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We couldn't wait for the wizarding title from the studio Jam City since its announcement. The game adaptation of the saga, which shaped more than one generation through films and books, was finally shown during the past week in App Store and the fans' impatient wait is over. Well, taking on a closely watched title where you can't step even an inch off is a real challenge. This fact was also realized by Josh Yguado, one of the leading creators of the game, who commented on this extremely difficult task. How did the game adaptation from the environment of the Potter universe succeed?

From the novice to the experienced magician

The game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery takes you into a story in which you take on the role of a freshman at a high school of wizardry. The creation of your own character consists of familiar RPG elements, while the character can be customized to suit you. At the beginning, it is possible to choose from only a few options, which include the physical appearance of your sorcerer, but during the course of the game, other functions will be gradually unlocked, such as changing the outfit or throwing various objects. It is possible to name the character, either with your own name or with a nickname according to your taste. After a short character customization, you are ready and the story takes you into the wizarding world almost immediately.

After a short introduction in the familiar slanted alley where you meet your future fellow student Rowan, the game guides you through the basic techniques of progression. The simulation is set up clearly and comprehensibly, so it cannot happen that you have no idea how to continue in the first phase of the game. The game assistant will familiarize you with the tasks that need to be completed in order to progress further in the game and will also explain to you the process of completing the challenges, which is more than instinctive. In the first section of the game, practically your only task is to carefully read and master the game system. You will then go to Garrick Ollivander's iconic shop, where you will be chosen by your first wand and the adventure can begin.

Familiar characters and spaces in a mysterious story

Upon arrival at Hogwarts (Hogwarts), you will be taken care of by the sorting hat, which will then assign you to the selected faculty. In which of the four known faculties you will spend your time at the wizarding school is not decided randomly, so you have the option of free choice. Each faculty will try to win the school cup during the school year, which means you will have to put in a lot of effort in your endeavours. You get plus and minus points for your faculty based on the actions and decisions you make in the game. During the game, you will try familiar subjects such as cooking potions with Professor Snape, casting spells with Professor McGonagall or flying on a broomstick with Madam Hooch. The authentic voice recordings of the representatives of the original series such as Michael Gambon or Dame Maggie Smith was a really excellent step. The complete cast that lent their voices to the animated characters can be found in the article below.

Sorting Hat Hogwarts Houses

The story centers around the search for your character's brother, who was a household name at Hogwarts and was expelled for his problematic behavior. As you play, the story associated with your brother will gradually crystallize, but there will also be many other mysterious stories. The course of the game takes place in the form of chapters, while in each of them new possibilities are revealed, such as spells, accessible locations, outfits or relationships with your student companions. Harry Potter and his well-known pair of companions are not in the game, but you can come across characters such as Ron's older brother Bill, Nymphadora Tonks or Dobby the elf. During your time at the wizarding school, you will form relationships with the characters that will help you in various situations. Well, you will also have to face enemy characters, of which the biggest threat in the first part of the game is the ambitious student Merula.

 A world full of mystery, magic and microtransactions

On your way to the title of the best wizard of all time, you will be tested by various situations that you will have to face at school. Whether it's Professor Snape's animosity, mastering new spells, or the dangers you'll find yourself in, energy will be a key element to a perfect outcome. In the first section of the game, you don't have to worry about the lack of energy, but sooner or later the frustration caused by the almost zero possibility of further progress will arrive. Energy can be replenished based on the amount of gems or coins you have, but it is definitely worth noting that you do not have the required amount of currencyancat disposal. Of course, if you don't save the items or buy them in the form of the often mentioned microtransactions.

Energy, gems and coins can be obtained by completing missions and challenges, but it is not a huge amount. In most cases, you'll simply have to wait for the task to complete, or if you're too impatient, you can choose a tactic Pay to Win and buy the package of the selected currency. The further you dive into the story, the more demanding the nature of the tasks will be. With some challenges, you will literally tear up looking at the time you have to wait to complete the mission.

Building a reputation and expanding the magic repertoire

As we know, the plot of the game takes place right after Voldemort's attack on Harry's parents, so it is useless to look for the legendary wizard in the school. Well, Hogwarts Mystery contains several references to the iconic saga. The authentic names of spells that we know from film and book adaptations will also find their way to your wand. You will learn individual spells and tricks in magic lessons or during duels with other students. Basic lines like Lumos, Alohomora and many others must be unlocked by leveling up the character during the game.

From time to time, the professors will ask you a relatively easy question for which you will receive bonus points for your faculty (if your answer is correct, of course). You can build your reputation based on three factors, which unlock answers or reactions during conversations, of which there are more than enough in the game. Many scenes, or better said animated images, are a detriment in the game, because after a certain time reading every interaction with a passer-by simply stops entertaining you. Courage, empathy and knowledge of the character fall into the three factors. Each attribute can be improved based on correct answers or reacting to difficult situations. Increasing the level of individual factors is also possible based on playing minigames that you will come across while going through the chapters. Experience and points of individual factors can also be obtained from magic lessons, potions, or flying training.

"Open world" with the possibility of discovery

The time spent in the school of magic will gradually make available to you the individual locations that you will be able to visit. In addition to the clubhouse, large hall and classrooms, you will also find a number of other rooms. But they can be locked permanently or until you reach a certain character level.

flying class outdoor scene

As for the new game content, it should gradually increase based on the statement of the creative studio Jam City. Over time, the game will unlock new items, spells, and locations for you and your wizard to explore. It is not excluded that in the future we will meet the well-known protagonists of the film series in the Hogwarts Mystery game nestlet's talk But for now, we'll have to make do with the possibilities that the long-awaited wizarding title recently brought.

Verdict

Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is definitely one of the top mobile games currently available. The possibility of moving around the wizarding school will certainly evoke nostalgic memories for many fans of the Harry Potter universe. Well, the truth is that something more was expected from the game. After a certain time, the exciting unraveling of a complicated story turns into mechanical clicking on the screen of a smartphone or tablet, and the player slowly but surely (thanks to the exceptions) starts to get bored. Don'toneConstantly waiting for energy refills, or getting stuck at a certain story point, seems like the game's biggest shortcoming, which is sure to get bigger and bigger. The apprehension in the form of microtransactions, which haunts most of today's titles, has left its mark on Hogwarts Mystery as well. On the other hand, the title is a pleasant addition to the fantastic saga, which tells a completely new story and the team forces more than one curious person to progress further in the game. Jam City, in cooperation with Portkey Games and Warner Bros., put a really heavy task on their shoulders, which as a result brought us a fun, if not completely polished, title from the wizarding universe.

  • The game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is available for free for devices with iOS.

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potions classroom interior

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