Ever since I was a kid in third grade, I've been waiting for a Harry Potter game that truly captured the essence of receiving an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. There have been decent attempts over the years, but none have managed to fulfill that fantasy as completely as Hogwarts Legacy. This open-world game manages to capture the atmosphere of the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in an astonishing way. Its spell-casting-based combat is exceptionally good, and the characters within it are endearing and unforgettable. Furthermore, the game is packed with activities that can absorb dozens of hours of your time.

While it's not the most impressive technical achievement and suffers from a lack of enemy variety, the issues with Hogwarts Legacy fail to overshadow the magical experience it offers. The game's narrative, while lacking in plot holes, unfolds in a context where the logic of the wizarding world is often left aside. The story begins with the player, a new fifth-year student, arriving at Hogwarts for unclear reasons. From the very beginning, you are immersed in a world where you attend classes and battle fantastical creatures, such as giant spiders.

The character creator is one of the highlights, allowing you to design your ideal wizard or witch. Once you've created your character, you'll find yourself embroiled in a conflict between the wizarding world and an evil goblin. You'll soon discover that you possess extraordinary magical abilities that allow you to perform impressive feats, although these abilities are rarely explained. As you progress, you face a cast of memorable characters who enrich the narrative, turning the struggle between good and evil into an entertaining story.

Spending time with your classmates becomes a fundamental part of the experience. Characters like Sebastian, a charismatic and morally flexible Slytherin, and Natsai, a witty and calm Gryffindor, become endearing friends. Interactions with them, as well as with teachers like the mentor Professor Fig and the jokester Professor Ronan, add depth to the experience. Each of these characters feels like an indispensable piece of the school puzzle, and you can find them wandering the halls, making life at Hogwarts even more immersive.

The world itself is another of the game's great achievements. The developers have brilliantly captured the aesthetics and atmosphere of the wizarding world. Wandering through Hogwarts' stone corridors, exploring secret passages, and flying through the Forbidden Forest on a broomstick is an experience that leaves you awestruck. However, immersion can be interrupted by technical issues, such as frame rate inconsistencies and loading times when opening doors, which can be frustrating.

Combat in Hogwarts Legacy is, surprisingly, one of the highlights. Despite my initial fears about the monotony of spellcasting, the combat system proves to be challenging and engaging. It's not just about throwing balls of light; the key is dodging and countering enemy attacks while executing creative combinations. For example, you can pull enemies towards you with Accio, set them on fire with Incendio, and then launch them through the air with "Bombarda." The ability to chain spells and watch your opponents fall to your abilities is a rewarding experience.

However, as you progress, you realize that enemies tend to repeat themselves. Although there is a variety of creatures, such as dark wizards, spiders, and goblins, the lack of enemy diversity can make battles feel a bit monotonous over time. Despite this, the combat system remains entertaining, and the perfect parry mechanic invites players to hone their skill.

When you're not battling magical creatures, Hogwarts Legacy offers a wide range of side activities. You can decorate your personal space in the Room of Requirement, catch and care for fantastical creatures, practice gardening, or brew potions. You can also engage in clandestine duels with your classmates or even explore the dark side of magic by learning curses like Avada Kedavra. The number of side quests is overwhelming, and while some are simple errands, many involve memorable characters who ask for your help solving their problems or pulling off mischief. These interactions add a level of depth and fun that complements the main narrative.

One of the game's most compelling features is the way it rewards players for their exploration and dedication. Completing side quests not only grants you equipment and cosmetic items, but also allows you to learn new spells. For example, a side quest can grant you the Alohomora spell, which allows you to open doors and access previously unexplored areas. This skill-unlocking mechanic is similar to that of a Metroidvania, where each new spell opens up more possibilities in the vast world of Hogwarts.

The equipment you find throughout your adventure not only has an aesthetic impact but also offers resistances and upgrades to your character. While you can't create complex builds, the ability to customize and upgrade your equipment adds a level of satisfaction. The real motivation, however, lies in the hunt for cosmetic items. "Hogwarts Legacy" recognizes this and scatters attractive clothing and accessories throughout the world, motivating you to explore every corner in search of the best look for your character.

The ability to customize the appearance of your gear is a real standout. You can equip any item you've found with the appearance of another, allowing you to create a unique style without sacrificing stats. This feature is especially rewarding, as it allows you to look like a true witch or wizard while maintaining the functionality of your gear.

In almost every way, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter RPG I always wanted to play. Its open-world adventure captures the excitement and wonder of the wizarding world, with memorable new characters, challenging and nuanced combat, and a beautifully executed Hogwarts school fantasy. Despite technical issues and a main story that, while inoffensive, isn't particularly exciting, the overall experience is captivating.

The game manages to keep you glued to the controller for hours, immersing you in a world where magic and friendship intertwine. The feeling of belonging at Hogwarts, attending classes, and forging bonds with other students, is an experience many fans of the series have longed for. The narrative, while sometimes feeling a bit forced, is offset by the richness of the world and the depth of the characters.

As you progress through the story, you are faced with decisions that affect your path and your relationships with other characters. The ability to choose between good and evil, to explore both the light and dark sides of magic, adds a layer of complexity that enriches the experience. Fighting the evil goblin and revealing your magical abilities becomes a journey of self-discovery that resonates with the essence of the Harry Potter series.

In conclusion, Hogwarts Legacy is a tribute to the rich history of the wizarding world, offering players the opportunity to live their own Hogwarts adventure. With its stunning world design, engaging combat system, and variety of side activities, the game manages to capture the essence of what it means to be a wizarding student. Despite its flaws, the experience is charming enough to keep players immersed and eager to explore every corner of the wizarding world. It's undoubtedly a game that not only meets fans' expectations but also sets a new standard for future titles in the Harry Potter universe. The magic, after all, has been brilliantly captured, and visiting Hogwarts feels more real than ever.

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They were taken from my PS5