Harry Potter: Hogwarts Battle Review

Yer a deck-builder, Harry.  So many times we gamers are “treated” to really horrible games based on IPs (intellectual properties).  For some reason, designers and publishers seem to care about getting games in hands that have a certain brand or logo on them, and don’t really care about the game itself.  So we were a bit skeptical of a deck-builder, from USAopoly, that was based on a well-loved IP, in a kinda boring box, that uses movie stills for the art on the cards.  As you can see by the scores given, we were split.

Okay, I am going to admit, the way the game is setup is both very cool and very off-putting.  You see, you open the box and are instructed to start with the contents of the Game 1 box if you are new to deck-building, or if you want to experience the game incrementally.  We chose to enjoy the game box by box.  Now, this is a great way to teach deck-building concepts slowly and to ease the players into the game.  We are not deck-building novices, however, and we probably should have start at Game 4 box, as the instructions suggest.  Let me explain:

Game 1-3 boxes add more cards to the game, but don’t really increase the difficulty by much at all.  It’s only once you delve into the Game 4-7 boxes does the experience change, and for the better.  I fear Josh and Bryan’s scores reflect games played only with the components from Game 1-3 boxes, and I do understand their feeling of being underwhelmed.  I have encouraged them to try the game again using more advanced box components, so this game may (hopefully) be receiving a score update.

That being said, I will speak of my thoughts on the game as I have played it.  It’s really great.  The game just ramps up much more the more component boxes you add into it, and you don’t even need to purchase the expansion for a great game experience.  In fact, I have not yet added the expansion materials to my copy yet.  I am somewhat afraid (but I do love Luna…).  I love deck-building, and I love the components that are added in the later games (no spoilers) that make it more than just a deck-builder.  The theme is certainly apparent, and if you are a fan of the franchise wanting a meatier Harry Potter experience, you definitely want to sink your basilisk fangs into this one.

We at Purple Phoenix Games give this title a tentative score of 16 / 24. (I’m gonna work on getting Bryan and Josh’s scores increased with more plays)