| Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions | |||
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| Gameplay & Story | Release Date | Pre-Order & DLC | Review |
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions brings the magical sport of Quidditch to life with exciting gameplay and customization. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review Overview
What is Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions?
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a sports-simulation game based on the magical broom and ball sport in the Harry Potter franchise. Two teams vie to accumulate more points than the other by scoring goals through large hoops in the sky, or by capturing the Golden Snitch. Play several roles between being a chaser, a beater, a keeper, or even a seeker, and carry out your tasks in scoring, intruding, defending, or seeking to lead your team to victory!
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions features:
⚫︎ Character Customization
⚫︎ PvP and Competitive Mode
⚫︎ Triwizard and World Cup Championship
⚫︎ Cross-Title Integration
⚫︎ Smooth Controls
⚫︎ Play As Any Position on the Team
For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions's gameplay and story.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
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 Steam |
 Xbox |
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 Epic |
 PlayStation |
 Switch |
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| Price | $29.99 | ||||
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Balanced Scoring Play As Sebastian Sallow Engaging Character Creation and Customization Nostalgic Yet Modernized Gameplay |
Limited Schools No Offline Play Limited Customization Options for Non-Hogwarts Teams |
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Overall Score - 74/100
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a unique entry in the world of sports games, allowing players to experience the thrill of Quidditch in a way that hasn’t been fully realized before. The game’s strengths lie in its fun and engaging gameplay mechanics, smooth flying controls, and the nostalgic charm that resonates with fans of the franchise. However, the game falls short in several areas, such as its lack of a linear progression in career mode, repetitive commentary, and the somewhat underwhelming audio experience. While it’s an enjoyable game, it feels more like a strong side dish than a full-course meal
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Story - 6/10
The story in Quidditch Champions is minimal at best. There isn’t a traditional narrative to follow; instead, the game focuses on a career mode where you meet certain goals to progress. For example, in the House Cup, you advance by completing 20 matches for each house, but beyond these objectives, there’s little in the way of a storyline to keep players engaged. While it's understandable sports games don't require a proper story line, the lack of a substantial narrative is one of the game’s major drawbacks, resulting in a lower score for its story.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Gameplay - 8/10
Gameplay is where Quidditch Champions shines. The mechanics of flying, tackling, and scoring are smooth and intuitive, offering a satisfying experience that keeps you coming back for more. Creating and managing your team of six characters adds a layer of strategy, and the ability to upgrade brooms and abilities enhances the depth of the game. However, the lack of variety in match objectives and career progression prevent it from achieving a higher score.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Visuals - 8/10
Visually, Quidditch Champions strikes a balance between the simple, cartoonish style of mobile games like Hogwarts Mystery and the more detailed, immersive world of Hogwarts Legacy. While it’s not as graphically advanced as the latter, the game still offers a pleasing aesthetic with smooth animations and well-designed characters. The environments are vibrant and easy to navigate, and the visual clarity during matches helps you keep track of the Quaffle, your teammates, and the opposing team.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Audio - 7/10
The audio in Quidditch Champions delivers what you’d expect from a game in the Harry Potter universe, but it doesn’t go beyond that. The music and sound effects carry the familiar magical energy, but there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking or memorable about them. The commentary, while nostalgic, quickly becomes repetitive, and the overall sound design feels somewhat standard.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Value for Money - 8/10
At a price point of $29.99, Quidditch Champions offers decent value for money, especially for fans of the franchise who have long awaited a dedicated Quidditch game. It’s a title you’ll pick up when you’re in the mood to enjoy the magical sport, providing enough content to keep you entertained for a while. However, the game’s limitations, such as its lack of story and somewhat repetitive gameplay, mean it’s not something you’ll likely play for extended periods without breaks.
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Review: Chasing the Golden Snitch of Perfection
Before diving into the gameplay and mechanics of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, it’s important to note that this game is rooted in a universe that has captivated fans for decades. If you're reading this review, I'm going to assume that you're already familiar with the iconic world of Harry Potter and the thrill of the Quidditch pitch. While the game pays homage to new and beloved places and characters, it doesn’t strictly follow the canon timeline, instead offering a fresh and engaging take on the magical sport. But don’t worry if you’re not a hardcore fan—Quidditch Champions is a sports game at its core, and you don’t need to know the lore to enjoy the fast-paced action. With that said, let’s focus on what Quidditch Champions has to offer.
The game opens in the Burrows, immediately bringing back memories for those familiar with Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on the PS2. The tutorial, in particular, has a nostalgic feel, especially when it asks you to fly through hoops. But unlike the hoops in Chamber of Secrets, missing these in Quidditch Champions doesn’t penalize you. Instead, they give you a speed boost, allowing you to experiment with your flying style without being boxed in by strict rules.
However, there are a few areas where the game’s approach feels a bit off. For example, the roster includes characters like Oliver Wood and Ginny Weasley on the same team, which doesn’t align with the established timeline in the Harry Potter universe. Oliver had graduated by the time Ginny joined the team, so seeing them play together might be jarring for fans who are sticklers for canon. It’s clear the developers wanted to mix things up, and while it’s interesting to see a variety of characters, this timeline inconsistency may not sit well with everyone.
The game’s career mode pushes you to play as every house in the House Cup, which was a bit of a letdown for me. I’ve always seen the houses as equals, but I’m a Slytherin through and through. Being forced to play as a Gryffindor felt like a betrayal of my house loyalty. While I understand the decision to make players experience each house’s journey, it would have been more satisfying to choose your house and stick with it throughout the career. Imagine progressing through the years with your chosen house, and only after your team advances to the Triwizard Cup do other houses become available to play. A feature that tracks which house won the House Cup each year would have added a sense of accomplishment and continuity, enhancing the overall experience.
Lee Jordan returns as the commentator, a role familiar to fans from both the books and the movies. However, I couldn’t help but wish he had more of the sass and humor that made his commentary so memorable in the novels. His commentary retains the bias against Slytherin, though I found his lines to be somewhat repetitive. The bias seemed to extend to how other teams' lines were delivered, especially when playing as Slytherin, making it feel like the game was leaning into familiar stereotypes rather than exploring them.
When it comes to gameplay, Quidditch Champions is undeniably fun. As a sports game centered around a fictional sport, it offers a unique twist that’s both refreshing and engaging. You create six characters—three Chasers, one Keeper, one Beater, and one Seeker—and can switch between them throughout the match.
Initially, I gravitated towards the Beater role, relishing the opportunity to knock opponents off their brooms—especially Seekers and Keepers. But as I spent more time with the game, I found myself drawn to being one of the Chasers. There’s something incredibly satisfying about playing a sport I’ve only ever dreamed of. One notable difference in Quidditch Champions is that the game doesn’t end when the Seeker catches the Snitch. Instead, the Snitch only scores 30 points, and the match continues until time runs out or one team reaches 100 points. This change adds an interesting dynamic, as catching the Snitch acts as a halftime reset, giving both teams a chance to regroup.
The flying mechanics are smooth, with options to drift, tackle, and engage with the opposing team. Character progression adds depth, allowing you to level up your team’s defense, teamwork, and attacking skills. The broom upgrades, starting with basics like the Cleansweep, Comet, and Shooting Star, eventually lead to more iconic models like the Nimbus series and the Firebolt, which was a rewarding progression.
The game also introduces an in-game currency system that allows you to purchase fashion items such as uniforms, headpieces, wands, and more. What’s refreshing here is that there’s no need for real-money transactions; everything can be earned by meeting career goals. This approach feels rewarding and avoids the pitfalls of many modern games that rely heavily on microtransactions.
Despite these strengths, the game does fall into a predictable pattern. You compete against other teams for placement, advance through the bracket, and eventually, the championship is decided. While this structure is true to the nature of Quidditch, a more linear progression could have made the game feel more substantial. Instead of just meeting specific career goals, a system that marked your progression through different school years—Year 2, Year 3, and so on—would have added more depth to the experience.
In conclusion, while Quidditch Champions could have been a DLC for Hogwarts Legacy, it stands on its own as the best Quidditch game available right now. However, as a standalone title, it feels like it’s missing something. There’s a lot of potential here, but the game could benefit from additional content or mechanics that encourage you to keep playing. Despite its shortcomings, it’s a solid entry in the world of Harry Potter games, and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it.
Pros of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
| Things Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Got Right |
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Balanced Scoring Play As Sebastian Sallow Engaging Character Creation and Customization Nostalgic Yet Modernized Gameplay |
Balanced Scoring
One of the standout features of Quidditch Champions is its approach to scoring, particularly the decision to reduce the value of the Golden Snitch to 30 points instead of the traditional 150. This change fundamentally shifts the balance of the game, making it more competitive and less reliant on a single player's actions. In previous iterations and in the lore, catching the Snitch would almost always ensure a team's victory, rendering the efforts of Chasers and Keepers less impactful. By lowering the Snitch's value, the game emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategy, encouraging players to focus on outscoring their opponents through Quaffle goals rather than relying on a last-minute Snitch grab.
This adjustment creates a more dynamic and engaging experience, where every role on the team matters. Chasers are given more opportunities to shine, and Seekers must still play a crucial role, but without overshadowing the rest of the team. It also makes matches more suspenseful, as the game is often decided by overall performance rather than a single, decisive moment. This balanced scoring system keeps players invested throughout the match, making victories feel more earned and less dependent on luck or timing.
Play As Sebastian Sallow
For players who also own Hogwarts Legacy, the ability to play as Sebastian Sallow is a delightful bonus. Sebastian, a fan-favorite character known for his complex backstory and morally grey decisions, adds a unique flavor to the Quidditch experience. His inclusion allows players to extend their connection with the character beyond the confines of Hogwarts Legacy, bringing him into a completely different context where his skills and personality can shine on the Quidditch pitch.
However, this feature is exclusive to those who own both games, which might feel limiting to some. Yet for those who do have access, it’s a great way to integrate the broader Harry Potter game universe. Playing as Sebastian not only gives a nod to the fans but also adds a layer of personalization to the Quidditch experience.
Engaging Character Creation and Customization
Quidditch Champions offers a robust character creation system that allows players to craft their own unique Quidditch team. From choosing different player positions like Chaser, Beater, and Seeker, to customizing their appearance, players have a wide range of options to tailor their team to their liking. This level of customization extends beyond mere aesthetics; players can upgrade their characters’ stats in defense, teamwork, and attack, allowing for strategic depth in how you manage your team. The variety in broomstick upgrades also adds another layer of personalization, making each player’s experience slightly different.
This focus on customization keeps the game fresh, as players can continually tweak and adjust their team to better suit their playstyle. Whether you prefer to dominate the field with powerful Beaters or outmaneuver opponents with agile Chasers, the game provides the tools to build the perfect team. The sense of ownership over your team’s development adds a rewarding element to the gameplay, making victories feel more personal and losses more motivating.
Nostalgic Yet Modernized Gameplay
For fans of the older Harry Potter games on the PS2, Quidditch Champions offers a nostalgic trip back to that era while also modernizing the gameplay for a new generation. The tutorials and mechanics, such as flying through hoops to gain speed, are reminiscent of those classic titles, creating a bridge between the past and present. However, the game doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia. It introduces new gameplay elements that make it feel fresh and engaging, like the more complex flight mechanics, tackling options, and team management.
This blend of old and new is a significant pro for the game, as it appeals to both longtime fans of the series and newcomers alike. It respects the legacy of the franchise while still pushing the boundaries of what a Quidditch game can be. The result is a game that feels both familiar and innovative, offering something for everyone, regardless of when they became a fan of the wizarding world.
Cons of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions
| Things That Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Can Improve |
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Limited Schools No Offline Play Limited Customization Options for Non-Hogwarts Teams |
Limited Schools
While Quidditch Champions includes the option to play for Beauxbatons Academy and Durmstrang Institute in the Triwizard Championship, the overall selection of schools feels limited. The focus on these three schools—Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang—misses an opportunity to introduce players to a broader, more diverse range of magical institutions from the Harry Potter universe. Schools like Uagadou School of Magic in Africa, Mahoutokoro School of Magic in Japan, and Castelobruxo in Brazil could have added a rich variety to the game, not only in terms of visual design but also in gameplay dynamics. Each school could have brought unique Quidditch styles, uniforms, and environments, making the World Cup mode a more global and inclusive experience.
The decision to limit the schools is a significant missed opportunity. Including more schools would have expanded the game’s appeal and provided players with a more comprehensive view of the wizarding world. This limitation makes the game feel somewhat constrained, especially for players who are familiar with the broader lore and are eager to explore beyond the familiar settings of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang.
No Offline Play
The game requires a constant internet connection even for solo mode, which can be a significant inconvenience for players who prefer to enjoy their games without the need for online access. The absence of offline play also affects the game’s flexibility. Many sports games offer both online and offline modes, allowing players to enjoy solo matches or practice without the pressure of online competition. The lack of this option in Quidditch Champions can make the game feel more restrictive and less player-friendly, especially for those who enjoy playing at their own pace or in environments where internet access is limited.
Limited Customization Options for Non-Hogwarts Teams
While the game offers a solid customization system for Hogwarts teams, the options for non-Hogwarts teams are more limited. This disparity is particularly noticeable when playing as Beauxbatons or Durmstrang in the Triwizard Championship. The level of detail and variety in customization options for these teams is noticeably less than what’s available for Hogwarts, which can make these teams feel like an afterthought rather than a fully integrated part of the game.
Players who are excited to explore the aesthetic and gameplay differences of these schools might find themselves disappointed by the lack of depth in customization. Expanding the customization options for non-Hogwarts teams would not only enhance the game’s replayability but also make the Triwizard Championship and World Cup modes feel more balanced and comprehensive.
Is Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Worth It?
A Must-Have for Quidditch Enthusiasts
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a game that delivers on its promise of bringing the magical sport of Quidditch to life. For fans of the wizarding world who have always dreamed of taking to the skies on a broomstick, this game offers an authentic and engaging experience. The thrill of flying, the strategy of team management, and the excitement of competitive play all come together to create a package that is, for the most part, highly enjoyable. The balanced scoring system ensures that every match is competitive, and the ability to customize your team adds a personal touch that keeps the gameplay fresh.
For those who are deeply invested in the world of Quidditch and have always wanted to experience it firsthand, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a worthwhile purchase. It may not be a perfect game, but it offers enough to keep fans entertained and coming back for more. The game captures the essence of Quidditch and provides a solid foundation that could be built upon in future updates. If you’re a Quidditch enthusiast or just someone who loves the idea of flying through the air and scoring goals with a Quaffle, then Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is definitely worth a try.
| Digital Storefronts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam |
Xbox |
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| Epic |
PlayStation |
Switch |
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| Price | $29.99 | ||||
Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions FAQ
Does Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions offer cross-platform play and cross-progression?
Yes, the game supports cross-platform play across all supported platforms and allows for cross-progression, so you can continue your progress regardless of where you play.
Is there a 6v6 mode in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions?
A 6v6 mode is in development and is expected to be released this year. Currently, PvP matches are 3v3, with players choosing to play as a Beater, Keeper, or Seeker.
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Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Product Information
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| Title | HARRY POTTER: QUIDDITCH CHAMPIONS |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 3, 2024 |
| Developer | Unbroken Studios |
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Genre | Action, Sports |
| Number of Players | Single-Player, Online PvP |
| Rating | ESRB T |
| Official Website | Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Official Website |
