Hogwarts Legacy Review (PS5)

Step into the enchanting world of Hogwarts with Hogwarts Legacy, the highly anticipated action role-playing game set in the wizarding world of Harry Potter. After an eagerly awaited release on Next Generation consoles in February 2023, the game has finally arrived on older generation consoles, including PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, allowing a wider audience to embark on this captivating magical journey. Developed by Portkey Games, Hogwarts Legacy offers a spellbinding experience that immerses players in the rich lore, vibrant characters, and captivating gameplay of the wizarding world.

Hogwarts Legacy takes players on a thrilling adventure set in the 19th century, long before the events of the Harry Potter series. As a student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, you find yourself immersed in a world brimming with wonder, mystery, and danger. The game presents an engaging narrative that explores the secrets of the wizarding world, while allowing you to shape your own destiny through choices and actions.

One of the standout aspects of Hogwarts Legacy is its meticulously crafted cast of characters. From the wise and enigmatic professors to your fellow students, each character brings depth and personality to the game. Interacting with them unveils unique stories, quests, and relationships that enhance the overall immersion. Furthermore, the world of Hogwarts feels alive and vibrant, with beautifully designed locations such as the iconic halls of the school, the enchanting streets of Hogsmeade, and the foreboding Forbidden Forest. The attention to detail in both visuals and sound design creates a truly immersive experience, making you feel like a part of the wizarding world.

As a young wizard, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and master a wide array of spells and magical abilities. The gameplay mechanics in Hogwarts Legacy provide a satisfying blend of challenge and reward. Casting spells, engaging in exhilarating duels, solving intricate puzzles, and navigating through the vast and varied environments of the wizarding world are just a few examples of the exciting activities that await you. Additionally, attending classes taught by esteemed professors, participating in Quidditch matches, and encountering magical creatures add further depth and immersion to the gameplay experience.

Hogwarts Legacy offers players the freedom to make choices that impact the narrative and their character’s journey. The decisions you make throughout the game have consequences that ripple throughout the story, shaping the relationships you form and the paths you take. This element of choice and consequence adds replayability and allows for a personalized experience, making each playthrough unique.

Having arrived on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One two weeks ago, Hogwarts Legacy delivers a visually impressive experience on older generation consoles. While it may not reach the same level of graphical fidelity as the Next Generation versions, the game still captures the magic and beauty of the wizarding world. The environments are richly detailed, and the character animations are fluid, immersing players in a captivating visual experience. Additionally, the game maintains a smooth performance, ensuring a seamless gameplay experience.

Conclusion

Hogwarts Legacy is a must-play game for fans of the Harry Potter franchise and all lovers of immersive storytelling. With its captivating narrative, vibrant characters, spellbinding gameplay, and the freedom to shape your own destiny, Hogwarts Legacy offers an enchanting adventure that will transport you to the wizarding world like never before. Whether you’re exploring the halls of Hogwarts, uncovering ancient mysteries, or forging unforgettable relationships, the game captures the essence of the beloved franchise while delivering an engaging and magical experience. Don your robes, grab your wand, and prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts Legacy is a true testament to the enduring magic of the Harry Potter universe.

Hogwarts Legacy was originally launched on 7 February 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S and Microsoft Windows. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One version was released on 5 May 2023, which included an RTX and DLSS upgrade for Microsoft Windows, with the Nintendo Switch launch scheduled for 14 November 2023. My family and I spent so much time playing Hogwarts Legacy, that we invested into getting the Platinum Trophy… and we did! This is a must play title for newcomers and established fans! Now we just need Quidditch!

At the time of posting this review, the digital PlayStation version is available on PSN for R1,249.00 as where the Xbox Series X version is available at BT Games for R1,099.00. You can already pre-order the Nintendo Switch edition from the Nintendo SA site for R1,299.00.