While you can just spam the basic attack spell on the easier difficulties, select the hard setting and you’re forced to carefully combine your conjurings for the greatest impact possible. Firing off a stunning spell and watching your enemy crumple is enjoyable even after hundreds of casts - add in spells that imbue elemental effects and things get even more hectic. Combat is an excellent mix of strategic spell-casting and glossy visual effects. Fortunately, both these aspects hold your attention.

Your spells have two primary utilities: combat and puzzle solving. You will attend class in order to grow your repertoire of spells, but these lessons are presented as critical missions at key points in the story rather than scheduled activities that you can opt to engage with at specific times. Although, it should be noted that Hogwarts Legacy is not a high school simulator in the vein of the popular Persona series. Once you’ve settled on a look and a suitably magical name, it’s time to knuckle down and begin studying. (Image credit: Avalanche Software/WB Games)

Gamespot hogwarts legacy review