Harry Potter: Wizards Unite Game Review: Pottermon Go

Harry Potter Wizards UniteRatingDeveloper NianticPublisher Warner BrosPlatform Android iOSFreeThe new Harry Potter game is mobilebased and requires a decent smartphone to run and just like Pokemon Go it is about walking around collecting stuff and combating creatures But that is where the similarities end Harry Potter Wizards Unite is a standalone game While the essence of the game is still the same mdash to walk around and explore the Potter game has a lot more depth and a story which was missing in Pokemon GoFor starters the game has gone for a much more realistic character and gameworld design rather than the childish cartoon graphics The result is a goodlooking game with familiar characters from the movie that pop on screen from time to time pushing the story forwardThe combat is also sophisticated when compared to the continuous screentapping of Pokemon Go In Wizards Unite you have to make shapes to conjure spells or aim and then make shapes for battles spells It is a little harder in the beginning but you get the hang of it soon enough Also special mention to the appropriately named Constance Pickering who is always appearing on your screen annoying you to do things mdash it deserves a slow clapWe also loved the Portkeys concept it is comparable to eggs in Pokemon Go but instead of hatching a monster by walking you get to open up and step into a virtual portal that takes you to a room In the room you can find and collect magic items It is quite ingenious and sets Harry Potter apart in a significant way However the game has to be on your screen for it to register the kilometers walked which is annoying as Pokemon does register how much you have walked even when the game isnt runningWizards Unite is also not a game we see people playing for very long The way it is designed limits your gameplay unless you fork out some real cash or do the hours of daily grind required to just keep the game functional What is even more painful is that very little in the game is explained and it expects you to stumble around to figure it outThe casual nature of Pokemon Go has always been its biggest draw mdash you can whip out the game anywhere at any time and play it without having to collect things first The Potter game on the other hand has a set limit to the number of spells you can cast which would have been okay if it was easy to get energy Unfortunately to get those you have to find an inn and essentially keep swiping every five minutes to gain just three or more energy Considering you startoff with 75 that can take a while to refill So unless you live in the vicinity of an inn it can get annoyingSome ingredients for essential potions are also hard to come by Getting coins again is super hard without spending money The developers would have to significantly tweak the game to make it more appealing and playable for a long timeDespite the issues Harry Potter Wizards Unite is a game with potential If the developers iron out the flaws this could be a more satisfying game and maybe enough Potterheads will be glued to thisCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates