Source: Steam
The co-op multiplayer game Secret Agent Wizard Boy and the International Crime Syndicate has been turning heads at the recent Steam Next Fest, and it’s easy to see why. This indie title is a playful homage to the beloved Harry Potter games from the PlayStation 1 era. For many gamers, the magical world created by J.K. Rowling, which inspired both the iconic book series and its subsequent movie adaptations, holds a special place in their hearts—especially those nostalgic for the PS1 games.
Steam Next Fest is an exciting week-long event where players can dive into hundreds of free game demos, and this October’s edition is no exception. It runs until October 21, showcasing a variety of titles like Terra Memoria, Pepper Grinder, and Death of a Wish, along with developer livestreams and interactive chats. Each event, typically held three times a year, offers a glimpse into the future of gaming, and this time, Secret Agent Wizard Boy has certainly stood out.
Source: Steam
So, what’s the buzz about this game? Developed by the Szymanski brothers—David, who previously created the acclaimed indie first-person shooter Dusk, and John and Evan, known for the survival horror title My Friendly Neighborhood—the game is described as a good-natured parody of the classic Harry Potter PS1 experiences. While it currently lacks a confirmed release date, players are already raving about its “physics-based mayhem,” with one enthusiast exclaiming, “I don’t know what’s going on. I broke my spine and everything is exploding. I’ve never been happier!”
In Secret Agent Wizard Boy, players step into the shoes of a wizard who must infiltrate and dismantle the sinister operations of the villain Grumblemort—echoing the villainy of characters like Ranrok and Victor Rookwood from Hogwarts Legacy. The gameplay encourages a mix of strategy and chaos, allowing players to either follow mission objectives or indulge in sheer destruction. With its retro-themed, third-person action, friends can join forces online to complete missions, blow up the wizarding school’s castle, or simply create havoc with landmines.
Source: Steam
For those feeling a wave of nostalgia, the PS1 Harry Potter games, including Argonaut Games’ Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, are fondly remembered for their charmingly awkward polygon characters. These titles have inspired countless memes over the years, with characters like Hagrid’s polygon model becoming cultural icons. Interestingly, elements from these classics continue to influence modern games, as seen in Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, which recently showcased beloved characters in their low-resolution glory.
