A well-built, if relatively uninspired, version of the Wizarding World. Avalanche added some welcome diversity that isn't present in the books, which will make it more welcoming to more people (a big theme of the books, ironically).

Hogwarts is impressive as hell, and the expanse of land around it is fun to traverse and explore (particularly if "checkbox open world" games are comfort food for you). Unfortunately, magic has potential for so much more, as combat ends up feeling like a variant of the Batman Arkham games. Because of this squandered potential, the way spells, combat, and even classwork are implemented leaves a lot to be desired.

That said, there were still a few magical moments for me, and it was fun enough being in that world again that those issues could largely be ignored during my 62 hours with it.

A truly beautiful experience I won't soon forget.

Thinking about forgetting, about mortality, about the impermanence of life, and how precious and important it is to me, of how much pain can be felt in losing it, and how much beauty there is in truly taking the time to SEE it...

Thank you for this.

In the words of the writer, "it's never too late."