It was a surprise announcement when we first heard about it, but Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions aims to deliver the ultimate Quidditch experience for fans of the Wizarding World, years after we got a first taste during the release frame of the films. Developed by Unbroken Studios and published by Warner Bros Games, this new title brings the fictional sport to life on all major systems including the PlayStation 5. While its core gameplay and customization options are commendable, some aspects of the game could use more polish.
The premise of Quidditch Champions taps directly into the lore of Harry Potter, but rather than being grounded in any specific narrative, it’s more of a platform to explore and play in the world of Quidditch. There’s no deep storyline driving the game forward, which may be a bit disappointing for fans hoping for a more character and plot-driven experience with familiar faces. Instead, Quidditch Champions focuses on pure competitive play, which works well for the gameplay loop but may lack depth for those looking for a richer, story-focused title.
In terms of gameplay, the different positions (Chaser, Seeker, Keeper, and Beater) each offer distinct play styles, which adds welcome variety to matches. The game does a commendable job of balancing these roles, allowing for dynamic matches. Players can switch between the various positions, mastering their unique skills, and this keeps matches engaging and unpredictable. The career mode is a particular highlight, letting you start from more casual matches and work your way up to the prestigious Quidditch World Cup. Playing in famous arenas as well as new locations brings a sense of adventure and discovery, but it doesn’t make up for the lack of a story either.
One of the game’s best features is its customization system. Players can not only customize their look but also their flight style and broom upgrades, adding a personalized touch to the action. This level of customization is a real plus, letting you make the game feel like your own. However, while the cosmetic options are fun, they don’t alter the gameplay, so this might feel more like a superficial addition rather than a game-changing feature, adding little to those who don’t care about cosmetics.
The controls in Quidditch Champions feel intuitive and responsive for the most part, particularly when flying on your broomstick. The DualSense controller adds subtle haptic feedback that enhances the feeling of swooping through the air or blocking a shot as Keeper. However, there are moments when the controls can feel a bit clunky, especially during fast-paced sections or when performing more complex maneuvers. This can occasionally disrupt the fluidity of the matches.
Visually, Quidditch Champions does a solid job of bringing the world of Quidditch to life. The stadiums are richly detailed, with little touches that will make Harry Potter fans smile, and the game’s characters are well-animated, whether you’re playing as your own custom character or as a familiar face from the books and films. However, there are occasional dips in visual performance, particularly in online matches where frame rate issues can slightly hamper the otherwise smooth experience.
The game’s audio design is another strong point, with an energetic soundtrack that complements the fast-paced action on the pitch. The sound effects, from the swish of broomsticks to the crack of a Bludger, are satisfying and immersive. However, the lack of more varied voice work or commentary during matches can make some of the longer sessions feel a bit repetitive over time, and even make this feel like a relatively low budget production at times.
Despite these minor issues, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions successfully captures the game of Quidditch in a way that no Potter game has before. Its strengths lie in its dynamic gameplay, responsive controls, and the sense of freedom that flying provides. Yet, with no microtransactions and plenty of options for customization, it remains accessible and fun for both solo players and those looking for multiplayer action. While it may not be the most ambitious Harry Potter game in terms of narrative, its focus on delivering a fun and exciting Quidditch experience works out.
Ultimately, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a game for Potter fans who’ve been waiting to take to the skies, but it might leave those hoping for a more expansive and polished experience feeling a little grounded.
Score: 6.8/10
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