Despite facing significant controversy,Hogwarts Legacyhas been a resounding success in terms of sales and critical reception. Gamers have fallen in love with its highly detailed open world, which dares players to explore it and uncover its many mysteries. Though it may seem like it doesn’t cover much ground, it is easy to get lost, or to play for dozens of hours, only to discover an entirely new location. In this way,Hogwarts Legacyis very similar toThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim.
Skyrimis a game that has endured for many years thanks to its vast open world that allows players to carve out their own stories, and makes every playthrough feel unique.Hogwarts Legacyhas the potential to fill a similar niche, as its open world is immersive enough to keep gamers entertained for a long time. There are also settings that players can tinker with to make the game even more immersive.
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The Enduring Legacy of Skyrim
Skyrimis a first-person open-world adventure game originally released in 2011. It has become an iconic title thanks to its highly detailed open world, as well as the freedom it gives players to explore and interact with the environment as they please. The longevity of the game has also been helped by the fact that aloyal community of modders has formed aroundSkyrim, and with the right combination of mods, the game feels entirely new.
Since 2011,Skyrimhas been re-released on several platforms, with the latest being the 10th-anniversary edition released on the Switch. WhatSkyrimhas achieved is rare in the gaming industry. There are plenty of open-world games to be found, but not many are played frequently a decade after release. This is a testament to the design ofSkyrim’s open world and gameplay. Avalanche Software’sHogwarts Legacymay have what it takes to reach similar heights.
The Immersive World of Hogwarts Legacy
Hogwarts Legacy’s mapdoesn’t seem too big, but once players start exploring, it becomes clear that the castle is a colossal labyrinth. Getting from one class to the next can result in players getting very lost, though this is never a bad experience, as there are also new secrets to uncover and adventures to begin around every corner. Along the way, players can chat with the students and gain more information about the wizarding world’s rich lore.
When players want a break from all the books, they can head toHogsmeade Village where there are many curious shops. Whether players want to settle down for a Butterbeer or tinker with a few prank toys, there is a shop to please every witch and wizard. To increase the immersion, players can turn off the mini-map, and if they ever find they’ve gotten too lost for their liking, the Charmed Compass can be activated, and it will light up the way.
With an open world so immersive,Hogwarts Legacyis in the position to be a game that is enjoyed for years to come. The game has been out for weeks, and players are still uncovering new tidbits, and the ability toplay in different Hogwarts housesgives it even more replayability. Judging by the game’s initial sales, plenty of players have already fallen in love with the magical world, and many may not want to leave so quickly.
Avalanche Software has struck gold with the game, andHogwarts Legacycould be the beginning of a new franchise- a very fruitful one. Even if it isn’t the game alone has the potential to endure for years as players explore Hogwarts and unravel its mysteries. It would not come as a surprise if, likeSkyrim, a decade later, Hogwarts Legacy is being re-released.
Hogwarts Legacyis available now on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. It is scheduled to launch on PS4 and Xbox One on May 5 and on Nintendo Switch on July 25.
