Initial release date: September 3, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows
Genres: Action game, Sports video game, Simulation Game, Sports
License: proprietary license
Developer: Unbroken Studios
Publisher: Warner Bros. Games
Series: Harry Potter video games
As fantastic as Hogwarts Legacy was, the lack of Quidditch was a significant concern. However, fans only need to look back at Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup on the original Xbox to realize that they should be careful what they wish for.
I, on the other hand, was among the few players who thoroughly enjoyed the original Quidditch game, so I was secretly optimistic about this spiritual sequel, much to the delight of my fellow Hubbers. Well, I am pleased to say that I can have the last laugh: Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is actually rather good.
All of your favourites are here in Quidditch Champions.
Quidditch, which is based on the renowned broomstick sport established in the Harry Potter books, is simple to comprehend. A team consists of Chasers, Beaters, one Seeker, and a Keeper. The chasers will attempt to score by placing the Quaffle ball in one of their opponents’ three hoops. A Keeper attempts to stop them and protects the hoops. A Seeker is looking for another type of ball, the Golden Snitch, to help him score large. Beaters utilize a third form of ball, known as Bludgers, to knock opposing players off their broom.
There is a lot going on, and Quidditch Champions recognizes this by fleshing out the positions properly. In some ways, it’s similar to a hero shooter, with each position having distinct skills and functions. Even as the Keeper, you don’t have to wait for action to come your way. You can build out rings for your team to fly through and gain speed. There are many moving pieces, yet they work together really nicely.
Beaters can target everyone on the field with their Bludger, but it takes time to recharge between shots. However, a convenient tackle is always available just in case. Similarly, Chasers, who are likely to be targeted whether they are holding the Quaffle or acting as support on a breakaway attack, have access to a tackle.
Then we go to the Seeker. They are inaccessible at the start of the game due to the Snitch’s delayed appearance. When it appears, however, you must sprint through Snitch-generated circles to maintain your speed and fill up a progress bar. Once full, charge it once again and grab it.
Poor Seekers aren’t known for their sheer strength (and are frequently targeted by Beaters when playing online), hence they don’t have access to the standard tackle move. Instead, if they’re side by side with another Seeker, they can ‘bump’ them out of the path. Bump is merely a fancy way of saying shoulder barge, but moving them away from the rings, even for a few seconds, can be critical.
Who will you play as?
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions alters the rules of classic Quidditch, making the game more fair and fun. A team now consists of six members rather than seven, as an additional Beater has been removed. Catching the Golden Snitch is now worth 30 points rather than the ludicrous 150 in the books. Crucially, catching it does not signal the end of the game. This is now timed, or first to 100 points. I was initially skeptical of the point modifications, but the reality is that catching the Snitch 99% of the time rendered the Chasers’ score unnecessary under the prior rules. Here, it is truly a collaborative effort.
To learn the various duties, there is a lengthy yet entertaining instruction set in the Weasley’s back garden. The Weasley siblings will teach you the ins and outs of each position, and you will be able to build your own squad in the character maker.
The Hogwarts House Quidditch Cup begins after the final match. Here, you will select a home to represent and hopefully lead to victory. Next comes the Triwizard Schools Quidditch Cup, followed by the Quidditch World Cup.
Each cup features its own stadium, commentary, and more. However, upon launch, there are only six original arenas, with the rest being old stadiums with a different weather palette applied.
The major issue with Harry Potter Quidditch Champions is its little material. It does practically everything possible to avoid this problem, including a lower price point, seasonal prizes but no microtransactions, online play, and plenty of unlockable content through challenges and career growth. Even yet, in only a few hours, you’ve seen and done everything there is to see and do. Hopefully, fresh stuff will be introduced with each new season.
Quidditch Champions is entertaining, yet a touch lacking.
Currently planned content includes a 6v6 online mode. At the moment, it is only 3v3, however this is convenient for people who want to jump right in and aren’t concerned about which position to play. In 3v3, you can shift between two characters: a Chaser and either a Keeper, Seeker, or Beater.
Online mode adheres to the same newly defined regulations, but the action is typically much faster than against the CPU. It works wonderfully, though, and I haven’t had a single problem while playing online. More importantly, whether you win or lose, you’ll have a great time.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is the type of game that will most likely be uninstalled by Christmas to make room for something bigger and bulkier. But you’ll be hesitant to do so beforehand, remembering the good moments you had together for a few short weeks before the typically busy period for game launches cut short your time with it.
However, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a lot of fun, with each playing position carefully designed to make it feel worthwhile. And the minor tweaks to the regulations make the game more exciting. It’s just missing something to keep things interesting. I’m not sure whether a Quidditch Ultimate Team is feasible, but a different mode or two rather than just a few cups against the CPU would greatly improve things.
Review Overview
Gameplay: 82%
Controls: 80%
Aesthetics: 85%
Content: 78%
Accessibility: 77%
Value: 81%
Overall: 80%
GOOD
Summary: “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions” immerses players in the thrilling world of Quidditch, fusing fast-paced action with the mystique of the beloved series. The gameplay is both fascinating and tough, with responsive controls that make for exciting bouts. The magnificent visuals and attention to detail in the surroundings contribute to the immersive experience, while the game might benefit from more single-player content. Fans can expect plenty of replayability thanks to the many multiplayer options. Overall, “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions” is a lovely experience that captures the thrill of the wizarding sport, making it a must-play for both fans and gamers.