We've got a long way to go yet, but after the recent Hogwarts Legacy gameplay showcase, we reckon it could be one of the biggest games this year.
The upcoming Harry Potter RPG — which is actually set decades before Potter and his crew show up — was fully unveiled for all to see at Sony's State of Play show. We were expecting big things admittedly, but we didn't quite expect to be this impressed.
First off, the game's world just looks marvellous. It seems pretty expansive, covering not just Hogwarts itself but plenty of surrounding, outdoor terrain. The tone also gets things just right, feeling whimsical and magical but also distinct, with its own unique flavour compared to the Harry Potter films it takes inspiration from.
It is a little disappointing that we won't see the main Harry Potter crew, given the game's time period, but we're quite excited to get to know this version of Hogwarts' cast. The little quips and remarks we heard in the trailer nail that classic tone once again, and hopefully their overarching stories prove something to write home about.
Naturally, we also can't wait to spend way too much time creating our own character, using the game's customisation tools. We're not sure how robust they are just yet, but we spotted them in the gameplay demo and we'll make sure our character fits right into our chosen house.
Then, there's traversal and combat, which look equally liberating. Riding around on that speedy broom outside of the school grounds looks like it'll add some pace to navigating the world, and we noticed you can even take part in races too. Within the grounds there's all sorts of dungeons, hidden quarters and hallways to explore; Hogwarts looks truly massive. Oh, and we'll be visiting the Chamber of Secrets ASAP!
Combat involves spell casting and hand-to-hand fighting, and with learnable spells scattered throughout the Hogwarts curriculum, there'll probably be a lot to go at. There's a combo system in place too, which should let us chain together some pretty remarkable magic.
The nearby village of Hogsmeade contains vendors for all sorts of gear, hinting at a robust economy within Hogwarts Legacy. We're not exactly sure how you'll earn currency, but we love a good secret vendor and will probably be dipping out of class often, to grab some goodies.
All in all, this just looks like the proper Harry Potter game we've wanted for years. If Hogwarts Legacy is as deep and content rich as gameplay suggests, we could be in for a proper treat later this year. Oh, and the gameplay reveal already has about 2.5 million views in less than a day, so this is shaping up to be one of the biggest games of 2022.
Will Hogwarts Legacy be 2022's biggest game? Or is it overhyped? Let us know your thoughts below.
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I still think it will be starfield
I still think Elden Ring is going to be hard to beat this year. Such an amazing open world.
If it stays at $70 I will be waiting a few months.
Elden Ring is over 12 million and growing, and COD and Pokémon haven’t gone. Also, I really don’t think HP is as popular as it used to be either. It will do well but I don’t think it’s going to out do ER, COD, of Pokémon ScarVi.
Elden Ring gonna be the biggest release this year. I'm feeling Harry Potter will be next. No idea on Starfield. With how little they've shown, it is just as likely it may be delayed.
I like the idea of this, it just depends on the execution and what else I am playing at the time.
I do think it has the potential to be a very popular game with the Harry Potter licence automatically attracting people and no doubt fans will buy regardless.
Yeah this isn’t gonna be the biggest game of the year.
Not sure. Pokemon, Horizon and Elden Ring are pretty big. Gotham Knights, Starfield, God of War and Zelda are yet to come.
Don't sleep on multiversus. I've seen some leaks.
How popular the new movie will be in a few week's time will give you a clue as to how popular this is likely to be.
There are some massive games this year, pokemon legends and Elden ring already selling over 10 million each, then theres Horizon forbidden West and GT7. There still Starfield, BOTW2, God of War Ragnarok, Forspoken, Hogwarts Legacy, Splatoon 3, Pokémon Violet/Scarlet and hopefully Final Fantasy 16, then bigger ncihe games like Metroid 4, Kirby, star ocean, Bayonetta 3, xenoblade chronicles 2, valkyrie profile, soul hackers 2. Then the hidden ones such as new assassins creed and who knows maybe dragon age 4?
At this stage who knows what will be this years biggest game, but I can say one thing for sure this year will be the biggest year for gaming in general in a very long time if not full stop.
I'm just really, really, really scared this may just be the Avengers game but in Harry Potter world.
Not an HP fan but the gameplay looks engaging and deep.
If everything comes out that is supposed to come out it might be one of my personal contenders of game of the year if it is really as good as I hope it will be (and I'm not even a Potter fan). Currently it is Horizon for me. But starfield God of war and this look like contenders for my personal goty
No way... dude especially with cancel culture and the angry woke mob.....I feel like i hear some one complaining about HP. No way this even comes close to COD release 2022.
This'll shine bright, then burn out fast. Starfield just became the cert underdog.
It has strong competition but there's room for any good game. I'm particularly excited about Sonic Origins because it's the first time that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles, one of the best 2D platformers ever, is remastered. Xbox had an amazing 2021 (better than PS) but 2022 seems quieter so probably it's 2023 until the next Xbox hits unless Starfield is not delayed.
Anyone know why Best Buy has a Series X version and and XBox One version? Halo, Forza Horizon 5, etc have both systems listed on the same box. I have both systems and would like to play it on both.
It's definitely going to be a huge hit commercially. Harry Potter is one of the most celebrated book/movie franchises of all time and people have been clamoring for a game like this for ages. It's also available on everything under the sun and the game simply looks wonderful based off the presentation we all saw.
I know I'm very interested in it and unless something changes its for sure my most anticipated Holiday release!
What does Avalanche Software has under their belt? I remember them from those Mortal Kombat ports in the 90’s, but have they developed any successful games? I just don’t remember hearing a lot about them.
Meh, not really fussed about Potter. Will provably give it a go if it ends up on Gamepass or equivalent
It looked really good on the trailer, and showed confidence to show that much diverse content. They obviously think they've made a good game. But even with the Harry Potter affiliation, and being multiplatform, it's difficult to see this exceeding first party titles like Starfield or God of War Ragnarok, or third party ones like Elden Ring. But who knows HP is HUGE, or was.
@Casco EDIT- MY mistake I confused Avalanche Software and Avalanche Studios.
Avalanche Software have made Disney Infinity series and other Disney licenses like Cars 2 & 3, Bolt & Toy Story 3 all of which reviewed reasonably well. Regardless this looks like a large change in direction and a step up for them. Hopefully it's good.
@themightyant Fair confusion, I actually had that impression as well, thought it would be from the same guys that did Rage 2 and Mad Max, only to find out that they are completely different companies.
@Casco In my mind this whole time it's been those devs working on it, have to reframe my thoughts.
It's like Monolith & Monolith Soft or Asobo (Studio) & (Team) Asobi, and a few others, very easy to mix them up!
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