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Hogwarts Legacy

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Hogwarts Legacy
Item: Hogwarts Legacy
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableFeb 7, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperAvalanche Software

Overview

Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. Now you can take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Embark on a journey through familiar and new locations as you explore and discover fantastic beasts, customize your character and craft potions, master spell casting, upgrade talents, and become the wizard you want to be. Discover the feeling of living at Hogwarts as you make allies, battle Dark wizards, and ultimately decide the fate of the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.

Elsewhere

8.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

32%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Hogwarts Legacy are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praise the game for its engaging narrative, well-crafted storytelling, and the ability to capture the essence of the Harry Potter universe. Critics such as Game Informer, Pure Xbox, and Digital Chumps commend the game for its rich and well-told story, engaging campaign, and impactful three-act narrative. The writing is often praised for its attention to detail, well-woven storytelling, and the inclusion of interesting characters from the series. However, there are also critics who express disappointment with the story of Hogwarts Legacy. Some reviewers, like Digital Trends and The Enemy, criticize the story for being nonsensical, lacking depth, and feeling linear and predictable. KeenGamer and GameMAG mention that the storyline falls short of perfection, lacking compelling reasons to continue exploring the story and missing opportunities for a moral meter or reputation system. GameSpot and NME highlight the narrative's predictability, sporadic nature, and lack of emotional tension. IGN and PC Gamer mention that the plot has holes and lacks explanation, while ZTGD expresses disappointment with the handling of choices that don't end up mattering in the end. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics find the story engaging, well-done, and enjoyable, others criticize it for being predictable, lacking depth, and suffering from technical issues. The positive aspects mentioned by critics include the game's ability to capture the magical feel of the Harry Potter universe, the inclusion of interesting characters, and the immersive experience provided by side quests and activities. However, the negative aspects mentioned include the story's lack of depth, predictability, and missed opportunities for more intricate storytelling. It is clear that the story of Hogwarts Legacy has both its strengths and weaknesses, leaving players with a mixed impression.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Hogwarts Legacy. Some praise its engaging narrative and well-crafted storytelling, capturing the Harry Potter universe essence. However, others criticize it for being predictable, lacking depth, and missing opportunities for more intricate storytelling. Positive aspects include immersive side quests and interesting characters, while negatives point to technical issues and a storyline that falls short of perfection. Ultimately, the game's story has both strengths and weaknesses, leaving players with a mixed impression.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

69%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy has received mostly positive reviews from critics. Many reviewers praised the combat system, highlighting its variety of spells and strategic elements. Critics such as AusGamers, Everyeye.it, and GGRecon commended the combat for being enjoyable, satisfying, and exciting, with the ability to create spell combos and engage in strategic battles. The game offers a wide range of spells and abilities, allowing players to experiment and find their preferred playstyle. The combat is described as challenging and captivating, with IGN and NPR noting the creative combos and diverse array of spells. The combat system is considered one of the strongest aspects of the gameplay experience, providing depth and excitement. However, there were some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the gameplay. Some critics, like Digital Trends and DualShockers, mentioned issues with clunky controls and frustrations in navigating the map and equipping spells. The combat system, while praised overall, was noted to become fiddly and unresponsive at times, especially when facing multiple enemies, as mentioned by Telegraph and Guardian. The repetition of boss battles was also mentioned as a negative aspect by PC Gamer and Game Rant. Additionally, some critics, such as Riot Pixels and Telegraph, criticized the abundance of repetitive tasks and the lack of motivation for exploration, which they felt limited the overall gameplay experience. Overall, the majority of critics found the gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy to be very good. The positive aspects of the combat system, including its variety of spells and strategic depth, were highlighted by multiple reviewers. The immersive and expansive environment of Hogwarts, along with various activities and tasks, were praised by SECTOR.sk and Press Start Australia. The game's open-world nature, RPG elements, and the ability to freely explore and complete missions were also mentioned positively by JeuxActu and GameSpew. While there were some criticisms regarding clunky controls, repetitive tasks, and limited exploration motivation, the overall consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy is enjoyable, engaging, and offers a variety of activities and challenges for players to experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics mostly praise Hogwarts Legacy's engaging combat system with a variety of spells and strategic elements. Some issues like clunky controls and repetitive tasks were noted, but the game's immersive environment, RPG elements, and open-world nature received positive feedback, offering players a diverse and enjoyable gameplay experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Hogwarts Legacy, considering it to be very good. They commended the attention to detail and the faithful recreation of the Harry Potter universe, particularly in the depiction of Hogwarts Castle and its surroundings. Critics like IGN, NPR, and God is a Geek highlighted the stunning level of detail in the castle, with animated paintings, interactive elements, and a plethora of nooks and crannies to explore. The world-building and level of craftsmanship were also highly appreciated, with GamePro Germany mentioning the meticulously designed clothing and equipment options. The game successfully captured the magical atmosphere of the Harry Potter universe, as noted by PLAY! Zine and Worth Playing. However, there were some negatives mentioned by a few critics. Technical issues were a common concern, with IGN Brasil, Game Revolution, and Xbox Achievements mentioning inconsistent FPS, long loading times, graphical bugs, and visual glitches. SECTOR.sk and Eurogamer Poland also pointed out flaws in facial animations and character models. Texture pop-in, character animations, and miscellaneous open-world jank were mentioned by Game Revolution as detracting from the visual experience. PCGamesN criticized the dull or outrageous attire options and clipping issues with long hair and neckwear. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hogwarts Legacy has impressive graphics and visual design, capturing the essence of the Wizarding World. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating Hogwarts and familiar locations within the school was highly praised. The game's visuals were described as stunning, enchanting, vibrant, and immersive by critics such as GameGrin, Screen Rant, and Noisy Pixel. The recreation of the enchanting world of Hogwarts, the intricate design of each environment, and the overall sense of scale were highlighted as the game's most impressive feats. Despite some technical issues and occasional flaws in character models, the graphics and visual design of Hogwarts Legacy were widely regarded as a major strength of the game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Hogwarts Legacy's breathtaking graphics and faithful recreation of the magical Harry Potter universe, lauding its stunning detail in Hogwarts Castle and surroundings. Despite technical glitches and animation flaws, the game's enchanting visuals and immersive world-building shine through, captivating players and critics alike.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Hogwarts Legacy, with many considering it to be very good. They highlighted the immersive and nostalgic experience created by the music, which combines iconic Harry Potter themes with original compositions. App Trigger commends the incredible music, mentioning the special 3 vinyl set that sold out in less than a day. Atomix describes the music as a mix of iconic Harry Potter themes and original compositions, while Attack of the Fanboy states that it accurately captures the source material while expanding on it. BaziCenter appreciates the diverse and well-suited music, with nods to the iconic Hedwig's Theme, and COGconnected describes the score as stunning and authentic to the films, curated to fit each scenario immaculately. However, there were a few critics who had some negative feedback regarding the sound design and music. KeenGamer mentions that some environmental sounds, like honking daffodils, were inconsistently balanced, sometimes overpowering character dialogue. GamePro Germany criticizes the lack of emotion and artificial feel in the German voice acting. Vandal points out flaws in the Spanish dubbing and sound positioning. Pure Xbox criticizes the rough voice acting at times, particularly for the main male character. Xbox Tavern criticizes the use of the same voice pitched up or down for different characters, resulting in peculiar inflections and autotuned voices. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Hogwarts Legacy are very good. The majority of the critics appreciate the immersive and nostalgic experience created by the music, which captures the essence of the Harry Potter universe. They praise the use of iconic themes and original compositions, as well as the diverse and well-suited music that fits each scenario perfectly. The voice acting is also highly regarded by many critics, with top-notch performances that bring the characters to life. While there are some criticisms regarding certain aspects of the sound design and voice acting, they do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the sound design and music in Hogwarts Legacy.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly praise Hogwarts Legacy's sound design and music for its immersive and nostalgic experience, blending iconic Harry Potter themes with original compositions. Some critics note minor issues like imbalanced environmental sounds and inconsistent voice acting in different languages. Overall, the majority agree that the music captures the essence of the Harry Potter universe, with well-suited pieces for each scenario. Despite some criticisms, the overall consensus is positive, highlighting the top-notch performances that bring the characters to life.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Hogwarts Legacy is largely positive, with many critics praising the performances and the ability of the voice actors to bring the characters to life. Attack of the Fanboy commends the voice acting for making the characters charming and believable, while BaziCenter highlights the quality of the voice acting and its ability to bring humor to the game. GGRecon also praises the top-notch voice acting and the engaging and well-developed characters. Game Informer describes the dialogue and voice acting as uniformly excellent, and Softpedia considers the voice acting to be outstanding and complementary to the game's universe. However, there are some criticisms regarding the voice acting in Hogwarts Legacy. Eurogamer Poland criticizes the dialogue and character animation, mentioning static and unnatural conversations and poor facial expressions. They also criticize the voice acting of the protagonist. Finger Guns mentions that some voice pitch changes may sound robotic, and Pocket-lint describes the voice acting as detached with poor accents. VGC notes inconsistencies and stiffness in the voice acting, with older actors giving great performances while some younger actors feel inexperienced. Push Square specifically mentions the protagonist's voice acting as boring and robotic. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Hogwarts Legacy is generally good, with some standout performances and well-developed characters. The positive aspects of the voice acting include the ability to bring charm and believability to the characters, as mentioned by Attack of the Fanboy. The high quality and humorous nature of the voice acting, as highlighted by BaziCenter, also contribute to the positive reception. The immersive experience and captivating narrative, aided by excellent voice acting, are mentioned by MeuPlayStation and PlayStation Universe. However, there are criticisms regarding aspects such as dialogue, character animation, and accents, as mentioned by Eurogamer Poland and Pocket-lint. The overall sentiment leans towards the positive, with many critics praising the voice acting for its contribution to the game's atmosphere and character development.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics mostly praise the voice acting in Hogwarts Legacy for bringing characters to life and adding charm and humor to the game. While some criticize aspects like dialogue and accents, the general consensus is positive, with standout performances and well-developed characters noted.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on Xbox Series X, there were some positive aspects highlighted by the critics. Game Tavern mentioned that the game runs smoothly on Xbox Series X and Series S, with quick and smooth loading times. Pure Xbox also praised the performance on Xbox Series X, stating that the game offers a great balance of impressive visuals and a near 60FPS lock in the standard "Performance" mode. However, there were also negative aspects mentioned by the critics. GameMAG criticized the game for its dampness, unfinished elements, optimization issues, and bugs. They specifically mentioned issues such as impassable quests, character texture glitches, and missing cave entrances. Jeuxvideo.com mentioned occasional animation rigidity, loading times, collision bugs, and texture display issues. Despite these issues, the overall consensus for Xbox Series X is that the game runs smoothly with few frame rate drops and offers a good performance experience. Moving on to the PlayStation 5 platform, there were both positive and negative opinions regarding the technical performance. Games.cz compared the game to Cyberpunk and stated that Hogwarts Legacy is even more broken, mentioning frequent loading times, frame rate drops, glitches, crashes, and character clipping through textures. The Enemy also highlighted technical issues such as bugs and robotic character expressions, as well as slow running and frame rate drops. On the other hand, Atomix praised the technical performance on PS5, stating that the game has stable frame rates and minimal bugs or glitches. Hey Poor Player also mentioned flawless performance on PlayStation 5 with ultrafast load times and various graphical modes. Despite the mixed opinions, it can be concluded that there were some technical issues on the PlayStation 5 platform, but the game still provided a satisfactory performance overall. For the PC platform, there were both positive and negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Merlin'in Kazanı noted optimization issues, with FPS drop problems even when using a high-end graphics card. They mentioned that despite the availability of DLSS and FSR support, the optimization problem still needs to be addressed. Gamepressure mentioned that the game runs smoothly in Performance mode but may stutter in Fidelity mode, and loading times can be longer than expected. However, Wccftech stated that overall, the technical performance on PC is good. They mentioned some performance issues, especially after downloading the update, but considered the technical performance to be satisfactory. It can be concluded that while there were some optimization issues on PC, the game still provided a decent technical performance. In terms of the overall consensus of the critics, it is evident that there were mixed opinions regarding the technical performance of Hogwarts Legacy. While some critics praised the smooth performance and minimal bugs, others highlighted issues such as optimization problems, frame rate drops, glitches, and long loading times. The game received criticism for its unfinished elements, character texture glitches, and occasional animation rigidity. However, it is important to note that some critics mentioned that these technical issues did not significantly detract from the overall experience. It can be concluded that while Hogwarts Legacy had its fair share of technical issues across different gaming platforms, the overall sentiment suggests that the game still provided an enjoyable experience for fans eagerly waiting for it.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mixed opinions on the technical performance of Hogwarts Legacy across different gaming platforms. Xbox Series X received praise for smooth gameplay but was criticized for optimization issues and bugs. PlayStation 5 faced technical issues like frame rate drops and glitches, despite some positive feedback on stable performance. PC had optimization problems, with FPS drops and longer loading times, but still offered decent performance. Overall, while the game had some flaws, it still delivered an enjoyable experience for fans.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Hogwarts Legacy are quite varied. Many critics praise the game for its abundance of content and activities, such as side quests, collectibles, and customization options. They mention that the game offers a vast open world with numerous points of interest and optional tasks, providing players with plenty of opportunities to explore and engage in different activities (Gamepressure, LevelUp, Twinfinite). The inclusion of meaningful side quests and stories is also highlighted, adding depth and immersion to the overall experience (TierraGamer, GameSpew). The game's progression system, which revolves around completing challenges and collecting items, is seen as a positive aspect, as it adds to the replayability factor (Everyeye.it, TrueAchievements). On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of the replay value. They mention that while the game offers a significant amount of content, it can sometimes feel repetitive and tedious (GameOver.gr, KeenGamer). The lack of diversity and depth in challenges, puzzles, and dungeons is also noted, which may impact the overall replayability for some players (KeenGamer). Additionally, the rewards for completing tasks are seen as having little influence on gameplay, which may diminish the motivation for replaying certain activities (KeenGamer). The absence of certain elements, such as Quidditch, is also mentioned as a drawback (Games.cz, Ragequit.gr). Overall, the critics' opinions on the replay value of Hogwarts Legacy are mixed. While some critics emphasize the game's abundance of content, engaging side quests, and customization options, others express concerns about repetitive gameplay and lack of diversity in certain aspects. However, the majority of critics seem to agree that the game offers enough content and activities to keep players engaged for a significant amount of time, making it worth replaying (Hobby Consolas, Xbox Tavern, INVEN). The captivating setting and art direction, as well as the immersive experience provided for fans of the Harry Potter series, are also mentioned as positive aspects that contribute to the overall replay value (Everyeye.it, Impulsegamer, IGN Italia).

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on Hogwarts Legacy's replay value. Some praise its abundant content, engaging side quests, and customization options, while others note repetitive gameplay and lack of diversity in challenges. Despite mixed reviews, the majority agree that the game offers enough to keep players engaged, especially for Harry Potter fans.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Hogwarts Legacy, it is evident that the majority of critics had a positive view of the game. The first paragraph will focus on the positives highlighted by the critics. Game Revolution praises the game for its Harry Potter fanservice and faithful recreation of Hogwarts school. Daily Star commends the strong combat, depth of the open world, and decent storyline. TierraGamer emphasizes the immersive and entertaining experience for both fans and newcomers to the magical world. IGN Japan highlights the deep understanding of the original series' spells and settings, providing a captivating and enjoyable experience. Moving on to the negatives, the second paragraph will address the criticisms raised by the reviewers. DualShockers mentions that Hogwarts Legacy lacks innovation and falls short in its story and gameplay elements. GameSpot states that the game falls short in delivering a captivating open-world experience, despite its attention to detail within Hogwarts Castle. PC Games mentions technical performance issues and graphics limitations due to time constraints during development. Oyungezer points out that the game loses some of its magic towards the end and lacks depth in certain areas. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Hogwarts Legacy is a highly enjoyable game that captures the magic of the Harry Potter world. The third paragraph will focus on the overall consensus of the critics. Critics such as GameMAG, Noisy Pixel, and AusGamers highlight the game's ability to capture the magic of the Wizarding World and provide an enjoyable experience for fans. NPR praises the game as the first truly AAA treatment of the series. Gameblog.fr describes it as a highly impressive game that offers players a deep dive into the world of magic and the workings of Hogwarts School. The majority of critics have a positive view of the game, with many considering it a must-play for fans of the Harry Potter series. In conclusion, the overall sentiment among the critics regarding the overall verdict of Hogwarts Legacy is largely positive. The game is praised for its faithful recreation of the Harry Potter universe, strong combat, immersive world-building, and captivating narrative. However, some critics mention flaws such as a lack of innovation, technical performance issues, and a loss of magic towards the end. Despite these criticisms, the majority of critics view Hogwarts Legacy as a highly enjoyable and immersive experience, making it a worthwhile game for both fans and newcomers to the Wizarding World.

TL;DR

Critics mostly praise Hogwarts Legacy for capturing the magic of the Harry Potter world with fanservice, strong combat, and immersive world-building. Some drawbacks include a lack of innovation, technical issues, and a loss of magic towards the end. Overall, the game is seen as highly enjoyable and a must-play for Harry Potter fans, despite its flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

226 reviews found

100

MeuPlayStation

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy is a game that captures the magic and essence of the Harry Potter franchise and is a must-play for fans and anyone who wants to experience the world of Hogwarts in a new and immersive way.

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100

IGN Adria

PlayStation 5

Feb 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy fulfills the expectations of Harry Potter fans and serves as an excellent introduction to those interested in the magical world. The game offers a captivating and immersive open-world experience.

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100

Carole Quintaine

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy is a monumental video game that rivals the likes of Zelda Breath of The Wild and Elden Ring, offering a grand adventure filled with freedom, possibilities, and a sense of journey. The meticulously crafted universe by Avalanche is rich, mysterious, and populated with well-written characters within an exciting story. It is an unforgettable epic.

100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Feb 8, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy captures the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter story, and puts every bit of it on screen and in the world for you to enjoy. It's hard to imagine another game topping this one in 2023. The game is hard to fault, with the story being engaging, the gameplay being fun, and the graphics being impressive.

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100

IGN Portugal

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer is impressed with Hogwarts Legacy, stating that it exceeds expectations and sets a precedent for future RPGs. Despite some initial reservations about the story and characters, the gameplay and world are vast and full of surprises. The final score is not explicitly stated, but the reviewer guarantees it is higher than 7/10.

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100

Vgames

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised as a dream come true for fans of the Harry Potter universe, offering an immersive experience with a large open world and challenging combat mechanics.

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Areajugones

PlayStation 5

Feb 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The author expresses admiration for Hogwarts Legacy but refrains from giving it a perfect score due to some minor flaws.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Feb 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy is a brilliantly massive open-world RPG that offers hours of content to discover, quest, and fight through. The game allows players to create an extensively unique character and offers choices that affect character interactions. The developers should be proud of this well-polished addition to the wizarding world.

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COGconnected

PlayStation 5

Feb 21, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy is one of the all-time great surprises in the reviewer's 25+ years of gaming. They love everything about it. Overnight, Avalanche Software has cemented itself as a triple-A developer, delivering a game that belongs in conversations with the very best. The world is stunning. The combat is both satisfying and challenging. And it’s reignited the reviewer's love for something seemingly lost to space and time.

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GamingTrend

Feb 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Hogwarts Legacy sets a new standard for licensed products and is a strong contender for Game of the Year.

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