Regardless of the controversy, this was just an underwhelming game. The quest design was awful and the combat was repetitive.
If it wasn’t using one of the most well known IPs in modern history it would be a financial flop and have terrible ratings.
Different take:
What we got was a pilot, an experiment to see if it is even worth going all in on the 'Portkey Games' route in the future. Sure, there's young adults out there who played the old school movie tie-in games of the GameCube era. But they aren't enough of an audience to warrant spending big on something that might flop.
Most of the game's systems and gameplay are underwhelming, yes. And they could probably have spent some time writing a more compelling story with a lot less chosen one bullshit tropes in it. But they did manage to build a wizarding world that convincingly lets you immerse yourself in it. The game has a real sense of scale to it, unlike the older games, and my favourite thing is just walking around looking at details and letting my own fantasy do the rest.
Now here's the thing. They did a succesful little experiment: They made a game that isn't outright hated and lives up to some of the dreams we had as kids playing the original movie games. And they managed to do so without defaulting to the shitty loot box practises so many publishers are known for this day and age. Especially WB stuff. It all depends on what they do next.
From here they can go one of two ways: Either take the easy route and create a carbon copy of this game, rake in some profits and watch as people start seeing the cracks and slowly lose interest. Or take it seriously, spend the extra attention and actually improve upon anything this game has to offer and stand to gain even more revenue.
Chances are they take the first path and everything comes crashing down, and they'll blame fans for losing interest. If they do opt to go the second route there is a lot of work to be done. Interested to see where it goes either way.
I think it’s worth considering the idea that shareholders will want more money. So, they make a second game and load it with mtx. They know now that people will show up for the name despite any controversy.
Exactly, and I'll be ready - lighter and gasoline in hand - to burn bridges if they do.
I like the Wizarding World as a fantasy setting, but that is something not even our fucked up copyright laws can take away from me now. Rowling is going to hell for being a piece of shit, which is just as inevitable.
Just like Star Wars, the original creator started something amazing, ans they can fuck off now, the fans are taking over.
Sadly this world of publishers and royalties does not work this way, but I can at least cherrypick which parts of the material I get my enjoyment from.
I highly doubt it. Why would they try to make a better game when a copy paste collect-a-thon action adventure light rpg with stealth and crafting elements with Harry Potter twist ensures huge sales. What incentive do they have?
If it wasn’t using one of the most well known IPs in modern history it would be a financial flop and have terrible ratings.
That’s everything though, a good unknown game will always do worse than a bad known game
Thanks. This is the first review I’ve seen of the actual game... glad somebody rated it as a stand alone product on its own individual merit rather than by all the other noise around its release.
Further proof that being "cancelled" isn't a thing, never has been.
Sure, a tiny few experience legal consequences for illegal actions. But in general, cancellation is just not a thing.
I think being cancelled can affect small groups and fan bases, but doesn't have any impact on the larger population.
It didn't help that boycotting it didn't make much sense. The game itself goes out of it's way to make sure it's "inclusive", actually boycotting it will hurt a lot of people involved in the game more than it would hurt Rowling. Supposedly the royalties are very minor for stuff that doesn't actually include any of the Harry Potter storyline, and JK Rowling is already richer than God.
Yeah, I noticed the same thing, in fact I think the game was a bit too aggressive on that part, starts becoming too "in your face" if it makes any sense. But still, told that to a few friends and they still refuse to even pirate it, can't say I understand.
The (Dixie) Chicks.
You're talking about The Chicks, who just finished a tour in 84 locations, including 6 nights in Vegas?
Yeah, they took a pretty hard hit for publicly stating their political beliefs, but like true artists, they then went to make a chart-topping, award-winning song about the controversy, kept working on their craft, and just finished a tour that doubtless made them millions (I tried to find an exact number, but couldn't).
Why yes, I do have some relatives who made the comment "Go woke, go broke" wrt The Chicks. This certainly could have gone very differently.
I really hope that the next game will have a social sim aspect like Bully, where you have to go to class and build friendships
Exactly this. I'd've taken those niche depth mechanics over that huge mostly-empty world and hundreds of collectibles in a heartbeat. Free-roam, yes but a HP game doesn’t need to be a Ubisoft-a-thon
What, you dont even need to go to class at all?
Just sometimes when learning a new spell, but not as a reoccurring, routinely timetable-sequel thing
Not really surprising considering how absolutely massive of an IP Harry Potter is.
I've been waiting to upgrade my PC to play it properly. Looks very fun, at least for most of the game (have heard it gets a bit repetitive)
It is a fun game. If you are someone who is into HP, then it is probably really enjoyable.
I'm playing it at the mo on the recommendations of friends. As some comments here say, the quest system is a bit goofy, but I'm enjoying it. It has the same 'go here do this' and collectibles vibe as the recent Spider Man from Sony. I'm fine with that! Lots of puzzles, maps, treasure hunts, collectibles and so forth.
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