A first look at 'Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery' mobile game
Jam City's long-awaited Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery mobile game has landed in Australia and New Zealand, ahead of its April 25 worldwide release.
Like the books, the iOS and Android game is broken down into chapters, which are set over different years in Hogwarts. It's set between the tragic murder of Harry Potter's parents by Lord Voldemort and when Harry and the gang start school, so that lets you have an original narrative.
First, you create and customise your character, whether witch or wizard. Then, you'll be dropped into Diagon Alley, where you'll meet your fellow classmate (and future bestie) Rowan, who's read up on Hogwarts: A History in anticipation of starting first year.
Pick up your mandatory first year books at Flourish and Blotts, like Miranda Goshawk's Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1), Bathilda Bagshot's A History of Magic, or Newt Scamander's Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
You'll need a wand, so drop by Ollivander's and trace the wand movements to activate your new magic tool.
There's a lot of narrative-based choices to make within conversation, which will determine things like your wand.
It's here you'll learn a little of the mystery you'll be unpacking down the track, and that it has to do with someone close to you.
When you reach Hogwarts on your quest, you'll find a few familiar faces amongst your new cohort.
Head for the Great Hall for the Sorting Ceremony, where you can choose your house — I picked Ravenclaw because bravery is a skill I'll pick up later in life, guys.
Once you've checked out your common room, you can attend classes, like Charms with Professor Flitwick or Potions with Professor Snape, picking up illumination charms or recipes for Wiggenweld potion, and earning House Points for good work and losing them for mess-ups.
The House Cup is awarded at the end of each year in the game, so keep an eye on those points in the menu — you can win rewards if your house wins the Cup. And of course, there are flying lessons with Madame Hooch.
Exert "energy points" by interacting in class, taking notes, listening, studying, and helping (or teasing) other students. You'll also use these up when you're in a spot of trouble and having to battle your way through some Devil's Snare — beware a Slytherin bully called Merula Snyde, guys, she's trouble. Here's where the microtransactions come in, as you can buy gems with real money to convert to energy, or just wait three minutes for your energy to refill.
Big life choices in the game define who you are and impact your narrative at Hogwarts. These choices will define your personality and some can increase your "attributes," like courage, empathy and knowledge, which will unlock different relationships with some characters, and rivalries with others.
You can also customise your outfits during the game, whether you're into your house robes or a more casual outfit. You can buy new jeans and tee combos, or add a house scarf to your uniform. There's a new House robe design in there too.
New threads donned? You're going to need all the confidence boosting you can get before you duel someone. Yup, there's duelling, and secret technique books to find in the castle.
That's just a taste of Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery, which drops in the U.S. on April 25. It's published by Jam City in partnership with Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment and Portkey Games, so it's legit.
Topics Gaming Harry Potter
Shannon Connellan is Mashable's UK Editor based in London, formerly Mashable's Australia Editor, but emotionally, she lives in the Creel House. A Tomatometer-approved critic, Shannon writes about entertainment, tech, social good, science, culture, and Australian horror.
