The year 2023 undeniably delivered an array of remarkable gaming experiences, with one of the standout titles being Avalanche Software’s Hogwarts Legacy. This open-world adventure offered players a deep immersion into the Harry Potter universe, allowing them to craft their own narrative in a world they had previously only observed from a distance. Despite its widespread acclaim, Hogwarts Legacy wasn’t devoid of flaws. Much of the criticism centered around its repetitive and overly familiar open-world design, but one particular aspect emerged as arguably more divisive than any other: its treatment of the Unforgivable Curses.
During one of Hogwarts Legacy’s side stories, players gain access to the Unforgivable Curses – Crucio, Imperio, and Avada Kedavra. According to Harry Potter lore, these curses are labeled “unforgivable” due to their dark and immoral nature, carrying the severe consequence of immediate life imprisonment in Azkaban for anyone casting them. However, in Hogwarts Legacy, players can use these curses without facing repercussions, creating a rift among the game’s dedicated Harry Potter fanbase. Now, with the highly likely prospect of a sequel on the horizon, Avalanche finds itself unable to reverse its decision regarding the Unforgivable Curses, despite the critique it garnered.
It’s Too Late for Hogwarts Legacy to Change Its Mind About the Unforgivable Curses
Given the considerable criticism Hogwarts Legacy received for its treatment of the Unforgivable Curses, there might be a temptation for developer Avalanche to reconsider this decision in a sequel. While such a move could potentially improve the game’s reception among dedicated Harry Potter fans, it also carries the risk of backfiring. Treating these potent spells differently in Hogwarts Legacy 2 might be perceived as pandering or hypocritical, and the implementation could be challenging now that the game’s world has already been established.
If Avalanche were to introduce consequences for using Unforgivable Curses in Hogwarts Legacy 2, the first game would need substantial updates. Unfortunately, this poses a considerable challenge, involving extensive dialogue and animation modifications, and potentially even a complete rewrite of the story. Should Hogwarts Legacy 2 choose to impose penalties for employing Unforgivable Curses and the first game remains unaltered, creating consistency between the two titles would be challenging. However, there are alternative ways a sequel could address the controversy.
Hogwarts Legacy 2’s Unforgivable Curses Could Respond to Criticism in Other Ways
To steer clear of controversy in a sequel, Avalanche’s optimal approach would be to entirely eliminate the Unforgivable Curses from Hogwarts Legacy 2. Although this decision might initially appear inconsistent, setting Hogwarts Legacy 2 in an entirely different time period would effectively distance it from its predecessor. This separation would enable significant changes without encountering substantial objection. Ultimately, the world of Hogwarts Legacy could benefit from the absence of the Unforgivable Curses, and this move would spare a sequel from the need for a narrative-altering morality system.
The best way for Avalanche to avoid this controversy in a sequel would be to remove the Unforgivable Curses from Hogwarts Legacy 2 entirely.
An alternative response for Hogwarts Legacy 2 to address criticism of its predecessor’s treatment of the Unforgivable Curses could involve allowing players to pre-determine a morality path for their character before starting the game. This approach would restrict “good” characters from using the spells, while simultaneously permitting “evil” characters to use them, with the understanding that they would face consequences.
Whether Avalanche opts to maintain the ability for players to use the Unforgivable Curses without repercussions in Hogwarts Legacy 2 remains uncertain. However, it seems more logical for the developer to stand by its initial decision regarding the spells rather than backtracking due to criticism. At the very least, players can anticipate another captivating adventure in the Wizarding World once Hogwarts Legacy 2 is released.
Hogwarts Legacy – PlayStation 5 | English | EU Import Region Free Hot Deal
Buy On Amazon
Hogwarts Legacy – PlayStation 4 Hot Deal
Buy On Amazon
We trust that you appreciate the products we suggest and discuss! Game Deals Insider maintains affiliate and sponsored collaborations, enabling us to earn a portion of the revenue generated from some of your purchases. Rest assured, this doesn’t impact the amount you pay and assists us in providing top-notch product recommendations.
