I've only gotten a few hours into the game, but it really reminds me of the old Star Control 2 game. I'm enjoying it so far and I really like the throwback.

UPDATE: After putting in a LOT more hours, I really like this game. It is VERY Star Control while in some ways not Star Control, in that the races are different. I do find that is a little annoying, it is still very much Star Control.

I think the snub at the Golden Joystick rewards was terrible. I understand Starfield was probably going to beat it, until it came out, and Starfield doesn't hold up well at this time. Hogwarts Legacy is a terrific game. Pick it up and have some fun!

Update: 2/20/2023 (31 hrs played)
I've been playing this a lot on my PC and Steam Deck. It plays well on both. I PREFER the mouse/keyboard experience, but I am enjoying some aspects of the gamepad/Steamdeck experience as well.

I just unlocked the Hippogriff. As much fun as flying on a Broom is, this blows it out of the water. (though, I have not done much flying on the broom, either).

Being able to grow herbs : Awesome
Being able to use those to brew potions: Awesome
Keeping your own menagerie of animals: Awesome
Running around Hogwarts: Awesome
FLYING around Hogwarts: Even more Awesome!

A few negatives, pretty minor.
The targeting could be better. It's not really bad, just is odd feeling. It has more of a console/controller feeling.
The lame DRM.
Unlock minigame.
A LOT of buttons.
Only 4 "rows" of spells. I wish I could have those plus some context rows. I want specific conjuration spells when in the Room of Requirements. I want specific other conjuration spells with the animals. I do understand trying to make the game easier/more accessible for controllers/consoles, but I get a bit annoyed going to the room of requirements and doing something, having to remap keys, and then remap OTHER keys when out of it.

Overall, AWESOME game with some relatively minor problems.


Original Impressions: 2/17/2023 (10ish hours played)
I've been a casual fan of Harry Potter for some time. I enjoyed the movies, but never read the books. My wife on the other hand is a huge Harry Potter fan. After meeting her, I began listening to the books, and I enjoy seeing her appreciation of the books (and movies). She has a bunch of cool things in her office dedicated to Harry Potter including a custom built wand I had made for her a few years ago.

Just establishing that while I am fan (I love Fantasy and Sci-Fi in general) I am not a hard-core fan like my wife.

I had not planned on purchasing this game until the activists attacked it. I had asked my wife if she wanted it (before everything blew up) and she wasn't interested because she is not a gamer. So, it was not on my radar. Then, the activists came and then I started seeing reviews for the game. It was actually really good. So, I decided to purchase it.

I am SO happy I did. The story grips you from the very beginning. From the first attack, and on, there is a real antagonist. (This one has a nose :-) There is a mystery. There is a long, over-arching history. All kinds of things come together to make this a really interesting story.

The controls are tight. Some games are a little more loose, which makes playing more difficult, but the game just feels right. The dialogue sounds good, though being British, I do wish there were some translations built in some how for British slang to English, though, I understand the context, so it is not all bad.

I'm only a little ways in so far, having just gotten to Hogsmead. Looking at the map, this world is HUGE. I really can't wait to explore more of the game. I'm happy that controversy popped up about this game. I would not have gotten it otherwise.

The game is AWESOME. Great Story. Great Controls. Great visuals. This is the complete package.