I was waiting a decade for this games release. What I mean by that is I have wanted a role-playing type of game set in the Harry Potter universe way back when I had a Gameboy SP. Preferably open world. I wanted to play as a customized character and complete my own story instead of playing as Harry. And finally, with Hogwarts Legacy, my wish has finally been granted.

This game is definitely worth the hype. If you’re a fan of games like Red Dead Redemption, the new Spider-Man, or Genshin Impact, then this game is for you!

I’ve played all types of Harry Potter games ranging from the Lego ones to the original Gameboy color game. Each one has its own uniqueness, but this game blows the rest out of the water.

You start off customizing your own character. The customization options range from face types, hair and eye color, and down to the pitch of your voice. You also get to choose if you’d rather be in the Wizards or Witches dormitory for your House’s common room. You choose this rather than a gender, which is super dope.

You’re thrust into an intro mission before finally arriving at Hogwarts. Once there, you choose your House. Beware that your choices of side quest will differ based on your House choice. I’m a Hufflepuff. If you want to see Azkaban, choose Hufflepuff!

The world the developers have created is absolutely breathtaking. The design is true to the books, down to the littlest detail. What I like about open world games, is that I don’t have to do the main storyline quests if I don’t feel like it. I like to just roam around and gain XP while exploring. Doing that in the Hogwarts setting wasted the first 20ish hours of gameplay for me. If you just want to get lost and be a Wizard or Witch and run around to see the countryside and magical creatures, just get the game.

The main storyline is interesting as well. It follows one of the infamous Goblin Wars mentioned more so in the books rather than the movie adaptations. It has some puzzles in it too so be patient. (I’m definitely not patient). You have to attend different classes to gain new spells. You can also gain new wardrobe options as well from shops throughout the world. The game has constant references to the books of course but also the movies as well.

Hogwarts Legacy just enveloped me into nostalgia. I felt like a little kid watching the movies for the first time as I explored the castle in the game. The only downside to the game, in my opinion, is quidditch is unavailable for you to play. you can still fly on a broom and race other people. Hopefully they add quidditch in the future.

Considering the side quests differ depending on your House choice, the game has hundreds of hours of replay ability. This isn’t a game to speed run. This is a game to sit back, relax, and enjoy Hogwarts as a whole. Oh, and if you’re terrified of spiders, I wouldn’t play this game.