to publish an editorial piece rather than a traditional review, and we've included it in this roundup. For an even deeper analysis of the critical reception of Hogwarts Legacy.
It's essential to acknowledge that Hogwarts Legacy is developed by Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It's a game that hasn't been without its share of controversy, owing to the transphobic comments made by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Although Rowling isn't directly involved in the game's development, she stands to benefit from its success. For a more profound exploration of how Rowling's comments have impacted the transgender community and to discover ways to support transgender creators and charities, delve into our in-depth article on the matter.
Game Details:
Game: Hogwarts Legacy
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Developer: Avalanche Software
Release Dates: Early access on February 7; Standard edition on February 10.
Pricing: $80 Deluxe / $70 Standard
Review Highlights:
IGN - 9/10
"In nearly every way, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter RPG I've always wanted to play." – Travis Northup
GamesHub
"If you buy this game, you are making a choice. You are choosing to support J.K. Rowling, even if just in a small way. And if you deliberately weigh the costs and decide that your personal enjoyment of a video game is worth supporting a trans-exclusionary radical feminist, that indulging your nostalgia is more precious than supporting the transgender community? Well, one tree might not make a forest, but it sure is more than none. Trans Rights are Human Rights." – Percy Ranson
True Achievements - 9/10
"Hogwarts Legacy is a magical experience that's bound to go down well with fans of the Wizarding World... Hogwarts Legacy is a fantastic addition to both the franchise and the RPG genre, and an adventure you will not soon forget!" – Tom West
PureXbox - 9/10
"It felt like Hogwarts Legacy was always going to struggle to live up to the hype, but Avalanche Software has managed to deliver an absolutely fantastic open-world adventure that will surely go down as comfortably the best game grounded on the Harry Potter franchise so far." – Fraser Gilbert
VGC - 4/5
"Hogwarts Legacy brilliantly captures the magic of the world of Harry Potter with its beautiful open world, engaging characters, and instigative combat. The best the Wizarding World has been in a video game." – Jordan Middler
GameRant - 4.5/5
"Avalanche has created something truly special with Hogwarts Legacy. It succeeds at being the dream Harry Potter game that numerous fans were hoping for... the best thing to come out of the Harry Potter franchise since the original books and movies." – Dalton Cooper
Dexerto - 4/5
"Hogwarts Legacy is not the perfect game, with the main story falling short in areas and technical issues furnishing some frustrating moments. Avalanche has drafted a magical experience that takes you back to the day you first encountered Harry Potter, retrieving all the passions that came with it." – Alex Garton
The release of Hogwarts Legacy marks a significant moment for fans of the Wizarding World, offering them the opportunity to immerse themselves in a magical adventure unlike any other.
.jpg)
.jpg)
