Best Games of 2023: 9th Place – Hogwarts Legacy / ITech content

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The world of witchcraft and wizardry has always attracted the attention of fans, but not all games based on the Harry Potter universe were able to live up to expectations. Among them are some downright poor quality projects, such as the hastily produced adaptation of Goblet of Fire and the Quidditch spin-off. However, in 2023, fans were pleasantly surprised by the release of a big-budget and ambitious game that offers immersion into their beloved universe with new features and engaging gameplay.

Hogwarts Legacy has its flaws: it lacks true gameplay freedom, the open world feels sparsely populated, and the plot is sometimes predictable. However, despite these shortcomings, the game still holds a special place in the Harry Potter universe and is the best project in the gaming industry based on this franchise.

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The creators of the Hogwarts Legacy game have made the dreams of many fans of the Harry Potter universe come true. Players can receive the coveted Hogwarts invitation letter, choose one of four houses, acquire a unique wand, and even ride a hippogriff. After completing story missions, you'll have the opportunity to explore the castle's secret rooms, fly over the Forbidden Forest, and explore the cozy shops of Hogsmeade. All this magic unfolds in a vast open world, where the changing time of day and varied seasons give familiar locations new shades—they look completely different in autumn and winter. Immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Hogwarts Legacy promises to be an unforgettable experience for all fans of magic and adventure.

Hogwarts Legacy will especially appeal to dedicated Harry Potter fans eager for new adventures. The game is set in the 19th century, a period that hasn't been explored in detail in either the books or the films. The intriguing confrontation between humans and goblins, set long before the events of Newt Scamander and Harry Potter, creates a unique atmosphere. The writers, building on established canon, developed an original plot with new characters, adding freshness and interest to a familiar universe. Hogwarts Legacy invites players to immerse themselves in a world of magic and discovery, expanding the boundaries of the familiar story.

The creators deserve praise for their skillful approach to nostalgia. Characters with well-known names are only loosely connected to the books and films, allowing even those unfamiliar with the universe's lore to enjoy the game. The protagonist plays a newcomer, allowing players to easily absorb information—from the structure of the Houses to the basics of magic. This well-thought-out concept makes the game accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

The magic in Hogwarts Legacy is implemented at a high level. The combat system combines ease of learning with depth, offering a variety of spells and their combinations. Fire magic deals significant damage, levitation allows you to throw objects at enemies, and a magical shield protects against attacks. The spectacular combat remains even after many hours of play, making the process engaging and dynamic. After finishing the game, I was eager to launch Hogwarts Legacy again, pick up a broom, and head into the Forbidden Forest in search of opponents to put my skills to the test.

Beyond combat, the game's other activities also offer exciting pastimes. Growing combat plants, transfiguring peacefully wandering sheep, and furnishing your own Room of Requirement with furniture and tamed magical animals all add variety to the gameplay. Players can also focus on story-driven quests, as both students and the ghosts that haunt the Hogwarts area require the protagonist's help. These elements make the game more engaging and multifaceted, offering something for everyone.

The main strength of Hogwarts Legacy lies in its outstanding visuals. Within the first few hours of the adventure, players are immersed in a wondrous world where every location is imbued with magic. The locations are stunningly detailed: staircases truly move, just like in the films, statues come to life, speaking lines, and portraits engage in dialogue. Night walks through Hogwarts and winter broomstick flights become unforgettable moments of the game, leaving vivid impressions. Hogwarts Legacy offers a unique experience that appeals to both fans of the Harry Potter universe and new players looking to explore the wizarding world.

It's surprising that such an ambitious and cohesive project was created by Avalanche Software, known for its less-than-successful adaptations of Disney cartoons. The developers addressed all the shortcomings of previous Harry Potter games and films. Hogwarts Legacy avoids any serious issues with tone, pacing, or direction, making the gameplay truly engaging and enjoyable.

Hogwarts Legacy is an ideal choice for a family vacation, offering unforgettable moments. However, the game has significant room for improvement. The next installment should see a more robust role-playing system: I'd like to see the choice of house influence the plot and the characters' relationships with the protagonist. It also lacks gameplay mechanics related to academics and deepening bonds with teachers and fellow students, as well as a more nuanced storyline. If the developers from Avalanche Software can implement these ideas, the second part of Hogwarts Legacy can take a worthy place among the best games of its generation.