Summary
It is said that every action has its consequences. Some of the best RPGs often implement this saying to varying degrees of success through the choice system, a mechanic that has become a core identity of modern gameplay. The looming confinement of Azkaban was enough to deter evil-natured wizards in theHarry Pottermega-series, and many assumed the legendary prison would play an instrumental role inHogwarts Legacy, especially with Unforgivable Curses on the cards. However, its muted presence disappointed a large section ofHarry Potterfaithful, and a sequel needs to correct the moral oversight.
In the build-up toHogwarts Legacy’s groundbreaking releasein February last year, fans looked forward to the first high-profile project to explore the wizarding world through a console. Gamers relished a chance to use some of the franchise’s most famous spells, and when Unforgivable Curses were confirmed to feature inHogwarts Legacy, it triggered an excited wave of “Avada Kedavra” chants on social media.
Given the stigma and expulsion that came with the use of these evil spells in the source material, it was almost guaranteed there would be some form of punishment in the game. Instead,Hogwarts Legacylargely glossed over this moral check and balance, leaving a hole that a sequel would be remiss not to fill.
A Hogwarts Legacy Sequel Needs Checks and Balances
Azkaban’s Muted Role in Hogwarts Legacy Took Away Some of its Shine
While there were many thingsHogwarts Legacydid beautifully, from its exquisite rural depiction of Hogsmeade to the exhilarating rides on magical brooms, there were areas where the Avalanche game lacked the depth expected of it. Most pronounced of the title’s misses was its treatment of Azkaban, where the Wizarding locale was restricted to a cameo appearance only available to theHufflepuff house.
The relegation of the prison to a footnote meant players could use Unforgivable Curses largely unchecked, which doesn’t line up withthe characteristicHarry Potterspirit. Using these forbidden spells in front of other characters at Hogwarts did draw one-liner chides but had no real consequences to the protagonist’s relationships.
The only observable objections to the abominable spells came from Ominis Gaunt, who severally warned against going down the dark path with Sebastian Sallow.Hogwarts Legacylater puts the decision topunish Sebastian for killing his uncle with Dark Magicsquarely in players' hands, and depending on the choice, the Slytherin wizard could either walk free or await trial. Needless to say, fans expected more of an authoritative presence to deal with the wicked use of Dark Magic. The lack of a concrete punishment for using Unforgivable Curses inHogwarts Legacyexposed the lack of depth in its choice system, and a sequel can’t afford to toe the same line.
Hogwarts Legacy 2 Needs a Choice System Shake-Up
A potentialHogwarts Legacy 2has to pay more attention to its moral compass, especially if the storyline contains elements just as dark (or even darker) than the first game. There is no doubt that gamers using Crucio against enemies for fun inHogwarts Legacyshould’ve spent some cutscenes with the infamous Dementors to force a change of playstyle. To add to the punishment, the stigma that comes with using the Dark Arts in the canon material should also apply in a sequel, where NPCs would adversely react to a player’s presence in various degrees.
A sequel toHogwarts Legacyalready gives Sebastian Sallow a chance to lean into the deplorable parts of his character andbecome the next Voldemort, and gamers anticipate an increase in evil elements in the next chapter of the franchise’s story if one ever releases. With the plot potentially becoming even darker, there must be requisite punishments for using the Dark Arts, whether in terms of reputation hits or a prison term where players will atone for their crimes. One way or another, choices will need to have balancing consequences in a sequel.
Hogwarts Legacy
WHERE TO PLAY
Hogwarts Legacy is an immersive, open-world action RPG set in the world first introduced in the Harry Potter books. For the first time, experience Hogwarts in the 1800s. Your character is a student who holds the key to an ancient secret that threatens to tear the wizarding world apart. Now you’re able to take control of the action and be at the center of your own adventure in the wizarding world. Your legacy is what you make of it.Explore an Open WorldThe wizarding world awaits you. Freely roam Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, the Forbidden Forest, and the surrounding Overland area.Be the Witch or Wizard You Want to beLearn spells, brew potions, grow plants, and tend to magical beasts along your journey. Get sorted into your house, forge relationships, and master skills to become the witch or wizard you want to be Experience a New Wizarding World AdventureExperience the wizarding world in an unexplored era to uncover a hidden truth from its past. Battle against trolls, Dark Wizards, goblins, and more as you face a dangerous villain threatening the fate of the wizarding world.
