Hogwarts Brought to Life
Few games in recent memory have sparked such instant joy as Hogwarts Legacy. As a lifelong fan of the Wizarding World, stepping into the grounds of Hogwarts as my own witch or wizard felt like wish fulfillment of the highest order. From the soaring castle towers to the bustling charm of Hogsmeade, this game isn’t just a nostalgic trip, it’s a beautifully realised, lovingly crafted magical experience.
Whether you’re a Gryffindor loyalist, a cunning Slytherin, a sharp-minded Ravenclaw, or like me, a proud and playful Hufflepuff, this game delivers on the dream of finally attending Hogwarts, and it does so with spellbinding finesse.
Hogwarts and Hogsmeade: Lived-In, Breathing Worlds
Let’s begin with the obvious star: Hogwarts Castle. This version of the school is the most richly detailed and interactive we’ve ever seen, and far beyond anything in the films. Secret doors, moving staircases, enchanted statues, cozy common rooms, and hidden classrooms all combine to create a structure that feels truly alive. Every hallway feels like it has a story. The way the ambient lighting shifts during the day, how students chatter and gather in courtyards, how ghosts drift through stone halls. This is a Hogwarts that lives and breathes.
Hogsmeade is just as lovingly crafted. It bustles with magical charm, from the glowing storefronts to the cobblestone streets. Whether you’re shopping for potions, sipping Butterbeer, or eavesdropping on wizard gossip, it feels like a real village with history and personality. The seasonal changes and weather effects only enhance that feeling.
Characters and Companions: Fresh Faces, Rich Charm
What makes Hogwarts Legacy shine beyond its setting is its cast of characters. Your professors aren’t just quest givers, they’re fascinating individuals with their own stories, goals, and quirks. Fellow students like Natsai, Poppy, and Sebastian become genuine companions whose personal quests carry emotional weight. I just they travelled with you more outside of storyline quests.
The writing strikes a lovely balance between whimsy and depth. You get plenty of playful classroom antics and magical mischief, but also real narrative stakes. The companions’ arcs in particular are filled with intrigue, loss, and hard choices, making you care deeply about the world beyond your own story.
Music and Voice Acting: A Magical Soundscape
The musical score is nothing short of enchanting. From the moment the title screen fades in with its delicate orchestration, you know you’re in for something special. The music soars in key moments, simmers with mystery during exploration, and even includes delightful flourishes that feel right at home in the world of Harry Potter without copying the original film themes too closely.
Equally praiseworthy is the voice acting. Your character’s voice is well-performed and never grating, while the supporting cast deliver heartfelt, expressive performances that make dialogue scenes genuinely compelling. There’s humour, nuance, and warmth in the delivery that helps sell the magic around you.
Performance on Steam Deck OLED: Stunningly Smooth Magic
Let’s talk tech: on the Steam Deck OLED, Hogwarts Legacy is magical in more ways than one. Not only is it completely playable on the go, but the OLED’s vivid contrast and colour range bring the game’s environments to life in jaw-dropping ways. The flickering torches of Hogwarts’ corridors, the glint of moonlight on a misty lake, and the vivid green flashes of spellwork all pop with incredible clarity.
Even in combat-heavy or open-world sequences, performance is surprisingly smooth. The game is well-optimised, and being able to take Hogwarts with you whether curled up on a comfy chair or travelling by train, it feels like having a wand in your pocket.
I have also played it on Xbox Series S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch, but I feel that the Steam Deck is the best way to play.
Critique: A World Just a Bit Too Dangerous
If there’s one slight knock on immersion, it’s this: the world outside of Hogwarts and Hogsmeade is almost too dangerous, although this shouldn’t be confused with difficult. There’s just too many bandits, spiders, goblins, and trolls lurk around every rock and tree stump. While this creates constant tension, it makes the world feel oddly hostile, especially so close to such peaceful places. It’s very jarring and doesn’t make you want to live within the game or be a real student at Hogwarts.
A more immersive approach might have been to use portkeys to transport players to more dangerous, story-specific regions, therefore keeping the nearby countryside calmer and more believable while preserving the danger elsewhere. Still, this is a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things, and it doesn’t dull the joy of exploration. It’s just something to tweak for future expansions or sequels.
A Hufflepuff’s Delight: Representation at Last!
Can we take a moment to celebrate being able to play as a Hufflepuff?! For far too long, the loyal, kind, and underestimated house has been pushed to the sidelines, but not here. Each house has its own common room, unique quests, and distinct flavor, and the Hufflepuff common room is cozy perfection. Natural wood, soft lighting, plant life, and friendly students. It feels like a warm hug after a long quest.
And yes, Hufflepuff players even get a unique visit to Azkaban. That’s right, we got something exclusive and dramatic that other houses don’t. Yay for Hufflepuff!
Final Thoughts: A Love Letter to the Wizarding World
Hogwarts Legacy is everything I wanted and more. It’s a love letter to the world we’ve adored for decades, but with its own identity, tone, and heart. It’s not just about reliving what we’ve seen in books or films, it’s about writing your own story in a world that feels truly alive.
The characters are charming, the setting is astonishingly detailed, the music and voice work are top-tier, and the performance on the Steam Deck OLED is proof that magic can be portable.
For those of us who always waited for a letter from Hogwarts, this is it. You’re no longer watching someone else’s adventure, you’re finally living your own.
9 out of 10 – Better that I could have ever expected
