It was only a matter of time until we got a really good quidditch video game based on the sport found in the Harry Potter books. Best described as “lacrosse on broomsticks” and featuring some goofy contrivances like a golden ball that gets released mid-game that can secure a victory by itself, it needed some tweaks to be an actual viable competitive sport. Thankfully, Warner Bros. Games’ Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions does just that, as it has made a thrilling sports game that features plenty of fun action.
The game’s most impressive accomplishment is that it is genuinely fun to play, no matter which of the four positions you are currently controlling. Whether you’re one of the chasers trying to score, a beater that is damaging players with bludgers, or the keeper that is kicking balls away, you’re dealing with very responsive and enjoyable gameplay. Being on defense is just as thrilling as trying to score, so the game does a good job of making the whole experience fun.
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.
When playing solo, players can freely switch between all four positions. However, online matches, which are played with three humans on each team, see each player controlling a chaser and then a second position (beater, keeper, or seeker) that they can also switch between. That gives players a lot of flexibility during matches but it also rewards players really taking to their position as a team that makes the most of their positions will do better than those that just have three chasers trying to score nonstop.
Outside of online play, where likely most of your time will be spent, there are also four different single-player tournaments to go through. The first is a pretty excellent tutorial, while the other three see you competing against Hogwarts houses, then the different Triwizard schools, and finally, the national quidditch squads. They’re a great way to get a hang of the gameplay and learn the ins and outs before heading online.
As you play, you’ll also unlock skill points, different brooms that can be upgraded, and even currency you can spend on character skins (if you want some very familiar faces to play as). There’s a really good gameplay loop in place, as you’re always either improving your squad’s abilities or looking to get new cosmetics.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review: Final Verdict
Fun whether you’re playing online or solo, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions successfully turns the fictional sport into a great competitive video game. Focusing on teamwork and playing your position well is key, and there are plenty of unlocks to keep players coming back after they’ve won all the cups in the campaigns. Needless to say, developer Unbroken Studios did a great job of instilling this sports game with quite a bit of magic.
SCORE: 8.5/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: The publisher provided a digital PS5 copy for our Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions review. Reviewed on version 1.000.001.
