Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review: Catch a Golden Snitch

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Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review: Catch a Golden Snitch

As a gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt and a self-proclaimed Harry Potter enthusiast, I must say that Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions has truly cast a spell on me. This game has managed to take the whimsical and somewhat chaotic sport from the books and transform it into a competitive, thrilling, and fun video game.

It was inevitable that we’d eventually see a fantastic Quidditch video game, modeled after the sport from the Harry Potter books, often compared to “lacrosse on broomsticks.” With whimsical elements like a self-winning golden snitch, it had potential but needed refinement to become a genuine competitive sport. Fortunately, Warner Bros. Games’ Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions manages to create an exciting sports game filled with enjoyable action.

The game’s standout feature is its unfailing fun factor, regardless of the role you assume among the four characters. Whether you’re attempting to score as a chaser, causing havoc with bludgers as a beater, or warding off attacks as a keeper, the gameplay is remarkably responsive and enjoyable. Defensive play is equally engaging as offensive moves, ensuring that the overall experience remains entertaining.

There is one major change from the books, though, in that catching the golden snitch no longer grants you 150 points and ends the game. Instead, the seeker position can be switched to a few times during a match to chase the snitch, which has to essentially be worn down before you can catch it. It only grants 30 points, which is three times the typical 10 for a goal, but it’s still a sizable catch, and doing it twice in a game typically results in a lead that can’t be toppled as you battle to get to 100 points before your opponent. It essentially turns the overpowered ball into an extremely meaningful mini-game mid-match rather than a player’s full-time focus.

As a gamer, when I’m playing alone, I have the freedom to dart between all four roles at my whim. But when it comes to online matches, where each team consists of three human players, we each control a chaser first, then switch to one of the other positions – beater, keeper, or seeker. This flexibility is a game-changer, but what truly sets winning teams apart are those who understand and embrace their roles, rather than just having three players relentlessly trying to score without proper team coordination.

Beyond the primary engagement in multiplayer mode, you’ll find four distinct single-player tournaments designed for your exploration. The initial tournament serves as an engaging tutorial. In the following competitions, you’ll face off against Hogwarts houses, then different Triwizard schools, and ultimately, national Quidditch teams. These tournaments are excellent for familiarizing yourself with the game mechanics and understanding its intricacies before venturing into multiplayer matches.

While playing this game, you’ll not only progress but also earn skill points, various upgradable brooms, and currency that can be used to purchase character skins, some of which feature well-known characters. The gameplay is engaging as it offers a continuous cycle: either enhancing your team’s skills or seeking new cosmetic items.

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review: Final Verdict

Regardless if you’re playing alone or with others, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions manages to transform the imaginary sport into an engaging competitive video game. To excel, emphasis should be placed on teamwork and mastering your role, and there are numerous rewards to motivate players even after they’ve conquered all the cups in the campaigns. In short, Unbroken Studios has skillfully infused this sports game with a generous dose of enchantment.

SCORE: 8.5/10

According to the review guidelines on ComingSoon, a rating of 8 signifies “Great.” Although there may be some minor flaws, this score indicates that the artwork achieves its objective effectively and makes a lasting impression.

Note: Our review of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions was based on a digitally supplied PlayStation 5 version (1.000.001).

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2024-09-11 19:40