New Steam Game Has Serious PS1 Harry Potter Vibes

New Steam Game Has Serious PS1 Harry Potter Vibes

Key Takeaways

  • Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate is a hit at Steam Next Fest for its Harry Potter PS1 vibes.
  • The Szymanski brothers collaborated on the indie, and the game boasts chaotic, physics-based fun.
  • Players have praised the demo’s mayhem-filled gameplay with Harry Potter nostalgia baked into the retro, third-person action.

As a gamer who grew up in the early 2000s, I can wholeheartedly say that the Steam Next Fest demo for “Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate” has me reminiscing about my childhood days spent on my PlayStation 1. The nostalgia is palpable with this game, and it’s not just because of its Harry Potter vibes – although that certainly doesn’t hurt!


The cooperative multiplayer game titled “Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate” has been generating quite a buzz during the recent Steam Next Fest, mainly due to its nostalgic reference to the beloved Harry Potter games from the PlayStation 1 era. The cherished seven-part Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling spawned the critically acclaimed movie adaptations, and later, the PS1 games that today’s Steam gamers fondly recall as they play the latest indie offering.

In simple terms, the upcoming Steam Next Fest is a week-long celebration that offers users free access to play trials of numerous games. Typically, there are three such events held annually, with February 2024’s event showcasing standout demos like “Terra Memoria,” “Pepper Grinder,” and “Death Of A Wish.” The festivities also include live developer streams and chats. October 2024’s Next Fest is planned to end on the 21st of that month.

“Undercover Magic Apprentice and the Global Criminal Network” has been generating buzz during Steam Next Fest, with gameplay that serves as a humorous homage to the classic Harry Potter PS1 titles. The Szymanski siblings lead this indie production, including David, renowned for creating one of the finest indie first-person shooters ever made in Dusk, and John and Evan, developers of the survival horror game My Friendly Neighborhood. As of now, “Undercover Magic Apprentice” doesn’t have a confirmed release date, but Steam gamers are raving about the “chaotic physics-based action,” expressing their delight as they exclaim, “I can’t quite grasp what’s happening. I’ve fractured my spine and everything around me is exploding. I’ve never been more content.

Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate Steam Demo Evokes Harry Potter PS1 Games

As a seasoned gamer myself, I’m diving headfirst into the world of “Secret Agent Wizard Boy,” where our titular hero goes undercover to dismantle Grumblemort’s sinister crime syndicate, reminiscent of the shady dealings of Ranrok and Victor Rookwood from “Hogwarts Legacy.” The choice is mine: I can sneak into their wizarding school or unleash a torrent of spells and subterfuge to create chaos. Missions? Optional, if the allure of anarchy proves too strong. And let’s not forget the online multiplayer feature! My friends and I can join forces for missions, bring down the enemy’s castle in a spectacular explosion, or just mess around with landmines. It’s a trip back to the past, set in a third-person action adventure that’s as fun to play with friends as it is solo.

The initial releases for the Harry Potter series on PlayStation include “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” by Argonaut Games from 2001 and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” from 2002, both inspired by their respective films. A notable aspect of these games was the use of polygon characters, with some faces being so amusingly rendered they eventually turned into internet memes. Recently, the polygonal version of Hagrid has appeared in “Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions,” showcasing fans’ enduring affection for the game’s nostalgic gameplay and distinctive, low-resolution graphics.

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2024-10-16 11:53