Hogwarts Legacyhas proven to be a considerably impressive and important video game, especially in the casual scene. Indeed, manyHarry Potterfans who otherwise wouldn’t have been particularly interested in the action-RPG genre jumped at the chance to get their hands onHogwarts Legacy, which quickly skyrocketed to the top of the sales charts in 2023, effectively ensuring the continuation of theHarry PotterIP in interactive media.
But althoughHogwarts Legacycan be expected to proliferateover the years, with a sequel of some sort almost certainly on the way, it could be quite some time before such projects materialize. In the meantime, developers in both the indie and AAA spaces will likely attempt to capitalize on the booming success ofHogwarts Legacy, not unlike how authors and film studios tried to piggyback off the popularity of theHarry Potterfranchise during the 2000s. While this might result in some cheap cash-grabs, it could also pave the way for passion-fueled projects that may not have gotten traction otherwise.Witchbrook, an indie game launching this winter, seems to fall into the latter category.
Witchbrook Is Like Hogwarts Legacy Meets Stardew Valley
Witchbrook Offers Slice-of-Life Gameplay in a Fantastical World
Much like the world ofHarry Potter,Witchbrookis set against a low urban fantasy backdrop. In other words, its magic isn’t relegated to the realms of the medieval or the entirely alien. Rather, it’s part of the real world, honing in on the popular idea that there is magic hiding just beyond the mundane.
InWitchbrook, players will be set loose upon a witchcraft college of the same name, nestled within the cozy seaside town of Mossport. Per the game’s description, players will be able to engage in a bevy of social sim and romance mechanics, developing their character across a variety of distinct axes.The game is decidedlyStardew-like, and in more ways than one: its pixelated graphics and quaint atmosphere are more than a little reminiscent of ConcernedApe’s seminal cozy game, and it will be partitioned into distinct seasons, complete with specific holidays, which feels veryStardew-esque indeed.
Incidentally,Witchbrookis being co-developed by Chucklefish, the company that originally publishedStardew Valleyback in 2016.
Stardewconnections aside,Witchbrookis shaping up to be an ambitiousand content-packed cozy experience, backed by an airtight premise. Players can attend classes at the titular Witchbrook College, develop romantic connections with peers, and customize a “cosy woodland cottage” to their heart’s content. The game will also feature a number of different mini-games and side activities, and even some light farming mechanics, if the “garden” referenced in its Steam description is taken at face value. And to make matters even more tantalizing,Witchbrookcan be played in co-op with up to three friends.
With this major academic focus, cooperative gameplay, and emphasis on the mundane and simplistic rather than the dangerous and bombastic,Witchbrookmight manage to be even better thanHogwarts Legacyin some ways.Hogwarts Legacyhas certainly been criticized for downplaying its school-life elements, and players have long lamented the absence of cooperative multiplayer in Avalanche’s massive RPG, which seems perfect for such a feature. Plus, there are the romance and social sim mechanics ofWitchbrook, which many feel are sorely missing fromHogwarts Legacy.
But regardless ofWitchbrook’s quality level relative toHogwarts Legacyor its sequel, its existence proves an important truth:Harry Pottershouldn’t have a monopolyon magical schools in fiction. PerhapsWitchbrookwon’t provide the action-combat or high-fidelity graphics ofHogwarts Legacy 2, which may make it less appealing to some, but its cozy gameplay and academic focus could make it a strongHarry Potteralternative for others.
Witchbrook
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover magic and mystery in Witchbrook, a spellbinding witch life-sim for up to 4-players! Start your life as the newest resident witch in the bustling seaside city of Mossport. Make friends, find love, and discover a world filled with wonder and charm on the road to graduation and beyond…The city of Mossport is a living, breathing world; teeming with life, even when you’re not looking! From cityfolk with intricate and unique daily routines, to community events that mark the changing of the seasons.
Just like you, your coven, teachers, and the cityfolk all lead busy lives! Every character has their own unique schedule, whether they’re working in one of Mossport’s many businesses, having a drink at the pub, cramming for their next exam in the college library or joining in with the festivities at the seasonal events.As you progress through the academic year, so too does life around Mossport. Watch the cityfolk shed their mittens as the Winter snowfall melts away, allowing for the gradual bloom of colourful Spring flowers and donning of sun hats.As the seasons change, so do the rhythms of the city and its vibrant community…
