Hogwarts Legacy 2is coming—the only question is when. The first game was an unambiguous, unabashed success for Warner Bros., so much so that it became the best-selling game in a year that saw the release of heavy hitters likeThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Yes,Hogwarts Legacyis simply too profitable and impactful to be left behind, and hopefully, Avalanche Software will take the opportunity of a sequel to improve upon the shortcomings of the first game.
BecauseHogwarts Legacyis far from perfect. It’s an interesting game, to be sure, but Avalanche Software would be remiss if it didn’t target the weaker areas when developing its sequel, and exploration is as good a place to start as any. The way that exploration works 90% of the time inHogwarts Legacyis through the repetitive use of the Revelio spell, which functions in much the same way as something like detective vision in theBatman Arkhamgames. Casting it reveals a number of points of interest in a given environment, making it an essential tool for those seeking treasure, quest items, puzzles, and just about everything else that forms the non-combat elements ofHogwarts Legacy’s gameplay loop. But it leaves a lot to be desired, and might need to be revised inHogwarts Legacy 2.
The Positives and Negatives of Hogwarts Legacy’s Revelio Spell
Revelio Makes Hogwarts Legacy Accessible and Intuitive
As previously mentioned,Hogwarts Legacy’s Revelio abilityis far from the first of its kind. It has clear inspirations in countless other action-adventure games, includingBatman: Arkham,Assassin’s Creed, andThe Witcher3. In other words, the “detective” button, a simple input that illuminates the most salient aspects of a given in-game area, is a popular trope, and for good reason.
When the average AAA action-RPG can net players anywhere from 50 to 100 hours, it’s useful to have a no-stress, no-mess option for exploring various environments. This is especially true forgames likeHogwarts Legacy, which rely heavily on loot and other collectable resources for player progression. To keep things as smooth and player-friendly as possible, Avalanche Software could very well opt to retain Revelio forHogwarts Legacy 2.
Revelio Waters Down Hogwarts Legacy’s Exploration
Revelio-like systems may have a strong precedent in AAA gaming, but they don’t exactly have the best reputation. In some cases,likeThe Witcher 3, they can be used as accents for a broader open-world sandbox, but more often than not, they result in a bland, on-rails gameplay experience, characterized by hand-holding mechanics rather than engaging systems or nuanced world design.
Consider the differences between an open-world game likeBreath of the WildandHogwarts Legacy, or the overwhelming majority of AAA open-world titles, for that matter.Breath of the Wilddoesn’t simply allow players to automatically highlight collectables or POIs at the touch of the button, and the removal of this convenient feature means that players are forced to actually examine their surroundings, pick up on patterns, and engage with the game world in a far more immersive, intellectually stimulating way. With mechanics like Revelio,Hogwarts Legacyrobs players of the opportunity to truly interrogate its beautiful open-world.
Naturally, not everygame can beBreath of the Wild, but learning from its more organic approach to player exploration could helpHogwarts Legacy 2sharpen its exploration. Perhaps Revelio could still play some sort of role in the sequel, but as a supplementary tool rather than the main driver of exploration. Instead, level design should lead the charge in this facet of the gameplay loop, pushing players to use their own intellect to uncover collectables, loot, and the like, and reserving skills like Revelio for mere assistance, perhaps in certain contexts or scripted missions instead of at all times.
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 can 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.
