Quidditch Champions offers a surprisingly good on-field experience. However, while the action is thrilling, it leaves something to be desired off the pitch.
A magical sport reimagined for real play
Let’s face it: quidditch in the Harry Potter series wasn’t really designed as a playable sport. It was all about showcasing Harry Potter’s talents, with the rest of the team simply supporting his journey as “the Seeker.” Unbroken Studios, however, took on the challenging task of transforming quidditch into an actual competitive game. And to my surprise, they’ve done a commendable job. Quidditch Champions makes some clever changes that turn this fantasy sport into an engaging and enjoyable experience. But, as much as I loved flying through the air chasing the Quaffle or Snitch, I found myself wanting more once the matches ended.
On the surface, Quidditch Champions stays true to the sport’s rules from the books and films. There are still four positions: Chasers score by throwing the Quaffle through hoops, Keepers defend the goals, Beaters send Bludgers to disrupt opponents, and Seekers chase down the Golden Snitch. Unbroken Studios, though, made several tweaks to make the game work better for players. The most significant change? The Seeker is no longer the be-all and end-all of the game, which is a refreshing departure from the original story where catching the Snitch often decided the outcome.
Smart tweaks improve the game
One of the most important changes is how matches now end either when one team scores 100 points or when the time runs out. Catching the Snitch is no longer an instant game-ender but instead grants a much more reasonable 30 points. Even better, the Snitch appears multiple times per game, adding a fun little twist rather than dominating the entire event. Unbroken Studios also reduced the number of Beaters from two to one per team, simplifying the gameplay while still allowing Beaters to play a vital role in disrupting the opposing team.
These adjustments make for a more balanced and exciting experience. Chasers now feel more critical to the outcome of the game, often playing a bigger role than the Seeker. Beaters can still incapacitate players and create strategic moments without controlling the flow of the match entirely. As a result, every position matters, and matches are more dynamic and fast-paced. No more games that seem to drag on forever like in the books!
Excitement on the field
The changes to quidditch in Quidditch Champions make the on-field action genuinely fun. Flying around the pitch, managing your boost meter, and executing sharp dodges as a Chaser or Seeker is thrilling. You can even switch positions mid-game, allowing you to experience each role, adding another layer of strategy and variety. As a Keeper, I found myself enjoying the mental chess match of anticipating where the opposing Chasers would shoot and setting up Playcalling Rings to boost my team’s energy and speed. Beaters, with their powerful Bludgers, can shift the tide of the game by disrupting key plays, and Seekers face off in intense chases for the Snitch, which often ends in a photo finish.
While the gameplay itself is great, the commentary could use a little more spark. The familiar voices of Lee Jordan and Rita Skeeter add some charm, but the mid-match commentary feels dry and generic, rarely matching the excitement happening on the field.
Co-op play adds fun, but career mode falls short
One of the best aspects of Quidditch Champions is how enjoyable it is when playing with friends. The 3v3 online mode lets you team up and play as a coordinated squad, switching between two positions (Chaser and another role). In one particularly memorable match, I played as a Keeper and worked with my friend, a Chaser, to create some brilliant plays. We narrowly won because of our teamwork, and moments like that made me wish the game had more to offer in terms of long-term engagement.
Unfortunately, while the quidditch matches themselves are solid, there isn’t much to do off the field. The game includes a career mode with four cups to win: the Weasley Cup (which serves as a tutorial), the House Cup at Hogwarts, the Triwizard Cup, and the Quidditch World Cup. But this mode feels shallow, especially with the Triwizard Cup only featuring a single match after a brief elimination round. Worse, if you want to play career mode in co-op, the game doesn’t track your progress properly. I had to replay several tournaments because the game didn’t save my co-op matches, which was frustrating.
Beyond career mode, the game lacks additional modes or substantial reasons to keep playing. While you can customize your characters and brooms, unlocking cosmetics and upgrading stats requires grinding, especially with the issues in co-op progression. At least the customization options are extensive, letting you personalize your team’s look, stat allocations, and even unlock iconic characters like Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Thankfully, so far, the game doesn’t feature any microtransactions. But, given it’s a Warner Bros. game, I wouldn’t hold my breath on that remaining true forever.
Final thoughts: A fun game that could use more depth
In the end, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions does something remarkable: it turns a fictional, seemingly unplayable sport into a genuinely competitive game. Flying around the pitch, pulling off spectacular plays, and working together with friends is a blast. Each position has depth and offers plenty of fun, from chasing down the Snitch as a Seeker to faking out the opposing team as a Chaser. The clever changes to the rules ensure that every match is fast-paced and engaging.
However, the game stumbles when it comes to offering long-term appeal. Once the excitement of the matches fades, there’s not much else to keep you coming back. With limited career mode content, co-op progression bugs, and a lack of variety in modes, the game feels a bit thin. Quidditch Champions did a fantastic job transforming quidditch into a real sport, but it could use a little more magic to keep players hooked for the long haul.