The Bookwalker Could be the Inspiration for a Hogwarts Legacy 2 Feature
Hogwarts Legacy was an ambitious project, but it had the benefit of being able to lean somewhat heavily on pre-existing lore. From Hogwarts itself to more obscure elements like the Room of Requirement, it does well to take advantage of the toolbox that Harry Potter has created. While there are plenty of recognizable inclusions, the Avalanche Software offering has barely scratched the surface, and with the first game’s commercial and critical success, the sky could be the limit when it comes to a potential follow-up.
Having that freedom is something that the developer should absolutely take advantage of, even dipping into specific plot points in the novels or films that serve to elevate the story being told. The Bookwalker came to Xbox Game Pass in June, with one of the narrative wrinkles being the act of entering a book to change, alter, and overcome the events of the story. It’s a familiar idea to fans of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, which could mean that the second game in Avalanche’s potentially-budding franchise could logistically make it work as a narrative thread to be explored.
The Bookwalker is Similar to One Chamber of Secrets Plot Point
The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales puts players in the shoes of a writer-turned-thief who enters a new story each chapter to shave time from his writer’s block sentencing. There, protagonist Etienne Quist has to steal relics from the books he enters, getting wrapped up in the tale of each one accordingly. It’s a fascinating premise for a story-driven game, and one that does well to make each of the six chapters feel distinctive and unique not just to each other, but to most things in gaming, be it indie or AAA. It’s something that is reminiscent of a very specific scene in Harry Potter.
In the second film, there is a period where Harry enters Tom Riddle’s diary, gathering insight into who Voldemort was during his time at Hogwarts, and how he framed Hagrid for opening the Chamber of Secrets. It gives some much-needed context into Riddle’s character as well as thickens the plot of the film itself. Hogwarts is an elaborate and storied place, and Hogwarts Legacy‘s sequel has plenty of decades it could explore, but using the narrative idea of entering a book, as The Bookwalker does so effortlessly, could be a viable and available window into a world of compelling history.
Hogwarts Legacy Could Use More Harry Potter Plot Devices
Bringing players back to the late-1800s as Hogwarts Legacy did when it launched in February would be a safe idea, in large part because it can simply continue the story of the first game. However, with Ranrok and Victor Rookwood’s plans thwarted, the sequel could go in any direction. The setting and time frame need to complement the story being told, and having a plot device that can essentially transport characters back to a different time for exposition is something that the developer would do well to capitalize on, especially as it’s a part of Harry Potter lore that is already established.
The Bookwalker: Thief of Tales doesn’t have the budget or reputation to compete with the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Final Fantasy 16, or Resident Evil 4 for many Game of the Year awards, but its influence on the industry can be obvious if Avalanche is willing to take cues from its core narrative premise. Hogwarts Legacy‘s sequel can give it the credit it deserves, albeit indirectly, to nurture and improve the seed that The Bookwalker plants.
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.
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