Hogwarts Legacy
As controversial as it was before launch, it’s interesting how so much of Portkey Games’ Hogwarts Legacy is…a typical open-world game. Your map is littered with icons and points of interest to clear, in addition to side quests and obtaining sick “gear” (which, for an action RPG, doesn’t do anything to alter your play style or grant unique perks). It’s not the worst, and the interweaving of Hogwarts lore with it all is fine, but it could have been much more.
Imagine attending classes as part of a schedule and following a day/night cycle, risking a nightly excursion and trying to sneak back in without getting caught. Imagine side quests which had an impact on the overarching narrative. Again, there’s plenty to like (the companion quest chains are quite good), but for those hoping for more than just “open world: the game” but Hogwarts-flavored, it falls short.
