There are lots of nice words I could use to describe the 2023 darling, Hogwarts Legacy. Charming, delightful, and enjoyable rise to the top, but the best single word I can think of describe the experience is balanced. In fact, Hogwarts Legacy might be the most well-balanced game in my current library. Placing all its primary elements into buckets, each would weigh evenly – main story, side quests, combat, and progression. All work together so nicely in tandem, and there’s neither too much nor too little of any given one. The game is not perfect, but it feels pretty darn close, and it’s one that I may just use as a gauge against other current (and future) RPGs.

For example, is Hogwarts Legacy better than Dragon Age: The Veilguard? Overall…yes.

But I digress.

[Also, SPOILERS!]

Hogwarts Legacy is set in a universe of learned and learning witches and wizards, Hogwarts being the school where all of said learning happens. It’s the late 1800s, not too far off from the turn of the 20^th century, and a new pupil has just arrived at the school. They enter in uniquely as a fifth-year student under the mentorship of Professor Eleazar Fig. As part of the new student’s training, they, along with Fig begin investigating an ancient relic. Between and dragon attack and meeting a hostile goblin named Ranrok, the student learns that they are unusually attuned to ancient magic. The duo also discovers Hogwarts’ “Keepers,” and they become embroiled their fight to keep the ancient magic safe from the world and likes of Ranrok, who would very much like to use it for his own nefarious means.

The game’s action takes place in and around Hogwarts castle, and then in the surrounding countryside, including familiar locations, such as Hogsmeade with its many quaint shops and, and the spooky Forbidden Forest. Hogwarts Legacy’s map feels expansive and infinitely explorable, what with dozens upon dozens of caves, mines, passages, and locales to uncover. Once players gain the ability to fly, the skies open up to reveal even more secrets. Individual villages scattered around feel unique; the caves and such less so; and there are also lots of characters to meet, as well. From townspeople to shopkeepers, to magical creatures and flora, the world of Hogwarts Legacy is brimming with life and liveliness.

Speaking of lively, let’s talk about the combat! if there was one thing I was dubious about from watching its early gameplay, it was the combat. All the spell-flinging just didn’t look very appealing. Even with plenty of mage-like gameplay under my belt in other games, the spells in Hogwarts Legacy looked from afar to be difficult and finicky. The truth couldn’t be farther from either. In fact, I’ve never had a better time casting spells every which way! Players can learn a hefty set of different spells throughout the game (including taboo “unforgivable curses”), and the apply them in different sets. Want a set of all-destruction spells? You got it! Want to stop your enemies in their tracks before transmogrifying them? You can! Want a set of spells just for exploring and puzzle-solving? Hogwarts Legacy has got you covered. Best of all is that multiple spell sets can be equipped at once, and spells can be swapped out at almost any time, allowing for plenty of flexibility when it comes to taking down even the mightiest foes.

Exciting combat isn’t very meaningful without good reason for it, right? Lucky for Hogwarts Legacy, it has a meaty main story and some very filling sides. This is were the game’s balance shines. All too often, games end up with either good main quests or good side quests. All of Hogwarts Legacy’s quests are simply good. (And good enough for me to want to achieve 100% completion [link], which is saying something!) The main story is told mostly through flashbacks that have excellent acting. Side quests range from compelling secondary stories involving other Hogwarts students, to helping townspeople with their problems, to navigating a veritable “house of horrors,” to even decorating one’s own Room of Requirement. Each task, challenge, or quest in the game is satisfying to complete, and nothing feels like fluff padding out an empty game.

With balance, thoughtfulness, and charisma all on its side, Hogwarts Legacy is one of the most well-executed games I’ve played in a long time. It gives players loads of freedom to play the game how they want – casually to frenetically, charge headlong into the main story or meander through side quests, unlock all its last secrets or leave room to return. It’s a joyful game that doesn’t put pressure on perfection; thing move at the player’s own pace. And really, why rush through it anyway, when there are so many gorgeous sites to take in, so many different avenues to explore, and so many treasures to garner. Hogwarts Legacy is a magical game, role playing or otherwise, that’s truly worth experiencing.

All images and videos were captured by author during PS5 gameplay of Hogwarts Legacy (© Avalanche Software).