Nerding Out Over Hogwarts Legacy; Harry Potter Goes Next Gen

It would be a fabrication to say I wasn't a little bit excited for the upcoming next-gen game Hogwarts Legacy.

I was ready to call it 2022's most wanted game early on, but delays pushed the title back and now I look forward to the release date of February 10th for PlayStation5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Others will wait until April 4th for PlayStation4 and Xbox One. Nintendo Switch owners will have to wait until July 25th to unravel the mysteries of Hogwarts School for witchcraft and wizardry.

Newly released details have me extremely excited to start my own chapter in the Harry Potter universe. For instance, one of my favorite British Actors in Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, anyone?) will be playing none other than headmaster Phineas Nigellus Black, who is seen in portraits throughout the Harry Potter movies.

Simon Pegg just fits in this role. Slightly pompous, delightfully British, and always witty with his character portrayals; it will be an exciting life under the "new" headmaster.

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I say "new" because the setting for this story takes place in and around Hogwarts and neighboring regions during the late 1800s, a period that is unexplored in the Potter universe and well before the events of the books/movies. According to original rumors, the game contains a class system, which should allow players to choose between eight different styles/types of wizards. It will also have a story driven by moral choices with players determining the fate of the world. Hence, the games title of legacy. What legacy will you leave on the wizarding world? Will you become a tyrant of dark magic or bring balance and light to the world as a true auror. The choice is yours' so to say.

CHOICES!

Oh the choices! I love action-adventure RPGs (role-playing games). It's a chance to build a new character fit to your playing style. Players will go through classes at Hogwarts as a transfer student; you may find you have a knack for certain areas of study, each one boasting some new way to progress your characters story and specialties. Although there won't be quidditch, maybe you'll excel at broom riding, maybe herbology is more your speed. Perhaps you're a regular "Hagrid" with the animals; there seems to be an endless amount of character attributes and styles to try and play with to build YOUR perfect wizard.

According to the website, players will have access to a deep set of upgrades, talents, and skills to aid their progression as a witch or wizard. They can complete challenges throughout the world to earn experience and level up their abilities. Magical gear can also be upgraded and specialized to increase offensive and defensive capabilities in a given playstyle.

Food for thought before diving in to the is new and immersive world; While Portkey Games are not direct adaptations of the Harry Potter books and films, the games are firmly rooted in the magical universe of the Wizarding World. While remaining true to J.K. Rowling’s original vision, Portkey game developers have charted new territory, creating fresh ways for fans to immerse themselves in the Wizarding World.

So step into a world of magic and mysterious threats; the Wizarding World is full of dangers including creatures corrupted by a magical force, sinister witches and wizards, and who knows, there may be a mounting goblin rebellion. I for one will be finding out, when Hogwarts Legacy drops next month!