As a long-time fan of the Harry Potter franchise, the announcement of “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions” sparked excitement and fear. For many, Quidditch is a quintessential aspect of the series, with its frenetic pace and strategic depth capturing the imagination of readers and viewers alike. And with Quidditch missing from Hogwarts Legacy last year, all hopes for enjoying the sport are on this game.
Flying is enjoyable
The flying mechanics which are at the core of the game feel fluid and intuitive, with well-designed controls that allow players to navigate the broomstick with agility. While we did have some complaints about the flying in Hogwarts Legacy, they nailed it with Quidditch Champions. The ability to pass, shoot, and tackle makes each match dynamic and engaging and the short matches fit well with the game. The developers have succeeded in translating the complexities of Quidditch into an enjoyable gaming experience. You can play as three different classes with a fourth being playable as soon as the Golden Snitch is released. If you have read the books or seen the movies you will be familiar with the classes, if not; you can score, be a goalkeeper, or bat balls at the opposing teams.
Great matches but stupid AI.
The game is played in 7-minute matches where the first one to a 100-point win, and yes, the golden snitch only counts for 30 points but is still a game-changer. If you are playing solo, you create your team of six players and can jump freely between all classes during the game. If you instead play online, which most players will focus on, each team only has three real players, filling up the rest of the team with bots. This decision baffles me in many ways, mostly because the AI in the game is not good at all, so why not just let six players play against 6 other players?
Looks like a mobile game
Graphically, Quidditch Champions looks like a mobile game with some pc enhancing features. While I can enjoy a more colorful and cartoony art style when done right, this feels like a good example of when it is done wrong. Instead of being charming and inviting, the game feels very generic, looking like most multiplayer mobile games tend to look these days, which makes it even weirder when the game isn’t out on mobile.
Choose your broom
Following on the mobile and perhaps free2play logic are the extensive customization options for characters and brooms. Players can create their witches and wizards and select their house, which adds a personal touch to the experience. The progression system rewards players with cosmetic upgrades, broom upgrades, and new abilities. The skills and abilities aren’t many, might feel too small to make a difference, but still adds some progression to the game. I wish that there were more cosmetics from the start to choose from, making it possible to create a more unique character at the start, not locking it behind season pass progress.
Conclusion
Overall, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions offers a good blend of nostalgia and competitive gaming that fans of the franchise will appreciate. The game may look and feel like a mobile game, but a good one at that. They have nailed the flying and almost all matches I´ve played have been a close call in the end, making all matches an exciting experience. For those who have dreamt of soaring through the skies on a broomstick, dodging Bludgers, and scoring goals in the Quidditch pitch, this game will make you satisfied, at least for a while.
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