The Intrinsic Magic of Hogwarts Legacy Unveiled: A Definitive Prequel Experience

The Harry Potter franchise has a rich and extensive lore that spans decades, showcasing the vast and captivating world of magic and the fascinating characters within it. With characters like Grindelwald and Salazar Slytherin, the franchise is filled with intriguing personalities and an enthralling atmosphere. However, Hogwarts Legacy sets itself apart by immersing players in a unique setting during the late-1800s, offering a refreshing experience.

Hogwarts Legacy succeeds in portraying the history of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, with characters like Phineas Nigellus Black, Matilda Weasley, Sebastian Sallow, and Poppy Sweeting adding charm and authenticity to the game. One character, Merlin, the legendary wizard of medieval times associated with King Arthur's court, could have been further explored in the narrative to delve deeper into the rich lore of the wizarding world, bridging the gap between Harry Potter and British legends.

Merlin Trials Can Be a Catalyst for Something New

Merlin, attributed to belong to Slytherin and renowned for his love of riddles, showcases these traits in his trials at Hogwarts Legacy. As a student at Hogwarts, he is intricately connected to the lore of Harry Potter, and though lacking further contextual information, his presence is undeniably impactful. Set in the late 19th century, Hogwarts Legacy transports players to a time preceding the familiar characters of Harry, Hermione, and Ron, leaving open the possibility for a potential sequel to explore an even earlier era.

Already an established figure in lore beyond J.K. Rowling's creations, Merlin holds great esteem as a revered advisor to King Arthur and stands as one of the most famous wizards in history. In light of a fantasy RPG where players embody his role, it is conceivable that this alone could attract a significant new audience, potentially surpassing the popularity of the original Hogwarts Legacy.

More Background and World-Building Can Elevate Hogwarts Legacy

Hogwarts Legacy's rich lore owes much to its origins in the Harry Potter franchise. The world-building in Harry Potter and the additional context provided by the Fantastic Beasts films have contributed to the game's depth. However, the Merlin Trials in the game, developed by Avalanche, mainly serve as a means for players to progress by unlocking more inventory slots. This aspect of the game feels uninspiring and checklist-like.

Nevertheless, revisiting Hogwarts Legacy is worth considering for players who enjoy collecting items and completing side quests to achieve a 100% completion status. Furthermore, a potential sequel could address a major concern that many fans had with the game by allowing players to take on the role of a student, professor, muggle, or even something completely different. Time is also a flexible element that could be explored, and featuring Merlin as a central figure in a new game would greatly enhance the series' already impressive scale and historical context.

Hogwarts Legacy is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, with a Switch release scheduled for November 14, 2023.