While I haven’t been a huge Harry Potter fan in recent years, I still hold fond memories of Quidditch, the unique broomstick-riding sport from the series. Seeing the release of Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, a spiritual successor to the 2003 classic, ‘Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup,’ sparked a nostalgic curiosity within me. I’m glad I gave it a shot because developer Unbroken Studios truly understands the magic of this fictional sport.
Quidditch, a thrilling blend of soccer, rugby, and racing, seamlessly transitions into a video game format. As a free PS Plus bonus, Quidditch Champions is a delightful trip down memory lane. The game’s core gameplay involves two teams of six players battling for supremacy on broomsticks. Their objective? To throw a Quaffle, a ball, into their opponent’s ring-shaped goals suspended high above the ground. Each successful throw nets 10 points, and the first team to reach 100 points or have the highest score after seven minutes claims victory.
The game’s intuitive controls make soaring through the air and colliding with other players feel natural. At times, it even evokes the exhilarating gameplay of Rocket League as you chase after Quaffles and navigate the pitch. Quidditch Champions adds further depth through its diverse player roles. Chasers are the all-rounders, Keepers act as goalkeepers, Beaters play a defensive role by throwing Bludgers and ramming into opponents, and Seekers strive to capture the elusive Golden Snitch released mid-match. This Snitch, upon capture, grants a team 30 points, proving crucial as many matches end before a team reaches 100 points.
The game’s faithful adherence to the Quidditch rules and dynamics found in the books and movies is commendable. Each role caters to different playstyles, offering exciting opportunities for movement-focused Chasers and Seekers and aggressive Beaters. This tried-and-true formula, reminiscent of the original Quidditch World Cup, remains just as enjoyable here. Quidditch Champions boasts modern features including smooth online play, crossplay, progression systems spanning daily, weekly, and seasonal challenges, skill trees, and extensive player customization options. While the in-game store suggests potential for microtransactions, the game currently allows players to earn currencies solely through gameplay. I appreciate the inclusion of offline options, ensuring continued accessibility even if the game’s servers are eventually shut down.
It remains to be seen whether Quidditch Champions will thrive in today’s competitive live service market. However, its potential for success is strong if it captures the hearts of Harry Potter and sports game fans subscribed to services like PS Plus. Even as a lapsed Harry Potter fan, I find myself drawn back to this game whenever I’m in the mood for a dose of Quidditch. Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. The PlayStation version is free for all PS Plus subscribers throughout September, and the Nintendo Switch release is anticipated before the end of the year.
