Alexios vs. Kassandra: Who is the Superior Choice in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?

Let’s cut right to the chase: while both Alexios and Kassandra offer compelling playthroughs of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Kassandra is generally considered the better, and arguably canonical, choice. Her voice acting, nuanced performance, and overall fit within the narrative make her a more believable and engaging protagonist. However, the “better” choice ultimately hinges on personal preference and what you seek in your Odyssey.

Kassandra: The Heroic Choice

Kassandra shines as the protagonist. Her portrayal is powerful yet compassionate, making her journey feel more impactful. Her voice actress, Melissanthi Mahut, delivers a performance that resonates with players, imbuing Kassandra with a strength and vulnerability that perfectly captures the challenges she faces.

Kassandra’s expressions and demeanor align more naturally with the heroic role. She carries a weight of responsibility and a quiet determination that makes her quest to unravel the cult’s machinations and find her family all the more compelling. Many players find her interactions with other characters, especially her sibling, to be more emotionally resonant than Alexios’s.

Alexios: The Intimidating Deimos

While Kassandra excels as the protagonist, Alexios often receives praise for his portrayal of Deimos. As the antagonist, Alexios embodies the corrupted rage and power that the cult inflicts upon him. His physical presence and delivery of Deimos’s menacing dialogue create a truly terrifying adversary.

Choosing Alexios as the protagonist can lead to a satisfying playthrough, particularly for those interested in a more aggressive and ruthless character arc. However, some find his voice acting less convincing than Kassandra’s, especially when delivering lines that require empathy or vulnerability.

Gameplay Considerations

From a pure gameplay standpoint, the choice between Alexios and Kassandra has negligible impact. Both characters share the same skill tree, combat abilities, and progression system. You can equip the same gear, level up in the same way, and tackle the same quests regardless of which character you choose.

The game designers ensured that both characters are viable options for all playstyles. Whether you prefer stealth, ranged combat, or brute force, both Alexios and Kassandra can be customized to suit your preferences. This balance allows players to focus on the narrative and character aspects when making their decision.

The Canonical Choice

Officially, Kassandra is considered the canonical protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This decision, while debated by fans, is supported by the game’s novelization and other official materials. While Ubisoft marketed both characters equally, their narrative decisions point toward Kassandra being the intended hero.

Ultimately, the beauty of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey lies in its player choice. While there may be a “canonical” protagonist, the game allows you to forge your own path and experience the story through the eyes of either Alexios or Kassandra. The best choice is the one that provides you with the most engaging and enjoyable experience. This element of choice and narrative agency is something that scholars studying game-based learning are interested in, as it offers insights into how players engage with complex storylines and develop their decision-making skills. You can find more information on such studies at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Related FAQs

Is the story different depending on whether I choose Alexios or Kassandra?

No, the core storyline remains the same. The main plot points, historical events, and overarching narrative are consistent regardless of whether you play as Alexios or Kassandra. However, the way you perceive certain events and character interactions may differ based on the protagonist’s perspective.

Does choosing Alexios or Kassandra affect the romances I can pursue?

Yes, the available romance options are slightly different. Some characters are only available for romance with Alexios, while others are exclusive to Kassandra. This is typically based on the characters’ sexual orientation within the game’s world.

Is it true that Alexios is better as Deimos?

Many players find Alexios more convincing as Deimos due to his voice acting and physical presence. He portrays the character’s rage and corruption in a way that some consider more intimidating and terrifying. However, this is a subjective opinion, and some players prefer Kassandra’s portrayal of Deimos.

Does the choice of protagonist impact the ending of the game?

The overall ending of the main storyline remains the same. However, the specific cutscenes and dialogue may vary slightly depending on whether you played as Alexios or Kassandra. These variations are primarily related to the protagonist’s personal relationships and reflections on their journey.

Are there any gameplay advantages to choosing one character over the other?

No, there are no gameplay advantages. Both Alexios and Kassandra have access to the same skill tree, combat abilities, and equipment. Their stats and progression are identical. The choice is purely based on narrative and character preference.

Is Alexios or Kassandra stronger in combat?

Neither character is inherently stronger in combat. Their combat effectiveness depends on your playstyle, skill allocation, and gear. Both Alexios and Kassandra can become equally powerful warriors capable of defeating any enemy in the game.

Is Kassandra actually a demigod?

Both Alexios and Kassandra are descendants of the Spartan King Leonidas and possess the blood of the Isu, a precursor civilization. This lineage grants them superhuman abilities, making them incredibly powerful warriors. The term “demigod” is often used to describe them, although it’s not explicitly stated in the game.

Who is the better voice actor for the protagonist?

Most players agree that Melissanthi Mahut, the voice actress for Kassandra, delivers a superior performance. Her portrayal is nuanced, emotional, and believable. While Michael Antonakos, the voice actor for Alexios, is also talented, some find his performance less convincing, particularly in scenes requiring vulnerability.

Can I change my character’s gender after starting the game?

No, you cannot change your character’s gender once you have started the game. The choice is permanent and affects your entire playthrough.

What happens to the character I don’t choose?

The character you don’t choose becomes Deimos, the main antagonist manipulated by the Cult of Kosmos. This role is a major plot point and significantly shapes the narrative.

Can I romance Kassandra as Alexios or vice versa?

No, you cannot romance Kassandra as Alexios or vice versa. The available romance options are specific to each character and are based on their established sexual orientation within the game.

Are there any Easter eggs or hidden content related to Alexios or Kassandra?

There are no specific Easter eggs or hidden content that are exclusively tied to either Alexios or Kassandra. However, some dialogue and character interactions may have slightly different nuances depending on your chosen protagonist.

Which character is more popular among players?

Early data indicated that a larger percentage of players initially chose Alexios. But over time, Kassandra’s popularity has grown, and she is now widely considered the preferred and canon protagonist.

Does playing as Kassandra or Alexios affect the DLC content?

No, playing as Kassandra or Alexios does not significantly affect the DLC content. While there might be minor dialogue variations, the overall storyline and gameplay experience remain consistent regardless of your chosen protagonist.

Will Alexios or Kassandra appear in future Assassin’s Creed games?

Kassandra makes an appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla through a crossover story DLC, showcasing her extended lifespan and continued adventures. Whether either character will reappear in future installments remains to be seen, but the possibility exists given their significance in the franchise’s lore.