Hogwarts Legacy Review - IGN

• Avalanche Software's Hogwarts Legacy launched 10 February 2023 on PS5, Windows and Xbox Series X/S (PS4/Xbox One 5 May 2023, Switch 14 November 2023), published by Warner Bros. Games^[1][2]
• IGN scores it 9 (Editors' Choice): "In nearly every way, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter RPG I've always wanted to play", though weighed down by technical issues, a lackluster main story and poor enemy variety^[1]
• Praised elements: the open-world Hogwarts map, spellcasting combat, memorable classmates and professors, the character creator and many diversions^[1]
• Engadget's launch-day review calls it "a massive and gorgeous open-world RPG" with 16 spells, broomstick and thestral flight and Room of Requirement decorating, but finds the goblin storyline lacks nuance^[4]
• Controversy surrounds J.K. Rowling's views and accusations of antisemitic tropes, prompting boycott calls; Rowling was not involved in making the game^[1][2][4]
• Commercially it sold over 12 million copies and $850 million in its first two weeks, and 40 million copies and $1 billion overall; estimated production cost $150 million^[2]

Notable features

• A third-person action role-playing game developed by Avalanche Software in Unreal Engine 4 and published under Warner Bros. Games' Portkey Games label^[2]
• Set in the 1890s, a century before the novels; the protagonist is a fifth-year transfer student racing goblin rebel Ranrok and Dark wizard Victor Rookwood for hidden ancient magic^[1][2]
• Players create their character and choose one of the four Hogwarts Houses, guided by the Sorting Hat, each with its own common room and exclusive quests; classes unlock mechanics such as broom flight, while spells, potions and a talent tree shape the combat style^[2]
• The open world covers Hogwarts Castle, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest and the Scottish Highlands; the customisable Room of Requirement holds vivariums for tamed beasts such as hippogriffs and thestrals^[2]
• Companion students offer relationship side quests, the Revelio spell scans for secrets, and Floo Powder provides fast travel^[2]