It’s 2022 and open-world seems to be the name of the game.
PlayStation has finally unveiled the gameplay for Hogwarts Legacy in a special State of Play event on Friday.
Players can customise their individual characters, be sorted into one of the famed Hogwarts houses and attend a multitude of classes.
The open-world game is set in the 1800s – way before the events of the original books or the Fantastic Beasts franchise – and will focus on a possible rebellion of goblins against the Wizarding World.
Hogwarts legacy also features the usual line-up of dangerous beasts and wizards.
The combat showcased seem to involve spell combinations and developers showed off the ability to mix and match spells in duels.
As with every modern open-world RPG now, you will also be able to customise your character’s gear and abilities throughout the game.
Hogwarts Legacy was initially expected to launch last year, but was hit by major delays.
The game should appeal to both Hogwarts fans and newcomers unfamiliar with the backstory, but the shadow of its original author, J. K. Rowling, looms large over it.
Since 2018, she’s made a series of transphobic comments online, forcing its publisher Warner Bros. to clarify that she isn’t directly involved in the game and said: “Her extraordinary body of writing is the foundation of all projects in the Wizarding World. This is not a new story from J. K. Rowling.”
It remains to be seen if Rowling’s name will impact the sales of the game – either way.
Hogwarts Legacy will launch later this year, during the holiday period and will be available on all major platforms.
In the meantime though, you can rewatch the full State of Play for the game here.
*Featured image from PlayStation
By Samantha Chan \ 14:30, 22 March 2022