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Does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Have Assassins? Exploring the Absence and Influences in Ancient Greece

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The short answer is no, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey does not feature the Assassin Brotherhood or the Hidden Ones in the traditional sense. Set in ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE), the game predates the formal establishment of these organizations, which originated much later with Bayek and Aya in Assassin’s Creed Origins. However, despite the absence of formalized assassins, the game explores themes and mechanics central to the franchise, such as stealth, assassination, and the conflict between freedom and order, paving the way for the future establishment of these groups.

The Pre-Assassin World of Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes place centuries before the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins, meaning the structured Assassin Order doesn’t exist yet. The story revolves around a Spartan mercenary, either Kassandra or Alexios, descendants of King Leonidas, and their struggle against the Cult of Kosmos.

While there are no formal Assassins, the game heavily features assassination mechanics. Players can utilize stealth to eliminate targets, mirroring the play style associated with the Assassin Brotherhood in later games. Abilities like “Rush Assassination” allow for ranged takedowns, demonstrating the focus on silent and efficient elimination of enemies. This ensures that, despite the difference in setting, the core gameplay loop feels familiar to Assassin’s Creed fans.

The Seeds of Conflict: Order vs. Chaos

The absence of established Assassin and Templar organizations doesn’t mean the game lacks ideological conflict. Odyssey introduces the Cult of Kosmos, a shadowy organization that manipulates events from behind the scenes, seeking to impose its own twisted version of order. This echoes the Templar philosophy.

The protagonist, on the other hand, embodies the spirit of freedom and resistance, aligning with the core tenets of the future Assassin Brotherhood. The struggle against the Cult of Kosmos can be seen as a precursor to the Assassin-Templar conflict. The choices players make throughout the game further emphasize this dynamic, allowing them to shape the fate of Greece and influence the balance between order and chaos.

Influence of the Isu

Like other Assassin’s Creed games, Odyssey explores the lore of the Isu, an ancient and advanced civilization that predates humanity. The protagonist’s connection to the Isu through the Spear of Leonidas grants them unique abilities and insights. This element is crucial to the overarching Assassin’s Creed narrative.

The Isu artifacts and knowledge scattered throughout the world provide a tangible link to the past, showcasing the powerful influence of this ancient civilization on human history. Exploring Isu sites and uncovering their secrets is a key component of the gameplay, adding depth to the story. Learning through games can be an engaging and effective way to understand history and cultures, a topic studied by organizations like the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more on the subject.

Gameplay Mechanics: Stealth and Combat

Despite the lack of formal Assassins, Odyssey offers a robust stealth system that allows players to approach situations strategically. Using the environment to their advantage, players can sneak past enemies, perform silent takedowns, and utilize various abilities to eliminate targets undetected.

Alongside stealth, the game features a dynamic combat system that emphasizes skill and strategy. Players can customize their character’s abilities and gear to suit their play style, allowing for a diverse range of approaches to combat. The combination of stealth and combat ensures that players have multiple options for tackling challenges, adding depth and replayability to the game.

Modern Day Connections

The modern-day storyline, featuring Layla Hassan, continues the overarching narrative of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Layla uses the Animus to relive the memories of Kassandra or Alexios, exploring their lineage and uncovering secrets that have implications for the present-day conflict between Assassins and Templars. The connections to the modern-day elements help solidify Odyssey‘s place within the broader Assassin’s Creed universe, even without established organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the presence of Assassins in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey:

Why aren’t there Assassins in AC Odyssey? Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set before the formal creation of the Assassin Brotherhood. Bayek and Aya founded the Hidden Ones (which later evolved into the Brotherhood) in Assassin’s Creed Origins, which is a later period.
Does Odyssey ignore the Assassin’s Creed lore? No, Odyssey expands upon the lore by exploring the origins of the conflict between freedom and order, which is a central theme in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. It shows the philosophical roots of the conflict centuries before the established groups.
Can you still assassinate enemies in Odyssey? Yes! The game heavily features assassination mechanics. Players can use stealth, abilities, and weapons to eliminate targets silently.
Are there Templars in AC Odyssey? Similar to the Assassins, the Templars, as a formalized organization, don’t exist yet. However, the Cult of Kosmos can be seen as a proto-Templar group that seeks to control the world.
Who is the main character in AC Odyssey? You play as either Kassandra or Alexios, Spartan mercenaries and descendants of King Leonidas. The choice is yours, but the story remains largely the same regardless of which you choose.
Is Alexios/Kassandra an Assassin? No, neither character is an Assassin. They are mercenaries fighting for their own purposes, often opposing the controlling influences of the Cult of Kosmos.
Does Kassandra or Alexios ever become an Assassin? While they never formally join the Assassin Brotherhood, their actions and beliefs align with the core values of the Assassins, making them forerunners to the organization. In later DLC content, Kassandra wields a Hidden Blade.
What is the Cult of Kosmos? The Cult of Kosmos is a secret organization that seeks to control Greece and impose its version of order through manipulation and violence.
Does Odyssey have a Hidden Blade? While not initially available, Kassandra (or Alexios, depending on your choice) eventually acquires and uses the Hidden Blade in a crossover DLC with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Is the Isu mythology explored in Odyssey? Yes, the game delves into the Isu mythology, revealing secrets about their advanced technology and the role they played in shaping human history. The Spear of Leonidas is a key Isu artifact.
How does the modern-day storyline connect to Odyssey? Layla Hassan uses the Animus to explore the memories of Kassandra or Alexios, uncovering information that has implications for the modern-day conflict between Assassins and Templars.
Is AC Odyssey a good Assassin’s Creed game? While some purists argue that it deviates too far from the traditional formula, Odyssey is widely praised for its engaging story, stunning open world, and deep RPG mechanics. It might not have Assassins in name, but it certainly has the spirit.
What is the main conflict in AC Odyssey? The main conflict revolves around the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, as well as the protagonist’s struggle against the Cult of Kosmos.
Does Odyssey have multiple endings? Yes, Odyssey has multiple endings that depend on the choices the player makes throughout the game, particularly concerning the fates of certain family members.
Is there a connection between Odyssey and other Assassin’s Creed games? Yes, Odyssey shares connections with other Assassin’s Creed games through its exploration of the Isu mythology, modern-day storyline, and themes related to freedom and order. The eventual acquisition of the Hidden Blade is a significant connection.

Conclusion

While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey doesn’t feature the Assassin Brotherhood or Hidden Ones in the traditional sense, it’s a vital entry in the franchise that explores the philosophical and historical roots of the Assassin-Templar conflict. It has stealth, assassination mechanics, and a focus on free will, making it a worthy entry into the franchise. The game enriches the overall lore of the series and prepares the stage for later installments.