As a kid, I loved Hogwarts and the wizarding world; hell, as an adult, I still do. There is really something magical about that fictional world (pun intended). I have read every book (multiple times, including The Cursed Child), seen every movie (multiple times, including Fantastic Beasts), played every video game, and bought almost every toy from action figures to Lego sets. Because of that love, until Niantic's Wizards Unite allows me to be an AR wizard, I decided I would spend my time at Hogwarts in the mobile game Hogwarts Mystery. Having played fairly steadily for two days, here are my initial reactions.
Starting the game was exactly as I imagined. I got to create my character and head to Diagon Alley where I met my first friend (Rowan). I really did enjoy getting my wand, visiting Flourish and Blotts, and seeing those familiar Cobblestone streets. However, it was when I got to the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony that my nostalgia really kicked in. As I have wanted to do my whole life, I went to the Ravenclaw house for the intelligent individuals (don't judge me).
Seeing the professors, going to classes, and, of course, getting harassed by a Slytherin student with Death Eater parents made the game all the more familiar to me, and I was really enjoying the experience...until I got trapped by Devil's Snare. I thought this process would be a simple procedure: trace the line to cast Lumos, tap on the actions, repeat, and be on my way. That was when I ran out of energy for the first time, and, sure enough, I had to either wait for it to replenish or purchase some more. It was at this moment that I remembered what kind of game I was playing.
Can I complain too much about having to wait to continue playing a fun and free game? Not really. But then again, I was so determined for this to be a good game until I realized that it was essentially just another blast-from-the-past character licensed by an independent company offering a free game in exchange for people buying in-game purchases to be better than their friends (Super Mario Run anyone?). I really wanted this game to be great as a Harry Potter super-fan, but the realization that this game is meant to get you to spent money on that nostalgia really makes it come crashing down to Earth. People have been waiting years for the experience of being themselves at Hogwarts, and this game provided the first opportunity to do it. But is this all we get with that experience?
The game really is not that bad, and I have only been playing it for two days now. Maybe it will turn out to be a great game, and my initial reaction will be wrong. However, it is only two days in, and I am already tired of running out of energy in the middle of learning a spell or making a potion. My nostalgia and love of the wizarding world will keep me coming back for sure, but as of right now, I am not so sure it will be enough to have me recommend it to others.
Starting the game was exactly as I imagined. I got to create my character and head to Diagon Alley where I met my first friend (Rowan). I really did enjoy getting my wand, visiting Flourish and Blotts, and seeing those familiar Cobblestone streets. However, it was when I got to the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony that my nostalgia really kicked in. As I have wanted to do my whole life, I went to the Ravenclaw house for the intelligent individuals (don't judge me).
Seeing the professors, going to classes, and, of course, getting harassed by a Slytherin student with Death Eater parents made the game all the more familiar to me, and I was really enjoying the experience...until I got trapped by Devil's Snare. I thought this process would be a simple procedure: trace the line to cast Lumos, tap on the actions, repeat, and be on my way. That was when I ran out of energy for the first time, and, sure enough, I had to either wait for it to replenish or purchase some more. It was at this moment that I remembered what kind of game I was playing.
Can I complain too much about having to wait to continue playing a fun and free game? Not really. But then again, I was so determined for this to be a good game until I realized that it was essentially just another blast-from-the-past character licensed by an independent company offering a free game in exchange for people buying in-game purchases to be better than their friends (Super Mario Run anyone?). I really wanted this game to be great as a Harry Potter super-fan, but the realization that this game is meant to get you to spent money on that nostalgia really makes it come crashing down to Earth. People have been waiting years for the experience of being themselves at Hogwarts, and this game provided the first opportunity to do it. But is this all we get with that experience?
The game really is not that bad, and I have only been playing it for two days now. Maybe it will turn out to be a great game, and my initial reaction will be wrong. However, it is only two days in, and I am already tired of running out of energy in the middle of learning a spell or making a potion. My nostalgia and love of the wizarding world will keep me coming back for sure, but as of right now, I am not so sure it will be enough to have me recommend it to others.
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