Can You Play as a Female in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? A Deep Dive

Yes, absolutely! In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, you have the option to play as a female protagonist named Kassandra. This choice is presented at the very beginning of the game, allowing you to decide whether you wish to embody Kassandra or her male counterpart, Alexios. Unlike some other games in the series, the choice isn’t simply cosmetic; it directly impacts which character you’ll experience the story with. This was a major step for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, significantly enhancing player choice and representation within the historical setting of Ancient Greece. Let’s delve into the details of how playing as Kassandra affects your Odyssey experience.

Kassandra vs. Alexios: The Choice is Yours

The heart of the matter revolves around the initial decision: who will you play as? While both Alexios and Kassandra share the same core abilities, armor, and weaponry, they differ dramatically in terms of personality and voice acting, which influences the overall gaming experience. The key difference stems from the vocal performance and character direction. Many players and critics find Kassandra’s performance far more nuanced and engaging compared to Alexios. Her voice acting is often praised for its expressiveness and depth, making her a more compelling character for many. This ultimately highlights the significant impact of narrative direction on how a character is received.

Gameplay Differences

It’s crucial to understand that the gameplay mechanics remain identical whether you choose Alexios or Kassandra. This means there are no differences in combat styles, abilities, or stat progressions. Both characters traverse the vast open-world environment, engage in the same battles, and use the same range of weapons and gear. This design choice ensures that the experience is consistent, regardless of your gender selection. What does differ, though, is how the story unfolds from a character perspective.

Story Implications

While the main narrative of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey doesn’t drastically alter based on your gender choice, there are subtle nuances. The most significant impact is the vocal performance and character portrayal, which heavily influences how the character interacts with the world. For example, some players feel that Alexios’ delivery comes across as less thoughtful and more aggressive. Kassandra, on the other hand, tends to be perceived as more dynamic and emotionally resonant. These perceptions heavily shape the way the audience connects with their protagonist. This is the core of what makes the choice impactful. The storyline itself does not diverge, but your emotional connection will likely be based on your gender choice.

Why Choose Kassandra?

Many players and critics lean towards Kassandra as the superior choice because of the depth her characterization offers. Her vocal delivery and overall presentation are often considered more compelling. Many find that her portrayal gives depth to the story and elevates the overall experience. This is especially significant in a game as vast and sprawling as Odyssey. This is also driven by the fact that Kassandra is the canon protagonist for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This official designation further cements her as the definitive character for the game’s narrative. The canon designation means that in the wider narrative of the series, Kassandra is the protagonist whose experiences shape the larger story, solidifying her place in the Assassin’s Creed lore.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address common queries about playing as a female in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:

1. Can I switch between Alexios and Kassandra mid-game?

   • No, once you select a protagonist at the beginning of the game, you cannot switch characters mid-playthrough. If you wish to play as the other character, you must start a new game.

2. Does choosing a different gender impact the story’s ending?

   • No, the choice of Alexios or Kassandra does not directly affect the main story ending or overall narrative progression. However, choices made during the game do influence which of the nine possible endings you’ll see.

3. Are romance options different for Kassandra compared to Alexios?

   • Both characters have access to a wide variety of romance options, regardless of their gender. The specific characters available for romance remain largely the same, though the relationships can feel different based on who your protagonist is.

4. Is Kassandra considered the “canon” protagonist?

   • Yes, Kassandra is officially considered the canon protagonist for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This decision was made by the game’s developers after its release, making her the more officially endorsed experience.

5. Are there any gameplay advantages to playing as one character over the other?

   • Absolutely not. There are no gameplay differences between Alexios and Kassandra. Both share the same abilities, equipment, and stats.

6. Can I change my gender in New Game+?

   • Yes, when you start a New Game+ playthrough, you have the option to change your chosen protagonist. This means you can experience the story from the other character’s perspective.

7. Does playing as Kassandra affect any of the historical elements of the game?

   • The historical context and events of Ancient Greece are not affected by your gender choice. Whether you play as Alexios or Kassandra, you will be immersed in the same historical landscape.

8. Are there unique dialogue options for each character?

   • While the dialogue scripts are largely the same, the delivery and tone can differ quite a bit depending on whether you’re playing as Kassandra or Alexios.

9. What is the difference between Alexios’ voice acting and Kassandra’s?

   • The majority of players find Kassandra’s vocal performance to be more expressive and nuanced, while Alexios’ delivery is considered by some as less engaging and clunkier.

10. Can you have children in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

    • Yes, in a DLC after the main story, your character can have a child. If playing as Alexios, he has a child with a woman, and if playing as Kassandra, she has a child with a man.

11. Are there any LGBTQ+ relationships in the game?

    • Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows for same-sex romances, providing options for queer gamers to pursue relationships regardless of their chosen protagonist.

12. What is the representation of women in The Odyssey and in the game?

    • In Homer’s “The Odyssey”, women are represented as either faithful wives or deceitful temptresses. In the game, Kassandra provides a more nuanced and powerful depiction of a female character in Ancient Greece.

13. Does the game offer a ‘Let the Animus choose’ option in terms of gender?

    • In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla the game gives a ‘Let the Animus Choose’ option that is related to male Eivor and mythical sections. This is not present in Odyssey.

14. Are there any other female assassin characters in the Assassin’s Creed franchise?

    • Yes, most notably Aveline de Grandpré from Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation is a notable female assassin protagonist.

15. Is it worth playing the game twice to experience both Kassandra and Alexios?

    • Many players believe it is worth experiencing both as it allows you to fully understand the different character presentations of the game’s narrative. This gives a new emotional experience with the story.

Conclusion

In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, choosing to play as Kassandra provides not just a playable female character, but a nuanced and engaging narrative experience. While the core gameplay mechanics remain identical to playing as Alexios, Kassandra’s character direction and voice acting makes her a significantly more compelling protagonist for many players. The game’s commitment to providing player choice and representation through this decision makes it a more inclusive and immersive experience for everyone. Ultimately, whether you choose to play as Kassandra or Alexios, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey offers a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Ancient Greece.