Summary
Hogwarts Legacytakes place in a franchise that grants endless possibilities. Casting spells on enemies, discovering new things with the flick of a wand, and capturing mythical beasts are all on the curriculum atHogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and for the most part, the game excels at giving fans a means to role-play as their own student, attending classes and getting into all manner of mischief. Its strong sales and healthy critical reception ensure that it’s unlikely that players have seen the last of the series.
It was surely a hard line to tread for developer Avalanche Software, as theHarry PotterIP has been beloved for a long time, and the freedom presented in its magic-driven world means that there were always things that were going to be left on the cutting room floor. Now thatHogwarts Legacyhas found a sizeable fanbase, any successor to the 2023 game has the chance to get more experimental, and dipping into theHarry Pottertoybox for one specific thing could be a great idea.
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“It shows us nothing more or less than the deepest and most desperate desires of our hearts. Now you, Harry, who have never known your family, you see them standing beside you. But remember this, Harry. This mirror gives us neither knowledge or truth. Men have wasted away in front of it. Even gone mad.”
-Albus Dumbledore on the Mirror of Erised (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone)
The Mirror of Erised is Part of Harry Potter Lore
The Mirror of Erised appears inHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stoneas a means to show Harry and Ron their deepest desires. It’s a clever device that sits snugly in the lore ofHarry Potter, which is filled with trinkets and curiosities in all corners. In that story, it was an essential piece of character development for the titular character, showing his love for his family. It was also a lesson that just because Hogwarts is magic, it cannot always make people’s dreams come true.
Hogwarts Legacyuses plenty of bits and pieces fromHarry Potterlike house elves, useful charms, and memorable locations, but more can be done to wedge the next game more seamlessly into the franchise’s lore. One way to do this is by using more noticeable items from the books and films, likeHermione’s time turneror even the Philosopher’s Stone. Yet, the Mirror of Erised could present the most interesting plot device of all, and it is something that the nextHogwarts Legacymay want to take advantage of.
Story is an Area of Improvement in Hogwarts Legacy’s Sequel
Hogwarts Legacy’s story left much to be desired, even if it was a valiant effort and a solid first attempt. The fight againstRanrok and the goblin rebellionlargely felt like a tool to shepherd players through the gorgeous open world and introduce new mechanics that can be used to better immerse them in the experience. A sequel or follow-up has to elevate the stakes, and the Mirror of Erised could be a catalyst to achieve this while also tyingHogwarts Legacytighter intoHarry Potterlore.
While Harry saw his late parents, Lily and James Potter in the mirror, Ron saw himself as the captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and Head Boy.
Its origins trace back to some time before the end of the nineteenth century, meaning the mirror could coincide nicely withtheHogwarts Legacytimeline, ensuring that its implementation into Avalanche Software’s budding franchise isn’t out of the question. Its creation, immediate impact, and lasting legacy may all be explored since it has the potential to corrupt those who spend too long in its presence. The mirror being presented to players early on would give them a carrot on a stick, with the driving force of the story being to try and achieve the dream it shows. This would make it both a method of early exposition and a thing to work toward, with the mirror’s vision also facilitating meaningful choice-based progression, as the thing players see could slowly deteriorate depending on the decisions they make.
