Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is a recently released title from Portkey Games on mobile for both iOS and Android. The first thing to note is that this game is first and foremost a TCG, or Trading Card Game. Players are given a handful of cards at the start of the game, enough to build a deck, which they may then continue to build on by unlocking cards to expand on that initial hand they were dealt. There is plenty of solo and PVP gameplay for every type of player looking to enjoy the game.

When first opening up the game, players are presented with what is generally the most appealing part of Harry Potter-related games, and that is the opportunity to attend Hogwarts. Players will customize their character and then receive their wand and their owl before finally being sorted into their Hogwarts House. Additionally, since HP: Magic Awakened takes place after Harry Potter. Once beginning the journey, players will progress through a story mode, if they choose to, and have the option of engaging in side tasks as well as ranked PVP matches.

A New Era Of Mobile Gaming

While games like Pokémon TCG Live are popular on mobile devices, the matches can still drag out significantly as that is the nature of the game, and it was not originally designed for this form of play. Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is a prime example of what mobile card games should look like as the matches are fun, but short, allowing players to utilize the convenience of a mobile TCG to its maximum potential. Where plenty of mobile games fail, this is a prime example of how successful they can be when the clear focus is on whom the player is and how they'll be playing the game. Where Marvel SNAP started to lead the way, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened follows closely behind, setting a new standard in mobile gaming.

Something For Casual & Hardcore Players Alike

Primarily intended as a mobile game, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened has everything a casual player could be looking for with its simple daily tasks and fulfilling accomplishments. Every day that players log on, Professor McGonagall will present them with daily tasks in the Great Hall. As these are intended to be completed in one day, they're generally very simple and therefore great for players looking to pop in for 10–15 minutes at a time and earn some rewards. Not only that, but PVP matches generally go very quickly and anyone not interested in PVP can instead team up in well-known classes to complete various activities. Those not looking to spend more than 30 minutes on the game in a day have several options for spending their time and won't feel as if they're missing out compared to more intensive players.

However, that's not to be said that there isn't something for players looking to put in more time as there are endless tasks to complete for large rewards. While a casual player may log on for a match or two before leaving, those with some extra time have the chance to really compete for the Top Wizard spot in ranked matches and get on a winning streak. Additionally, while events may have a limited number of engagements per day, there are some tasks, like the Forbidden Forest or the overall story, that players may endlessly engage in and work on if they have the time to dedicate to it. Additionally, things like classes are day of the week specific, so players have something to look forward to every day and a reason to check in.

Microtransactions The Right Way

While there's nothing wrong with having exclusive purchasable items, there is a problem when it's obvious that paying players are being favored and nothing new is becoming available to those playing for free. Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is an example of how to implement microtransactions in a way that genuinely doesn't inhibit gameplay and gives free players the option to put in work to earn potentially some of the same rewards at no cost. Not only that, but they even offer rewards that include coupons associated with microtransaction items.

Players have the option to purchase gems as well as a deluxe version of a seasonal pass if they wish to unlock more rewards or simply want to speed things along for themselves; however, there is still a free version to that seasonal pass with rewards that are just as good. Nothing about the gameplay at the moment is walled off from players wishing to play the game, but not spend any money. All cards are available to all players and can be unlocked through random draws with keys that players unlock through gameplay. Not only that, but often there are cards for sale in the shop that can be bought with in-game currency which can be accrued through playing and completing tasks, meaning players can put in time for free and still purchase in the shop.

Rating & Final Thoughts

Overall, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened is a title that is deserving of giving a chance, whether players consider themselves mobile gamers or not. It is mobile gaming that is magical and groundbreaking. Especially for any Harry Potter fans looking for new content that are sure not to be disappointed. There are plenty of references and friendly faces to bring back the nostalgia of the original stories, while still feeling like something entirely new. There are also endless options to engage in meaning players can play exactly the way they want to whether that be PVP battles, solo play, multiplayer play, story-focused gaming, battle-focused gaming, and other options.

Source: Harry Potter/YouTube

Harry Potter: Magic Awakened released June 27 on iOS & Android.