Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: A Choice-Driven Epic?

Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is definitively a choice-driven game. From the moment you boot it up to the credits roll, you’re constantly making decisions that ripple through the narrative, shaping relationships, altering outcomes, and ultimately determining which of the many available endings you’ll experience. The weight of these choices isn’t always immediately apparent, but their cumulative effect crafts a uniquely personal odyssey.

The Power of Choice in Ancient Greece

Odyssey distinguishes itself from previous Assassin’s Creed titles with its heavy emphasis on player agency. While older games offered linear narratives with limited opportunities for branching storylines, Odyssey thrusts you into the role of a misthios (mercenary) in Ancient Greece, where your allegiances and actions have tangible consequences. This isn’t just about choosing between good and evil; it’s about navigating complex moral dilemmas where the “right” answer is often ambiguous and fraught with unintended ramifications.

Impactful Dialogue Options

The most immediate way Odyssey empowers you is through its dialogue system. Conversations are no longer passive recitations of exposition; they’re interactive exchanges where your responses genuinely matter. You can charm, intimidate, deceive, or even romance the characters you meet, each choice altering your relationship and potentially opening or closing off quest lines. Some decisions lead to immediate confrontations, while others subtly shift the political landscape around you.

Shaping the Narrative

Beyond dialogue, your choices extend to the core narrative. The central storyline revolves around your family, and your decisions regarding their fates have a profound impact on the ending you achieve. Rescuing family members, influencing their actions, and even choosing whether or not to kill certain characters are all critical turning points.

Open-World Consequences

The open world itself is also affected by your choices. You can support different factions in regional conflicts, tipping the balance of power and influencing the lives of the people in those areas. Engaging in conquest battles, accepting contracts, and even simply choosing which targets to eliminate all contribute to the dynamic and ever-changing world around you. The Games Learning Society explores how game mechanics influence player behavior, a topic directly relevant to Odyssey’s choice-driven design. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Unveiling the Endings

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey doesn’t simply have one or two endings; it boasts a multitude of potential conclusions, ranging from bittersweet to downright tragic. The “best” ending, where the entire family is reunited and at peace, requires careful consideration of your choices throughout the entire game.

The “Best” Ending: A Delicate Balance

Achieving this desired outcome isn’t about making universally “good” decisions; it’s about making choices that align with specific character motivations and fostering reconciliation. For example, choosing to spare Nikolaos, managing Deimos’s anger, and persuading Nikolaos to intervene with Stentor are all essential steps on the path to a happy ending.

Beyond the Family: Other Endings

Even if you succeed in reuniting your family, other endings are possible depending on your choices regarding the Cult of Kosmos, your relationships with other characters, and your overall approach to the world. The game’s multiple endings mean that each playthrough can feel unique and tailored to your individual decisions.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Odyssey’s Choices

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

1. Do all choices matter in AC Odyssey?

   Not all choices are created equal. Some choices have immediate and obvious consequences, while others have more subtle and long-term effects. While trivial choices might not affect the main story, even seemingly small decisions can impact your relationships with NPCs and open up new quest lines.

2. Does it matter who you play as in Odyssey (Alexios or Kassandra)?

   From a narrative perspective, most agree that Kassandra is the canon protagonist. While the core story remains the same regardless of which character you choose, Kassandra’s voice acting and overall portrayal resonate more strongly with many players. However, both characters are viable and enjoyable options.

3. Are there any gender-locked romances in AC Odyssey?

   No. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey embraces sexual fluidity. Both Alexios and Kassandra can romance characters of either gender, allowing for a wide range of romantic options.

4. How many endings does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey have?

   Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has nine main endings, stemming from the permutations of whether certain key characters live or die.

5. What are the most important choices to get the “best” ending in AC Odyssey?

   The most important choices are:

   • Do Not Kill Nikolaus (Chapter 2).
   • Don’t Agitate Deimos (Chapter 3).
   • Tell Myrrine You’ll Try To Save Deimos (Chapter 6).
   • Convince Nikolaus To Step In With Stentor (Chapter 7).

6. Can you romance multiple characters at once in AC Odyssey?

   Yes. There are no penalties for romancing multiple characters in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Romances are generally treated as standalone encounters rather than committed relationships.

7. Does choosing a side in the Peloponnesian War matter?

   While you cannot permanently align with either Athens or Sparta during the main storyline, your actions in conquest battles and side quests can influence the balance of power in each region. This will change the leadership of the region and possibly provide you with better equipment from either faction.

8. What happens if you make a mistake and kill a crucial character?

   Killing a crucial character can significantly alter the storyline and potentially lock you out of certain endings. However, the game is designed to be flexible, and you can still complete the game and experience a different ending.

9. Is it better to play as a male or female in Odyssey?

   This is largely a matter of personal preference. Many players praise Kassandra’s voice acting and characterization.

10. Does Kassandra or Alexios have better romance options?

    Both Kassandra and Alexios have a diverse set of romance options, and the “best” option is subjective.

11. Can you change your choices after making them?

    No. Once a choice is made, it is permanent. This underscores the importance of carefully considering your options before making a decision. The only way to change your choices is to start a new game.

12. What happens if you kill all the Cult of Kosmos members?

    Defeating all the Cult of Kosmos members unlocks a unique and powerful ending sequence that reveals the cult’s ultimate goals and your character’s role in dismantling their organization.

13. Does the difficulty setting affect the story or choices?

    No. The difficulty setting only affects combat and enemy strength. It does not impact the story, dialogue options, or ending outcomes.

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

    Yes, but only through a specific storyline related to the Legacy of the First Blade DLC. Your choices in this DLC influence the nature of your relationship with the child’s parent but do not change the fact that you will have a child.

15. Is Kassandra in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? Yes! Kassandra is designated as the canon Eagle Bearer and appears in a bonus questline in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla after the game’s release.

Embrace the Odyssey

In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is indeed a game defined by choice. Your decisions shape the world, influence relationships, and ultimately determine your fate. The weight of these choices encourages players to engage with the narrative on a deeper level, creating a uniquely personal and memorable experience. So, dive in, make your choices, and forge your own legend in Ancient Greece!