Highlights
- Hogwarts Legacy offers unique ideas and gameplay, setting it apart from other Harry Potter games. The 1800s setting and memorable characters make it a compelling experience.
- Phineas Nigellus Black, the headmaster in the game, is voiced by Simon Pegg and has an inconsiderate attitude. While entertaining, his tenure may become stale, suggesting the need for a new headmaster.
- Professor Matilda Weasley is a friendly and welcoming presence in the game, contrasting with Black's nature. With her influence and consistent dedication, she has the potential to become a great headmaster in a sequel.
Hogwarts Legacy had a lot of unique ideas and gameplay inclusions that made it much more than just a cookie-cutter Harry Potter game. Its 1800s setting was fascinating, and the people that lined the historic halls of Hogwarts were memorable in all the right ways. From Sebastian Sallow's unnerving side story of learning the Unforgivable Curses to getting to know Natsai Onai, becoming familiar with who she is and her time at Uagadou, the game is packed with compelling personalities.
One of them is undoubtedly Phineas Nigellus Black, the school's headmaster at the time of the protagonist's introduction as a fifth-year student. He's masterfully voiced by Simon Pegg and wields an inconsiderate attitude; however, there is another professor in Hogwarts Legacy who would be a perfect successor to Black's position in a potential sequel. They exhibit the attitude and aptitude needed to be a positive role model for students and could be a great addition to the story of the next game with personality traits that makes them ripe for more screen time.
Phineas Nigellus Black's Tenure was Uneven
While Albus Dumbledore was the perfect example of authoritative, friendly, cryptic, and immensely wise, Black assumes the role of headmaster, albeit with a completely different attitude. He's childish, impulsive, and neglectful of his responsibilities, serving largely to be an obstacle that the good guys have to overcome rather than someone who assists in their efforts. He's an interesting break from the heroic norm, but though his tenure was entertaining, surely Black won't spend too long at Hogwarts, and if he makes another appearance in the Hogwarts Legacy follow-up he could run the risk of becoming stale quickly.
The position of headmaster at the school is both prestigious and meaningful, and choosing someone to serve as Phineas Nigellus Black's successor could be an interesting new narrative wrinkle, helping the setting stay fresh by being populated with new faces, or old faces in new positions. To that end, Hogwarts could fall into the hands of a different professor, one that is far closer to the typical expectations of a headmaster. More can be done with the position in a potential sequel, giving added insight into one of Hogwarts Legacy's most unsung heroes.
Professor Weasley Has the Makings of a Great Headmaster
Professor Matilda Weasley is the first truly friendly face that players encounter when they arrive at the castle for the first time. Her warm presence makes her immediately comforting after the exciting and tense opening scenes. Professor Weasley helps the protagonist to get settled in and serves as the person who assesses their time at the school after a successful fight with Ranrok, analyzing the field guide to make sure everything is up to par.
She has plenty of the characteristics that made Dumbledore so beloved, having a recognizable and welcoming aura, and never wavering from her duties. Critically, she offers a stark contrast to Black's disinterested and juvenile nature, and is already the deputy headmistress, meaning her position at the school is already one of influence. Stepping into the shoes of the headmaster feels like a natural fit for Professor Weasley, as the Hogwarts Legacy sequel could definitely benefit from a new face in the historic role.
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.
