Fast forward to recently, when I finally bought a PlayStation 5 along with the PlayStation Deluxe subscription. While browsing the PlayStation Plus catalogue, I spotted Hogwarts Legacy. I’d heard countless friends recommend the game, so I decided to give it a shot. After playing more than 26 hours, I can confidently say my expectations were way off. Let me share what truly stood out to me.
Spellcasting That Surprised Me
The first thing I doubted was the combat system. I figured spellcasting would get repetitive or lack the kind of thrill melee combat or gunplay offers. But once I got my hands on the game, my opinion flipped completely.
The spellcasting system is surprisingly addictive, fluid, and rewarding. Combining different spells in combat feels strategic yet fun, and every spell has a practical use from fighting enemies to solving puzzles or completing objectives. It’s clear that the developers spent a lot of time fine-tuning this mechanic. If you’ve hesitated to play Hogwarts Legacy because of the combat, trust me, give it a try. It won’t disappoint you.
The Mounts
Before playing, I assumed the broomstick was the only way to travel around. But once I got deeper into the game, I realized it offers so much more. You get to ride several unique mounts like the majestic Highwing, a flying beast resembling a unicorn, and the Graphorn, a ground creature that looks like a sabre-toothed tiger.
Each mount adds variety and charm to the gameplay, making exploration an adventure in itself. I haven’t even unlocked them all yet, but everyone I’ve experienced so far has been pure fun.
The Hogwarts Castle
Anyone who’s played Hogwarts Legacy will agree that the castle itself is a masterpiece. It’s not just enormous, it’s packed with incredible detail. Roaming its halls can easily take you 10–15 minutes in real time, and everywhere you look, there’s craftsmanship that brings the Wizarding World to life.
It’s as if the developers took the castle straight out of the Harry Potter films. The architecture, interiors, and atmosphere are so authentic that it feels like exploring a real piece of art rather than a game location.
The Vivarium System
Explaining this feature can get a little technical, but I’ll keep it simple. The Vivarium system lets you rescue, house, and care for magical beasts you find in the open world. Once you bring them into your Vivarium, you can nurture them, create habitats, and even breed them.
In return, these creatures provide resources that you can use to enhance or upgrade your gear. I’ve seen similar systems in other games, but never implemented this deeply or thoughtfully. It’s both relaxing and rewarding, and it fits perfectly within the magical theme of the game.
The Open World
When I first saw the trailer, I never expected Hogwarts Legacy to be an open-world game. I thought it would be linear, with a few exploration areas. But to my surprise, it’s a fully open-world experience filled with side quests, villages, secrets, and collectibles.
It actually reminded me a bit of The Witcher 3, though here your spells replace swords. The world is breathtakingly designed, alive with detail, and full of things to do. As someone who loves exploring open worlds, this game feels like a dream come true especially because it’s set in the Harry Potter universe. Even after 26 hours, I still find myself wanting to roam around and discover more.
Final Thoughts
I haven’t completed the main story yet, so I’ll save my full review for later. But even from an initial perspective, Hogwarts Legacy has impressed me in every possible way from its spellcasting and mounts to the grand design of Hogwarts and its open world.
If you enjoy narrative-driven RPGs or open-world adventure games, this one’s absolutely worth your time. It’s magical, immersive, and full of the kind of wonder that makes you fall in love with gaming all over again.
0 Comments