Today, we're taking you with us for a preview of the latest video game everyone is talking about.
Already available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X & S, we've explored the first few hours of gameplay to give you an overview of this open-world role-playing game with a Harry Potter twist.
Too lazy to read? Take a look at the gameplay directly here with Mathieu, our favorite CM. A preview guaranteed to be almost spoiler-free, where we give you our opinion without revealing the story!
Return to Hogwarts
In the beginning, he wasn't so young anymore…
Everything begins as you join the other wizarding apprentices at Hogwarts, entering directly into the 5th year!
A bit old to start a career as a wizard, but it's never too late, especially in Hogwarts Legacy!
A beautiful cinematic and a few seconds later, we are off on this adventure. And here, we must admit we were blown away by the scenery and the direction of this Harry Potter action RPG.
A true invitation to wonder, given how much work went into making this experience as immersive as possible.
Something is always happening, and the open world is teeming with details in constant motion. Not to mention the castle, which is just beautifully realized and faithful to our memories.
You immediately find the Harry Potter atmosphere, and you quickly find your place once a few administrative details are sorted out.
Houses and equipment
The game immerses us a bit more in the skin of a Hogwarts student by having us go through two mandatory steps in the journey of wizarding students.
The choice of house
Unavoidable and essential for the rest of your adventure in Hogwarts Legacy, choose wisely and take the opportunity to innovate!
The choice of wand
Going to Hogsmeade to choose your wand is certainly one of the most enjoyable parts of this early adventure.
You can choose the type of wood, the core, and the general design. All these customization options contribute a little more to the immersion.
By the way, a quick side note on this aspect of the game that we really liked: the customization is very extensive, whether it's your character, their equipment, or even the wand.
If, like in many RPGs, you might end up with an outfit worthy of the fanciest costume parties from constantly switching to the best equipment, know that Hogwarts Legacy offers an option to change the appearance of equipment items that might not look great and apply their stats to another design of the same type.
Pretty cool so you don't look like a sauce-maker, but rather a proper wizard.
The Sunday stroll
Once equipped and barely settled into our favorite house's quarters, we wanted to set off and explore the open world, taking the time to ease into the action by touring the castle and seeing what the game has to offer in terms of environments early on.
Without saying more about the environments to avoid spoilers, just know that everything you could expect from a Harry Potter game is present. Walking around Hogwarts is a real joy, as the title is teeming with things to do and side quests without falling into repetitive busywork.
Merlin Trials, Room of Requirement, broomstick rides over the forest... in short, all of this is sure to delight the Harry Potter fan in us, and the artistic direction of Hogwarts Legacy once again deserves praise.
Alright, no more messing around, let's get down to business.
Gameplay-wise, how is it?
Dynamism and ease of handling
Movement and combat are very easy to master and never feel heavy.
If you like a bit more challenge and immersion, don't hesitate to disable the mini-map to fully enjoy exploration and raise the difficulty level for more of a challenge against enemies.
The visual effects during combat are beautiful and never make visibility difficult in battle.
However, they are very bright, and we were glad to be equipped with our gaming glasses to avoid suffering too much. Heads-up for those sensitive to excessive brightness!
Clear and well-constructed menus
RPG and customization mean lots of menus. Yes, but the whole thing is quite well executed, and it's easy enough to find your way around.
We might have liked clearer on-screen indications when unlocking certain levels (especially during Merlin trials).
Don't hesitate to regularly check the corresponding menus to see if you have unlockable options; you might have missed them!
Conclusion
The game, published by Warner Bros. Games and developed by Avalanche Software, made a strong impression on us!
The inner child and Harry Potter fan who grew up with these stories of wizards and magic is thrilled! But most of all, they are impressed by the life teeming within this open world and the fidelity of the atmosphere found within. There is a real sense of nostalgia in diving into this adventure.
We haven't finished the game yet, but after nearly 10 hours of adventure, we can say that we love everything that has been done and achieved.
From the immersion into the universe to the accessible and challenging gameplay—should you desire it—as well as all the references to the adventures of our favorite hero, everything is there.
Harry Potter better watch out; the next generation is here, and Hogwarts Legacy lives up to players' expectations.
For all these reasons, if we had to give a score to this Hogwarts Legacy review in addition to our opinion, we would give it a 9.5/10, as there is very little to reproach the Avalanche Software title for at this stage of the game.
If you don't have it yet, go for it!
If you liked this Hogwarts Legacy review and want to see more previews like this, don't hesitate to leave us a comment!
