The long-awaited and controversial Harry Potter video game Hogwarts Legacy finally releases this week on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. But what do the critics think?

　　Reviews for the magical open-world game have begun to appear online ahead of launch. Hogwarts Legacy releases on February 7 for people who buy the Deluxe edition and February 10 for everyone else.

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　　Now Playing: Hogwarts Legacy Everything to Know

　　The game comes to PS4 and Xbox One in April, while the Nintendo Switch edition is set for release in July 2023. Fans have been waiting a long time for Hogwarts Legacy, as it was originally slated to arrive in 2021 before being shifted to 2022 and then again to 2023.

　　Players begin their magical career as a fifth-year student coming to Hogwarts in the 1890s. In addition to exploring the castle and learning spells, players will venture beyond the castle walls. The player character has the rare ability to see "whispers of ancient magic," and this informs their journey. Check out the video above to learn more about Hogwarts Legacy.

　　You can see some review scores and excerpts below. Of note, one publication that received access to the game published an editorial rather than a traditional review, and that is included in this review roundup. For an even more detailed look at the critical reaction to Hogwarts Legacy, check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.

　　Hogwarts Legacy is developed by Avalanche Software, a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game has been embroiled in controversy due to transphobic remarks from Harry Potter author JK Rowling. Although she is not personally involved with its development, she stands to profit from its success. For more, read our in-depth article on how Rowling's comments have impacted the trans community. In this article, you will also find links to trans creators you can support, as well as charities you can donate to.

　　Game: Hogwarts LegacyPlatforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PCDeveloper: Avalanche SoftwareRelease Date: February 7 (early access); February 10 (standard edition).Price: $80 Deluxe/$70 standard

IGN -- 9/10

"In almost every way, Hogwarts Legacy is the Harry Potter RPG I've always wanted to play." -- Travis Northup [Full review]

　　

GamesHub

"If you buy this game, you're making a choice. You're choosing to support J. K. Rowling, even if just in a small way. And if you knowingly weigh the costs and decide that your personal enjoyment of a video game is worth supporting a trans-exclusionary radical feminist, that indulging your nostalgia is more valuable than supporting the transgender community? …well, one tree might not make a forest, but it sure is more than none. Trans Rights are Human Rights." -- Percy Ranson [Full review]

　　

True Achievements -- 9/10

"Hogwarts Legacy is a magical experience that is bound to go down well with fans of the Wizarding World. Hogwarts and its surrounding areas are crafted in meticulous detail and give players a chance to truly explore some of the most wonderful aspects of the Harry Potter novels. Both open-world and Potter fans should feel right at home here, but anyone that dislikes having to clear a map of all landmarks is going to be in for a tough ride. Hogwarts Legacy is a fantastic addition to both the franchise and the RPG genre, and an adventure you won't soon forget!" -- Tom West [Full review]

　　

PureXbox -- 9/10

"It felt like Hogwarts Legacy was always going to struggle to live up to the hype, but somehow Avalanche Software has managed to deliver an absolutely fantastic open world adventure that will surely go down as comfortably the best game based on the Harry Potter franchise so far. If you've been following its progress for a while and were keeping your fingers crossed for good reviews, we're pleased to report that it's definitely been worth the wait." -- Fraser Gilbert [Full review]

　　

VGC - 4/5

"Hogwarts Legacy brilliantly captures the magic of the world of Harry Potter with its beautiful open world, engaging characters and exciting combat. While the open-world elements of the game make it feel more dated than we'd have liked, it's otherwise the best the Wizarding World has been in a video game." -- Jordan Middler [Full review]

　　

GameRant -- 4.5/5

"Avalanche has created something truly special with Hogwarts Legacy. It succeeds at being the dreamHarry Potter game that many fans were hoping for, and if nothing else, it creates a rock-solid foundation for future Wizarding World games to be built upon.Hogwarts Legacy lives up to the hype, and we can confidently say it's the best thing to come out of theHarry Potter franchise since the original books and movies." -- Dalton Cooper [Full review]

　　

Dexerto -- 4/5

"Hogwarts Legacy isn't the perfect game, with the main story falling short in areas and technical issues providing some frustrating moments. However, it achieves a level of immersion that grips you into the wizarding world and doesn’t let you go. Whether it's attending classes, getting lost in the mysterious hallways of Hogwarts, or visiting Ollivander's to pick out the perfect wand, Avalanche has crafted a magical experience that takes you back to the day you first encountered Harry Potter, recapturing all the feelings that came with it." -- Alex Garton [Full review]

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