Can You Change Gender in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? The Definitive Guide
Unfortunately, the answer is no, you cannot change your chosen character’s gender mid-playthrough in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Once you begin your adventure as either Kassandra or Alexios, you are locked into that choice for the duration of that specific game. The only way to experience the game as the other sibling is to start a new game. This article will delve into why this is the case, the implications of your choice, and answer other frequently asked questions related to gender and character selection in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Understanding Character Choice in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey presented players with a crucial decision right at the beginning: play as Kassandra or Alexios. This wasn’t merely a cosmetic choice; it affected the narrative and the overall experience, albeit in subtle ways. While the core story remains largely the same regardless of your choice, understanding the nuances of this decision is essential for any player.
The Importance of Starting Anew
Since you cannot change gender mid-game, your initial choice carries significant weight. If you find yourself preferring the other character after playing for a while, restarting is the only option. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested considerable time and effort into your current playthrough. Therefore, consider researching the characters and their respective strengths before committing to a game.
The Impact of Character Choice on Gameplay
While the fundamental gameplay mechanics remain identical, choosing Kassandra or Alexios does have some effect. The voice acting is a prominent difference, with many players and critics praising Melissanthi Mahut’s portrayal of Kassandra as superior to that of Alexios. Also, the narrative context changes slightly depending on who is playing as the main protagonist and who is cast in the role of Deimos.
The Canon Question: Kassandra vs. Alexios
For players invested in the lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe, the question of which character is canon is essential. Although the game allows you to choose either sibling, Ubisoft has officially designated Kassandra as the canon protagonist. This decision was solidified by the novelization of the game, which features Kassandra as the main character and further reinforced with her appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s crossover story.
Why is Kassandra Canon?
Several factors likely contributed to Kassandra’s canonical status. The writers of the official novel chose her, and her portrayal is often considered more compelling due to the voice acting performance. This decision, however, doesn’t invalidate playing as Alexios, but it provides context for the overarching narrative of the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
The Role of Alexios
If you select Kassandra as your playable character, Alexios assumes the role of Deimos, a key antagonist in the story. While he appears menacing, some argue that his characterization is less nuanced than Kassandra’s. Ultimately, both characters contribute significantly to the narrative, but Kassandra’s role as the protagonist has been officially recognized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity and information about gender and character choices in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:
1. Can I change from Kassandra to Alexios mid-game?
No, you cannot change from Kassandra to Alexios or vice versa once you’ve started playing. You must begin a new game to play as the other sibling.
2. Is it better to play as Alexios or Kassandra?
The “better” character is subjective. However, if you are interested in the canonical story, Kassandra is the preferred choice. Many players also prefer her voice acting.
3. Does gender matter in Odyssey?
In terms of gameplay mechanics, gender doesn’t dramatically affect the experience. The story remains fundamentally the same, but the nuances of the characters and their relationships can vary slightly. The main difference is the voice acting performance for each character.
4. Why is Kassandra canon and not Alexios?
Kassandra is canon because the writers of the official novel and the story of the game chose her. This decision was later reaffirmed by her inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
5. Why is Kassandra in Valhalla?
Kassandra appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of a crossover event, solidifying her status as the canon Eagle Bearer. This appearance is a bonus questline added after Valhalla’s release.
6. Do most other players prefer to play as Kassandra?
Initially, playtesting showed an even split between Alexios and Kassandra. However, after the game’s release, players chose Alexios by roughly a two-to-one margin. This preference doesn’t diminish Kassandra’s canonical status or the quality of her character.
7. Does the story change if you pick Alexios?
The core story remains the same whether you choose Alexios or Kassandra. However, the character dynamics and some emotional nuances can differ based on who you play as.
8. Is Alexios dying canon?
Yes, Alexios’s death as Deimos at the hands of Kassandra is considered canonical. This aligns with Kassandra’s role as the protagonist in the official story.
9. Is Kassandra the first assassin?
While Kassandra predates both the Assassin Brotherhood and the Hidden Ones, she has strong links to the Order and plays a significant role in the events leading up to their formation. She isn’t technically an Assassin in the traditional sense.
10. Can you have a baby in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, in the Legacy of the First Blade DLC, the player character (either Alexios or Kassandra) has a child with a descendant of Darius.
11. Can you get a girlfriend in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features various romantic relationships regardless of your chosen character. Many characters can be romanced by either Alexios or Kassandra, though some are character-specific.
12. How old is Kassandra in AC Odyssey?
Kassandra is approximately 27-28 years old at the beginning of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
13. How old was Kassandra when she died?
Kassandra lived for over 2000 years, thanks to the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, before finally passing away in the modern era.
14. Who can you romance as Alexios?
Alexios can romance several characters, including Neema, Alkibiades, Thaletas, and Roxana, among others.
15. What happens if you hug Markos?
Hugging Markos differs slightly depending on your character. As Kassandra, it feels more like a concession, while as Alexios, it seems more like a genuine connection.
Diving Deeper: The Narrative Impact of Your Choice
The choice between Kassandra and Alexios may seem superficial, but it subtly impacts the narrative. For example, the voice acting performances, the character’s motivations, and the way other characters react to them can vary. Therefore, your choice affects the personal experience.
Exploring The World
While the world of ancient Greece remains the same, the protagonist’s perspective shapes how players interact with it. This perspective influences how they perceive quests, relationships, and the overarching conflict.
The Role of Deimos
Casting one sibling as Deimos inevitably alters the narrative’s emotional impact. Kassandra facing Alexios as Deimos, or vice versa, creates different levels of tension and empathy. This ultimately makes each playthrough a unique journey.
Embracing the Odyssey: Final Thoughts
While you cannot change gender mid-game in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, understanding the nuances of your initial choice can greatly enhance your experience. Consider the character’s story, voice acting, and canonical status. The best choice truly depends on what aspects of the game you value most. Whether you embark on your odyssey as Kassandra or Alexios, the world of ancient Greece awaits.
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