Niantic has released a new trailer for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, the new augmented reality (AR) game modeled out of Pokemon GO. We're yet to find out a firm release date, but what's known for now is that players will be required to step out into the real world.
Niantic, the creators of Pokemon GO, worked with WB Games San Francisco to develop the game, and have already started beta testing in Australia and New Zealand. The upcoming game will see characters from both the well-loved Harry Potter series and the Fantastic Beasts movies.
The trailer appears in the form of an emergency broadcast from the Ministry of Magic in which the premise of the upcoming Harry Potter game is explained. The Wizarding World is about to face "The Calamity," which brought chaos to the muggle world by causing "Foundables," or characters, creatures, and artifacts to appear, threatening to expose the world of magic to humans.
"For the first time, you'll soon embark on your own Wizarding World adventure together with friends in the real world," Niantic said in a statement.
Players will take on the role of the Statute of Secrecy Task Force's new recruits, created by the Ministry of Magic to stop The Calamity. A map is to be followed in which traces of magic will be revealed, leading to the Foundables hidden in public places. Players will have to learn and perform spells in order to send the Foundables back to where they belong in the wizarding world.
Instead of PokeStops and gyms, players must stop by Inns at specific muggle locations to replenish their energy. At Inns, Harry Potter-themed drinks and foods can be collected. Players can also find ingredients specific to the environment, time of day, and weather in their localized area to brew options. Portmanteaus and Portkeys can be found as well so players can be transported to iconic wizarding world locations like Ollivander's Wand Shop in 360-degree immersive augmented reality.
For real-time multiplayer action against Werewolves and Death Eaters, players can step into Fortresses, which holds Wizarding Challenges and lets players test their combat skills. One can also become a Professor, Magizoologist, or an Auror. Each of these professions come with their specific skills that will be useful at different times.
Some videos of Harry Potter: Wizards Unite gameplay gave us a glimpse of combat encounters against Death Eaters and Dementors, as well as some recreations of well-known scenes from the books.
Pre-registration for Harry Potter: Wizards Unite is now available on Google Play. Check out the trailer below.
