"Timemelters," a strategy adventure RPG that allows players to rewind and rewrite time, is gaining attention among fans of "Hogwarts Legacy" for its unique time manipulation gameplay. Players take on the role of Teagan, a witch who can fight alongside past versions of herself in a dark and fantastical adventure. The game offers single-player and co-op modes, challenging puzzles, boss fights, and a speedrun mode with over 40 challenges. Developed by a small indie team, "Timemelters" is available on Steam and emphasizes innovative mechanics over high-end graphics.
ArcheAge 2, an upcoming MMORPG from Kakao Games, is set to captivate fans of Elden Ring and Hogwarts Legacy with its Unreal Engine 5 graphics and action-based combat. Slated for a post-2024 release, the game promises an immersive single-player storyline with robust multiplayer elements, set in a familiar yet distinct timeline from its predecessor. The game will feature an open world with non-linear progression, enhanced trade and housing systems, and the ability to create player towns. The first trailer showcases stunning environments, improved character models, and intense combat against formidable foes, signaling a significant leap from the original ArcheAge.
IGN's guide to "Hogwarts Legacy" answers frequently asked questions about the game, including gameplay mechanics like blocking attacks with Protego and Stupefy, house popularity with Slytherin leading, and the absence of Animagus transformation. It addresses puzzles like Arithmancy Doors, Quidditch trivia, and the game's canonical status, which is likely non-canon. The guide also clarifies that there are no dating options, explains beast selling, lists commonly used spells, and details on collecting flying pages and learning Avada Kedavra. Fast travel is done via Floo Flames, and the Restricted Section becomes accessible after a specific quest. There are 241 Field Guide Pages in total, and as of December 2023, there are no plans for DLC expansions beyond the Dark Arts Pack.
Fans of Hogwarts Legacy and Harry Potter may be interested in a free Steam demo of Wonder Wandelier, a magical life sim game that combines elements of Hogwarts Legacy, Animal Crossing, and Cooking Mama. Players take on the role of an apprentice wand maker with 30 days to master their craft. The article also suggests other free Steam games to try, including Grapple Tournament, FASTER, and The Finals, among others.
The gaming industry in 2023 saw major hits like "Baldur's Gate 3," which won Game of the Year, and innovative titles such as "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom" with its crafting mechanic. Despite successes, the industry faced challenges with job losses and the end of E3. "Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty" marked a redemption for CD Projekt Red, while "Hogwarts Legacy" stirred controversy due to J.K. Rowling's comments. "Starfield" disappointed some fans, and the "Grand Theft Auto VI" trailer created significant buzz for its 2025 release.
PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers can now experience the opening moments of Hogwarts Legacy through a free trial, although it's limited to just 45 minutes. This brief demo period may not allow players to reach the open-world section of the game, and while it's a chance to try the game without purchasing, it's notably shorter compared to other game trials like the five-hour trial for Cyberpunk 2077. Despite the limitations, Harry Potter fans who are members of PlayStation Plus Premium might find this an opportunity worth exploring during the holiday season.
The gaming industry in 2023 faced several controversies, including the backlash against "Hogwarts Legacy" due to J.K. Rowling's views, discomfort over "Unrecord's" realistic graphics resembling police bodycam footage, the revival of "Six Days in Fallujah" sparking debate over its portrayal of war, Unity's unpopular new pricing model, and The Game Awards' insensitivity towards winners and political issues. Additionally, the hyped game "The Day Before" flopped, leading to its developer's closure and the game's removal from Steam. AI's rise in game development sparked concerns over job security, and the industry experienced significant layoffs despite a boom in gaming, highlighting the precarious nature of the sector and the potential need for unionization to protect workers.
Steam has released its list of top grossing games for 2023, with expected hits like Hogwarts Legacy and Baldur's Gate 3, and surprises such as Sons of the Forest and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The list includes various categories from platinum to bronze and covers other segments like best Steam Deck games and most played games. Notable mentions include Resident Evil 4, Elden Ring, and the indie co-op title Lethal Company. Even the 12-year-old game Skyrim made it to the bronze category, showcasing its enduring popularity. The full list is available on Steam's website, coinciding with the Steam Winter Sale and the Steam Awards.
Mortal Kombat 11's main menu has been filled with ads for Warner Bros' other game, Hogwarts Legacy, which has caused backlash among fans. The in-game advertising rarely goes down well with enthusiasts, and it remains to be seen whether Warner Bros will remove the ads.
