Harry Potteris one of the most beloved fantast properties of the 21st century, with books, films, spin-offs and West End shows that all add to its impressive lore.Hogwarts Legacyhoped to being something new with a story set in the 1800s, and it does well to not only flesh out the history ofHogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but also deliver plenty of nods to fans with many references to what has come before.
The game takes place in an impressive open world that includes the titular school, but while the castle grounds is where most of the action takes place, the geography ofHarry Potteris significantly more far-reaching. London is essential to Harry’s journey, and the same can be said of players inHogwarts Legacyas the story begins in the English capital. The remainder of the game leaves the city behind, including the wizarding world locations that fans have become familiar with. To return to the area through DLC would give players the chance to revisit more iconic places, further cementingHogwarts Legacyas an impressive recreation of something so beloved.
RELATED:How a Game of Thrones Game Can Capture the Detail of Hogwarts Legacy’s Open World
London is the Home of More Wizarding Curiosities
Hogwarts Legacypays beautiful homage to the license in which it takes place, with subtle nods that shows the developer’s commitment to making the world feel fresh, yet familiar.Follow the Butterflies, collecting Lacewing Flies, and finding the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets are all cause for excitement among hardcore fans, but the world in which Hogwarts sits is only a part of where the magic lies. The Dursleys may be from Surrey, but Harry is soon whisked away to London to collect his owl, broom, wand, and other essentials needed to become a student at Hogwarts.
While the game cleverly suggests that the likes of Olivanders has set up another shop in Hogsmeade, his actual store is inDiagon Alley in London. Other places vital to Harry Potter lore that are in the city are Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, and the reptile house at London Zoo, and having players visit them as a detour from the usual open world could show just how far the wizarding world is stretched through the UK. A DLC expansion that takes players to London would rectify the small amount of time that is spent in the city in the game’s early stages, as it really sells short the importance of London toHarry Potterlore.
More Story Could Reward Hogwarts Legacy’s Players
The campaign ofHogwarts Legacyis fairly lengthy, and takes players through plenty of tense battles and moments of genuine wonderment. However, there’s plenty to do outside the main storyline that gives players a reason to stick around.Completing the Merlin Trialsor collecting all the Field Guide pages can offer hours of enjoyment, and additional DLC could give the game even more longevity, showing that while it is only a single player experience, Avalanche Software is dedicated to keeping fans happy on a medium-term basis. By the time the credits roll, players will likely have charted most of the map, and going somewhere different may be a good way to keep the adventure fresh.
Going to London to soak in the parts of the wizarding world that aren’t seen inHogwarts Legacycould be a great way to tie it all together. The story may begin in England’s capital, but it quickly makes the journey to the Scottish highlands and the halls of the great school. Rewarding players by providing more story content could be a viable way to keep the game on people’s minds, but the open world it presents can only go so far to stay fresh, and an all-new setting would be the wiser option. London is intrinsically tied to the books andfilms that precededHogwarts Legacy, and going back would ensure that no stone is unturned and that it captures everything the IP has to offer.
Hogwarts Legacyis available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X, and will release April 4 for PS4 and Xbox One, and July 25 for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Hogwarts Legacy’s Avada Kedavra Makes Less Sense Than Meets The Eye
