A Critical Early Analysis of Hogwarts Legacy Gameplay

[@RobinGaming]

With over an hour of gameplay footage now available and just two months to go until release, I figured it was the perfect time to give my thoughts on what I'm expecting from Hogwarts Legacy. Let me know how you feel about what they've shown so far in the comments, and I hope you enjoyed the video! :)

[@flow417]

I love your vids and this looks like a great game in the making sad they delayed it But also I have to say take as much time as avalanche need to make it peerfect

[@thepandaahbear9025]

@@flow417 how much time does an avalanche need?

[@jimmiehissong]

@@flow417only delayed for last gen tho, right? Ps5/xbox is still slated for February 10

[@flow417]

@@jimmiehissong PS5 and pc

[@flow417]

@@jimmiehissong Xbox was delayed

[@kaysnr]

they’re literally a newish developer and this is their first main game. They’re not Santa Monica or naughty dog - they don’t have to revolutionize the video game industry. They just have to make a good “Harry Potter” game, like how Insomniac made the best Spider-man game out of other developers. I’m happy the story hasn’t been spoilt - and I’m looking forward to it.

[@Devghost]

Avalanche aren’t newish by any means . It also isn’t their first game either. It’s apart of Disney now, let’s not shill for warner bros to fast. I’m looking forward to see this game but I do hood some uncertainty around it.

[@KittehDisorder]

@@Devghost They've only developed disney related games, Just cause etc were created by a different studio with a similar name.

[@Devghost]

@@KittehDisorder Precisely it’s not their first rodeo. 25 years isn’t newish at all.

[@KittehDisorder]

@@Devghost what?? Did you read what I said lol Its not avalanche studios developing its avalanche software, their games consist of disney infinite and cars/hannah montana.

[@Popcorn-ch7uy]

@@Devghost Avalanche isn't owned by Disney. It's owned by Warner Brothers now, fool. It's literally in the name.

[@WiseOakDakota]

In regards to the broom stamina meter, I am fairly certain they said your max speed decreases the further you get from the ground, which can be upgraded and improved in game. I don’t believe they said or even implied that when the meter runs out you are forced back to the ground, just that you need to lower your altitude to regain speed

[@tater4442]

That’s exactly right, I misunderstood at first as well. But I’ve rewatched and the broom speed slows down once you get to high, but you never drop out the sky

[@austincarney9814]

yeah it seems like the upgrades grant you the ability to fly faster away from the ground longer perhaps eventually for as long as you want once you hit endgame

[@Gjhfggdyyg]

and mounts don't really force you to stay on the ground. The reason they limited brooms was because of the fantastic beasts and mountability of such. There was a need to give player a reason to use mounts - limited broom flight etc. How is this review critical?? Not only it's missing the point in 2\2 sections that I've watched so far, but it also does a terrible job of relaying the information given in the showcases.

[@tater4442]

@@Gjhfggdyyg also lore wise, broom flight was very limited

[@Gjhfggdyyg]

@@tater4442 were they？i dont really remember it was an issue for the battle of 7 potters. tho they were limited and i guess 19th century is a good excuse to downgrade them, however gameplay wise my explanation still makes sense

[@offlnegamer]

This game might not reinvent the wheel but MAN am I excited! In my eyes, if they can pull off half of what it looks they're attempting at an above average level, it will culminate to an amazing overall experience. Just the fact we can create our own wizard and fully explore Hogwarts in a video game has me so hype so if every thing else being good to great will just be a plus. Really hope this one is great.

[@WhovianRoxas]

My thoughts exactly. This game didn't need to reinvent the gaming experience. All it needed to go was give us a fun game set in Hogwarts. And, based on what we've seen, they have given us that and then some. They could have just stopped at Hogwarts but they decided to give us all of Hogwarts and THEN a whole huge open world beyond it. I am so excited for this game and all the future potential DLC, sequels, and spin-offs that could follow!

[@rustypotatoes]

me too! im glad not everyone is being such a downer abt the game, just let me be excited 😂

[@WhovianRoxas]

@@rustypotatoes Yep yep. Just make sure to stay off Twitter. Disappointing to see some prominent folks getting involved with the whole controversy and shaming folks for just wanting to play a game.

[@rustypotatoes]

@@WhovianRoxas man fuck twitter and tiktok 😂 i only go on tiktok to catch up with music artists, yt news abt games is good enough for me 🙂

[@gamesmaster1060]

I've never been a hugefan of harry potter itself but I've always liked the world it's set in so this game even makes me excited

[@dawsynasay4841]

I’m right there with you. I don’t really care for the movies themselves (or the books), but I’ve always enjoyed the actual world

[@Pcpopple845]

Is that because it is the actual world?

[@clayk4753]

They said you can have companions to take with you on your adventure, so I’m sure we can use companions for combat. They’re not revealing everything. We’ll also be able to use beasts in some manner I’m sure.

[@titoxprogr11]

My most anticipated game! Huge fan of Harry Potter, and loved the games, specially the prisioner of Azkaban on Ps2. Its sad that this game is getting attacked by some people because of JK Rowling thoughts :(, I only want that this game does well. Awesome video Robin! Can’t wait for the next one!

[@Black-Re4per]

People complaining about J.K Rowling are ridiculous. If you like something then just like it no matter what the creator does, you've to separate the art from the artist.

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

@@Black-Re4per I think they are critical because by buying this game you are financially supporting JK Rowling. Which I also find a stupid reason to complain because no-one is forcing you to buy this game if you do not want to support Rowling.

[@speedbeyondlogic]

People can complain about jk rowling if they want. And it's their choice if they want to separate the art from the artist. Rowling complains about people. It goes both ways. And if you don't like what they say you don't have to pay attention to it. Same for not buying the game if you don't want because of rowling. And certain thoughts when put into words and actions can have negative consequences that can effect more than just an individual.

[@UPHENOS]

First, I watched the movies. Then I became very intrigued around the fourth film and went to read the books. I loved both film and books! But on the other hand, I've never played any of the games since they seemed too simple and childish (I'm an older fan). But this game interests me, it seems to be more mature and significant. We'll see.

[@etemmu2370]

honestly i think it's very difficult to make an engaging combat systerm using the Harry Potter duelling basis: wizards just have their wand, stand stil and cast. What they are doing right now is probably the best they could do while keeping the core elements of the dueling style we see in the Harry Potter franchise. I'm pretty sure that if they imcluded some melee weapons to the players' arsenal they would have felt extremly jarring and would have received quite the backlash. If the system is solid and the roleplaying and story are interesting I personally don't care too much if the combat system is revolutionary or what not. But it probably stems from what each of us wants from a game

[@markedone494]

I think its key to offer diversity in that case so they make sure that people have choices to choose from… Although i really wouldnt be mad if we could apparate a magical sword to use in combat.

[@serenaleahy-higgins3]

you also gotta remember that this is a game thats also was designed to be playable by people who arent super gamers. god of war wasnt a game for people who dont really play many video games. its advertized for mostly veteran type gamers who know all these systems and whatnot this is a game for fans of a movie and book series. basic wandwork is gonna make things more accessible. i feel like they add variety throught he spells and the plants and potions and gear. and then also the enemy type. weve seen countless different enemyies already from wizard to goblins to trolls. this is a game thats gonna be trying to add that variety while making it super easy to pick up.

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

To be fair god of war literally has an easy mode that’s described as being for people that don’t want to be challenged and just want to experience the story. So god of war is definitely not for “veteran gamers”, but instead the lowest common denominator.

[@Pedroofficialchannel]

Like you, I grew up with everything Harry Potter and was a huge fan of the transmedia projects of the franchise but in a long time for this franchise, I´m incredible excited to play this. It seems to tick all the boxes but I will approach it with caution and wait for reviews and impressions

[@rgm2578]

Ermmm story they might want to keep a secret. And they said we have seen a tip of the iceberg in regards to wat they have shown. So far looks like it's going to be a good game, will it be great that's the question.

[@melwinbylund]

The broom stamina is going down because of boost. The bar don't drain close to the ground. Therefore, we won't be limitied in how high we fly, only how fast while going far from the ground. Love the video!

[@themelon7112]

This is absolutely incorrect

[@melwinbylund]

@@themelon7112 Then provide me with the correct answer please🤗

[@themelon7112]

@@melwinbylund Broom stamina goes down when in the air so you can't fly the broom at height for prolonged time.

[@melwinbylund]

@@themelon7112 I’m pretty sure you can fly high but can’t boost for a long time while doing it. That’s what Alan said at least.

[@themelon7112]

@@melwinbylund na bro look at 05:40. Boosting on ground and very tiny stamina drain, goes into air and it depletes quick. Plus he said he wanted broom travel close to ground so you don’t miss as much. High flying is for mounts.

[@mikaela9799]

I've never much cared for the Harry Potter books/movies or his own character and era, but I was always fascinated with the world around and its possibilities so I'm very excited for the game.

[@Vortexnicholas]

Next year for gaming is gonna be so packed.

[@FultonRecovery]

As a non Harry Potter fan this game to me seems like just a collection of systems. Like a game made by talented people who don’t actually play games

[@juanche978]

These people play videogames, I can assure you that. They took mechanics from a lot of games, the problem is if those mechanics will work well or not

[@Gytis_Of_KFP_The_4th_PenKing]

you have different traits in talent tree and gear traits (both active and passive) ..u have combos with different spells (for example putting "x" mark on enemies and then killing all of them by killing one guy.and probably they have more stuff like that...maybe making them all float with wingardum leviosa)...isnt ancient magic basically same as rage thing in GOW...it might feel a bit sluggish but we have seen what "fast combat" feels like with magic (FPS HP....) lastly they said that on higher difficulty game should be challenging (cant say how much of it is true) also...in fist livestream in character creator screen last tab..u can see there is 4 difficulty levels...and im 90% sure that they have it on easy mode for showcase...your video is great..just wanted to point out few things u might of missed

[@inspectornl]

Showcase was run on normal mode, they confirmed that in a Reddit post sometime after the showcase aired.

[@Gytis_Of_KFP_The_4th_PenKing]

@@inspectornl i seen it

[@noodle7725]

The combat really reminds me of Dragon Age, and just the style of it, i’m very excited! I’m expecting the story to be just meh, but who knows

[@Rbcop1]

I was thinking the same thing. It looks identical to Dragon Age Inquisition (the combat).

[@cendresaphoenix1974]

Oof Dragon age combat sucks

[@Rbcop1]

@@cendresaphoenix1974 can't disagree

[@TheRollingGizmo]

Playing HP 6-7.2 on the Wii, like you I always loved 6 the most due to its exploration of hogwarts. Regardless of the rest of the game (which I sincerely hope is good), I’m sold on the exploration of hogwarts in itself.

[@ianchaves9709]

I still think it would be interesting for the broom to be called using the "Accio" summoning spell, so the broom would come pretty quickly in a matter of 1 second or two. This way it would be cool to call the broom and jump off a cliff with it arriving in time before you crash to the ground.

[@mellflowers]

Idk about the lack of story tho… exploring is cool yeah but just like any other open world rpg that I’ve played, what pushes me forward is always the plot

[@Thats_funny_yo]

Aight, I'm a huge Harry Potter fan for it's whimsical and magic environment, and I love exploring. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this game.

[@PS3GamingScotland]

After having finished our Harry Potter Marathon watching all the films back to back, I'm feeling so nostalgic for the games and I'm looking forward to playing this game.

[@ironsword7]

I wonder how much the last-gen has held this game back in terms of level design with their slow HDD performance.

[@Devghost]

Loads I presume this is on UE4 so can you imagine the pop ins on old Gen 😂

[@sherlockholmes3317]

The question is is there basilisc in this game, cuz the ingridients for the antidote are

[@MadRetro00]

I'm super excited for this game! However... I do feel like some of the spells do the same thing with a different coat of paint. I hope they elaborate more on why you should use more spells when the game releases. I do understand different spells break different shields, but if that's it, it seems like a small bummer. That's just my opinion, though! Does anybody know a little more about this, or does anyone feel the same?

[@jakemartin8382]

I understand about the repetitiveness of spells but there isn’t a lot more they can do really, it’s just one weapon (the wand) casting different attacks. So long as that feels good I think it’ll be great. For me it’s just the exploration of it all that I can’t wait for

[@MadRetro00]

@@jakemartin8382 I'm excited about the exploration! The spells look fun! So I know I'll get lost once I actually play it. I think I'm worried over nothing lol

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

so far I just really like how your main character casts spells in this fancy combative look. hope there's more spells that do different things but so far, i'm pleased with what i've seen. count me in on that exploration, this is gonna be a cool map to wander in

[@jakemartin8382]

@@MadRetro00 yeah I’m worried too as I’m that excited for it, it’ll be the best game I’ve ever played or the biggest let down I’ve ever played

[@rollierollz]

Thank you for your perfect timing! Was literally thinking of this game this morning! 😆

[@Kibaoftheleaves]

"Graphically not the most impressive." MY BROTHER IN CHRIST WHAT IS YOUR STANDARD!?!

[@RobinGaming]

It's not about my standard, nor do I even care much. But it's clearly not among the the best looking games atm like Horizon, A Plague Tale etc. Idk what's wrong with just calling out those obvious facts.

[@lidular]

It feels to me like at has a lot in common with Skyrim when it comes to what type of game it is

[@sqwark4523]

Really love this video and your comments. I agree with a lot of what you’re saying, but the biggest thing I would disagree with is your comments on the combat. You’ve critiqued it for being slow, which is a bit speculative, but I think where your actual criticism is the issue with the cool downs on the curses. Which yes, isn’t lore friendly, but the thing is every game with a sword, and every game with a gun, never acts like those weapons. Much like this game, Skyrim is not graphically brilliant but the attention to detail makes up for it, but the swords and the combat is pretty woeful. I think it’s just the nature of the gaming world right now. Thanks again for this video. Really enjoyed watching it.

[@cgyue]

I'm realy glad that I (most likely) dont have to worry about performance because I plsy on PC. I agree with most of your points in the Video though, I personally think they just dont want to reveal too much of the story, so that it remains a mystery to be explored, which is something I agree with. If there was more Information on the Story I would try to avoid it, the only thing I wanted to know about the Story, is if there are choices that matter and that has already been answered

[@flow417]

By the way who ever didn't now the book at the end is merlin book

[@reese5545]

No need to reinvent the wheel. Just improve on the foundation provided by previous games.

[@helloconga]

Also people keep getting confused it’s not avalanche studios that made max max , it’s avalanche software that made Disney infinity and Hannah Montana making Harry Potter legacy. Not preordering as a developer like this can’t handle a game like this on the first try. They haven’t even proven themselves with a nearly comparable game. Fans will be disappointed , guaranteed.

[@WeissM89]

My concern with the combat is that is too spam-y. I would rather have a more "lethal" combat system. On both sides. I hate bullet sponges. Having to beat up enemies repeatedly like punching bags when canonically a single stunning spell would take someone out of combat doesn't make me feel powerful. I don't like that you can just stand in the middle of a skirmish and not be shot down immediately. I hope I can crank up the difficulty so that I need to be smart and use cover.

[@Rizzatouille]

Dead by daylight looking UI where the spells are lol

[@baki484]

Order of the phoenix is the only harry potter game I own. But I had it on psp so I didn't have some of the features. Hogwarts legacy is a dream come true.

[@terrytwotoes3225]

They are counting on nostalgia to sell the game but I'm keeping my expectations low

[@ConnorEllisMusic]

Missing Quidditch though.

[@gamesmaster1060]

You mentioned that there arnt any combos. I thought there was and that was one of the ways they balanced the op spells like avadakadabra. The combos built a meter up or something that reduced the cool downs like the very long cooldown of avadakadabra (I might be wrong)

[@phillipelder9576]

There is a combo meter with a finisher feature. You chain together your spells. Up to 16 to slot at once, once you have every spell diamond. And use those spells with a mind to your cooldowns which forces you to manage your spell usage in combat with more focus than just spamming the op spell.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

i think you're almost correct, but I remember them saying that you drink a certain potion to reduce all spell cooldowns including Avada Kadavra

[@phillipelder9576]

@@thisbubblygoodness7611 but only if you brew and keep a focus potion on hand. I imagine you can break the game as with any rpg. But I like how they have put an emphasis on personal choice. If you put a special mind in your build to using specialised potions in combat you can. If you'd rather just wiggenweld chug seems you you can though. Cooldowns can also be reduced through upgrades in talent trees.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

@@phillipelder9576 oooh now that's something I didn't know, thanks for informing me! I like this, there seems to be a veriety of ways players can go about customizing their spells and potions it seems. is it similar to how you can be 'invisible' in more then one way in Hogwarts Legacy? like there's a potion version and a spell version of invisibility?

[@phillipelder9576]

@@thisbubblygoodness7611 well if you focus on herbology. You can grow plant potion ingredients and have them on hand easily. The efficiency of your potions seems to be tied to your potions skill tree. And you can discover new potion recipes all over the world apparently. Your room of requirement is completely customizable. So if you want two rows of planters you can. I also believe your growth times can be reduced as you excel in your plant growing.

[@cantstopthefunk22]

"Broom stamina" 😂😂😂

[@Hauerization]

Never big on H:P, but this game looks great, gotta be honest.

[@Rbcop1]

You should've played Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban on PlayStation 2. To me they did Hogwarts better in those games than in The Order of the Phoenix. If you can those two PlayStation 2 titles are definitely worth a visit. Really captures the spirit of the book.

[@Akechifan]

Those games were actually elite. I don't see nearly enough people talk about them.

[@Rbcop1]

@@Akechifan facts

[@obiwankenobi687]

How could they have done hogwarts better than the games that essentially actually let you walk around the entire movie hogwarts model

[@phantomconsular6852]

Ancient magic is a combo attack that devastates enemies

[@katabwa2172]

Combat looks kind of clunkier now as compared to earlier trailers/teasers :(

[@tftg458]

I wonder why that "ancient magic" does not exist in the Harry Potter time period :/

[@lathammovie9676]

remeber the guy playing the gme has been so for a very long time. also this wont be an up to date version of the game. this dev version is problaby on a build from a few months ago. at the end of the day this game isnt looking bad and its looking better than i expected. lower your expectations or you will be dissapointed

[@RatedRxGVSREP]

The combat speed isn’t slow at all

[@MisfitPersonal]

The combat reminds me of Dragon Age 2 and inquisition abilities

[@rutger5705]

Yes! I was curious to your thoughts about what we've seen so far off Hogwarts Legacy. Personally I feel very similar about the game so far as you do. I really wonder what the story will be like. I do have a feeling it's gonna be bland and not layered, but hope for the opposite. This might be the hardest game to predict for coming year.

[@rpgPalette]

I want Jeremy Soule in this new game, like in first 2 games

[@Devghost]

I can’t wait to play it. I have a friend that works at a game store. I get my games a day before release so roll on the 6th of February 😃 I also have some worries mainly to do with side activities and repetitiveness in certain missions. Let’s see how it goes

[@helloconga]

Very illegal, you and your friend could go to jail for it.

[@jason6171]

combat seems more like the witcher than GOW to me

[@juanche978]

Witcher is not combo system

[@melwinbylund]

I'm a big fan of the lore and I can't express my feelings for this. I'm in love⚡️

[@renostheflash]

great video keep it up robin

[@thennow6178]

Wish it were multiplayer :(

[@JBMetalProductions]

Pc modders are gonna have infinite broom travel on the first day lol. Probably gonna take that cooldown off of avada kedavra as well.

[@ajsalvlk]

Don't need modding there is upgrades for broom travel and spells in game itself.

[@XeiDaMoKaFE]

Well i mean , if i want spoilers is for the mwchanics not the story lolol

[@FullBloodedMetalHead]

When you say it's not graphically impressive, are you watching the 4k version on a 4k tv/monitor at the highest viewing setting? Its 60 fps and on Unreal Engine 4.

[@1Aquadon]

Thanks Robin!

[@RamitoEdits]

Wdym god of war, besdes the cool downs they’re nothing alike. Gow has a focus on melee and aiming your attack, this game is nothing like that. Really confusing take

[@djjjjj]

Is it 60fps on console???????

[@TakaChan569]

If your always expecting a game to reinvent the wheel then your always gonna be disappointed, i'd rather a game take what works and do them well than to try to hard to be new and just not fun. I just got to say i disagree with you on almost every point lol, i mean for one it's a Harry potter game spells are kinda what they use nobody was thinking we need swords and axe's...just an odd video overall.

[@KapralkijGames]

Is there gonna be gameplay differences between PC and console editions?

[@Devghost]

No but I’m not sure on old Gen

[@KapralkijGames]

@@Devghost I mean especially between PC and PS5. I have read in one forum that on PS5 it's gonna be fewer spells for example, and I cannot nowhere to confirm or bust it

[@playjay7553]

I have the feeling it’s gonna suck.

[@cal6311]

Cant wait for this game to come out I've pre ordered the delux edition and gotten my house placement in griffindor see you guys and gals online.

[@thisbubblygoodness7611]

i got Griffindor as well haha, but I'm gonna choose Slytherin because that commonhouse is too cool to miss.

[@lesssay9377]

There are a rage button

[@gnarleypunkroker5]

i want it to be good, but i think it'll suck.

[@marcosmwb8444]

if they didn't implement swords... they wasted the opportunity to let us use Godric's sword... no incentive to be a lame griffindore, worse common room and dormitories.

[@jakemartin8382]

The sword would be useless though, it only features in Harry Potter to kill the basilisk and then Nagini. The wand would be the weapon of choice always as it can kill from range

[@juanche978]

Swords would be stupid, there are more important stuff

[@maxsa4192]

First time on your channel and don’t take it as an insult but damn you look like Sindri from God Of War 😅

[@RobinGaming]

Dude why is everyone saying this lately. LMAO. You're like the fourth person now. Ok so we've had Josef Fares, Bill Clinton Kid, and now Sindri. Who will be next? ;)

[@VeguldenZilverling]

Poor Robin.

[@MsAkatsuki09]

It doens't need to be good and satisfying. I'm hyped.

[@sledgehammer3989]

Really hoping they dont F this up.

[@viniciuszamith]

Im so sorry.... but unfortunatelly this game haven't pvp battles and raids.... =(

[@gokucanfly4593]

Really wish this was current gen only game. Tired of games held back by weak ass ps4 and xbox one.

[@richtheobald4390]

Shame JK ruined it for everyone

[@FastCrySquire]

no

[@JKSmith-qs2ii]

It looks kind of mediocre. Jack of all trades master of none type of thing. Everything it does is better represented elsewhere. Like horizon reusing already made concepts offering nothing new.

[@ladyblabla3611]

It looks all so empty. and a lot of pop-in.

[@AaronKayPlays]

Wheres the pop in?

[@lemming9984]

@@AaronKayPlays Oh no, a fanboy has already has his feelings hurt. 😢

[@Devghost]

Loads of pop ins. My main reason im annoyed they’re still doing cross Gen on this game. Because UE5 would’ve been so much better.

[@AaronKayPlays]

@@lemming9984 ok lemming 998

[@AaronKayPlays]

@Ghost777 yeah I agree with you there

[@tears2040]

D🔥PE

[@spenzix3720]

i never even watched to movies and im pumped for this game