If I liked Hogwarts Legacy...

[jamfirstcreamsecond]

Hello!

I've never gamed but, on impulse bought a PS5 especially for Hogwarts Legacy. And, I loved it so looking for recommendations.

I want something that is open world as loved just exploring. I don't mind some combat but I don't want it to be the entire focus so, some interesting little side quests would be great.

I've heard good things about Elden Ring but then some reviews say that it's hugely complicated and there is only one difficulty setting. I fear that I would be stuck on level one forever! My hand eye co.ordination isn't what it used to be!

I'd be so grateful for any or all ideas. Thanks in advance.

Haha! I like your style.

I can't believe no one has mentioned Final Fantasy 14! It is open world, and there is some fighting but other than some deliberately difficult extra content which you have to opt in to, serious games often complain it's too easy. The story is great and there is lots of exploring. Also alongside playing fighty "jobs" you can also level crafters and gatherers which can be very soothing. I wasn't really a gamer beyond Stardew Valley when DH got me into it but have found it really easy to pick up.

Another red dead redemption 2 vote.

No man's Sky.

Curvball ideas - terraria, cities skylines, Minecraft..

It's not the same thing but as a fellow Hogwarts player, I really enjoyed Uncharted the lost legacy - it was great to have two well-built lead female characters like that.

In my house there is a WiiU, Switch, Switch lite, PS4 and PS5 so I think you can justify one more for Zelda BOTW😄 I am a Nintendo girl so until recently I also had a GameCube and Nintendo 64 but I sold them to clear some space (for crazy money incidentally - nice to get some pay back for all the years of buying games and game consoles).

My sons have the PlayStations in their rooms but I am seriously considering getting a PS5 myself for the living room as I really want to play Hogwarts Legacy too. One of my sons plays both PS and Nintendo and also enjoys the story/free world type games and he also recommends Spider Man and the latest God of War on PS to you. I played God of War with him too but I had to get him to do some of the battle scenes for me. Actually, generally, one of my sons normally has to help me with the last boss and I help them with the puzzles 😀

I've actually applied for promotion recently so, if I'm successful then a Nintendo will be top of the list.

I'd actually seen No man's sky and liked the look of it.

Lots of votes for RDR too. And Final fantasy.

Off to Smyth's tomorrow to see what is in stock from my shopping list. What better way to spend a rainy bank holiday weekend.

Another vote for Red Dead Redemption 2. It's just incredible.

Assassins Creed

Assassins creed or the horizon ones are my favourites, love god of war as it so beautiful!

Red dead 2 is one of the best games I’ve ever played. There is so much to do - sometimes when I’m feeling a bit shit I just jump on the horse and go for a ride and the gorgeous open world cheers me right up. The storyline is also fantastic.

assasins creed odyssey is also a good AC game to jump in on. Playing through as Kassandra is great

@SmartHome hogwarts is coming out on switch soon - whether you get the same experience on it as ps5 remains to be seen!

I'm coming round more to Red Dead 2. The idea of jumping on a horse and just chilling out exploring appeals to me!

I only have a PS5 though and I see that some gamers have had issues with playing it on that console. Has anyone here have any real gripes with the performance. Or, is it it the case that I won't even notice. Our TV is about 5 years old and I'm half blind anyway so optimal graphics etc are wasted on me!

I don't mind combat; in HL I actively sought it out at some points. Nothing better than beating up a bunch of poachers or squishing a spider! I just didn't want to spend all the time getting my arse kicked. It was nice just kicking back on my broom and venturing out to the coast.

Oh I do hope you go red dead and get a good experience. A family member is in the design team at Rockstar Games and is responsible for some of the beautiful scenery you’ll ride by.

im xbox unfortunately so can’t help. I’ve just got Hogwarts Legacy this week as I’m Xbox One and couldn’t justify a new console right now!

I can't believe I forgot red dead! It's brilliant! Just don't go picking on any bears!

Hogwarts legacy is such a fantastic game.

Yeah generally I think the switch versions of some of the more recent PS5 games with high graphic content can be a disappointment. The switch is better suited to the more cartoony graphics of Nintendo games I think. I think they'll be pushing it to the limit for the new Zelda game and then will announce a switch 2 or switch pro as it's a whole generation of graphics behind the PS5. I think the Switch version of Hogwarts will be a bit rubbish.

I really am tempted by a PS5 now that you can get hold of them more easily (was a nightmare getting DSs last year). Also need a new TV and fridge though so, hard to justify. Maybe if I get a promotion this year too!

My husband and I each have our own Switches, a gaming PC each, a PS5/4/3. PSVR 2, my husband has a full on racing rig, and also a bunch of older consoles, so the answer is no such thing as too many if you have the space! Welcome to the wonderful world of gaming. There are so many amazing games out there. Definitely agree that Skyrim might have the vibe you're looking for. Will peruse our collection later and see if anything jumps out!

Witcher 3 is awesome
Cyberpunk
Far cry 5

These are ones I like and I liked hogwarts legacy

Elder scrolls online
Skyrim

Is Hogwarts legacy good? I'd heard it was stunning visually but that the gameplay/ story was a bit dull. I feel a bit spoiled by the quality of games recently so I've got very picky!

The game is visually stunning and has so much magic to it, especially in the early stages. But there are a lot of repetitive tasks to get to 100% and I thought some of the story elements were weak. Endless Merlin trials come to mind. There’s a lot of treasure dungeons which are mostly the same, not interesting to complete and the loot in them is always awful. There’s a huge map, but probably not enough interesting content to justify it without it seeming repetitive.

The main story was underwhelming to me, Poppy’s was fun to me and Natty’s didn’t work for me at all. I love Sebastian’s story; he had real motivations, reasons for why he cared so much and played off against so many other characters besides us (Ominis, Anne, his uncle) that I found it really compelling. It wasn’t perfect but for me that was by far the strongest part of the game. I really cared about Sebastian in a way I really didn’t about Ranrok.

I also wish there were more consequences to your actions. My husband and I both finished the main play through, I chose to play completely clean, he was throwing unforgivables around like there was no tomorrow and we each made different decisions at the end of the game, but none of it was really meaningful. No-one cared, it didn’t impact how people react to you, so it all felt a bit pointless.

That all said I loved the game. I truly loved it and it. I found it enchanting and immersive. But I’m an HP fan who doesn’t play RPGs so have nothing to compare it to. If you want the best way to explore Hogwarts you’re probably going to get, then the game is amazing. But if you’re looking at it objectively for a great video game, which just happens to be set in the world of Harry Potter then it might not be for you.

I loved Elden Ring - I didn’t think I’d enjoy it but DS really wanted me to try it and I ended up completing it 3 times (you need to complete three endings to get the platinum trophy). I probably fought Malenia Blade of Miquella a hundred times before I beat her but was very satisfying when I finally did. That said I’ve no idea what the story was about - bit strange.

My favourite game is Horizon (Zero Dawn and Forbidden West). I’ve just started the DLC Burning Shores. I really enjoyed the story and all the characters, it’s being made into a Netflix show and I can’t wait. There’s a huge world to explore.

I absolutely agree with the PP re the visuals on HL. I only bought the game, and the accompanying expensive console, because of that release.

In retrospect, I didn't care much for the majority of the main quest but that didn't matter to a large extent, because of the scope of the world map.

I loved exploring all the little side rooms at Hogwarts and the world beyond. The attention to detail was mind blowing; pure art.

My gear slots were constantly full which was a pain. In the end I didn't bother emptying all the chests I found.

One of the highlights, exclusive to PS5 I think, was the quest where you could open your own shop. That was great fun.

I too loved Sebastian and was rooting for him. Poppy's quests were interesting although I found her constant 'helpful' hints annoying. I did tell her to shut the hell up at numerous points!

I think Elden Ring sounds great but I'd be out of my depth pretty quickly. Ask me again next year though!

I'm kicking myself but Horizon was in sale in our Asda for £15 last week. I dithered over the weekend and when I went back, it was sold out.

Thanks @jamfirstcreamsecond and @toastofthetown! Incredibly helpful. I've very limited gaming time at the moment (and Zelda arriving for my birthday later this month) so sounds like one to skip right now.

Back from shopping now. Took on board everyone's suggestions. Was limited by what was in stock but came home with Witcher 3 and Horizon.

Looking forward to getting started on my new favourite waste of time!

I didn't think it was out on xbobx one till June?