Kassandra vs. Alexios: Who Should You Choose in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The burning question for anyone diving into the world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Is it better to play as Kassandra or Alexios? The simple answer, and the one I unequivocally stand by after countless hours roaming ancient Greece, is Kassandra. While the gameplay mechanics and overall storyline remain identical regardless of your choice, Kassandra’s performance delivers a more compelling and nuanced protagonist experience. But let’s delve deeper into why I champion Kassandra and explore all the facets of this crucial choice.
Why Kassandra Takes the Crown
The primary reason Kassandra edges out Alexios lies in the voice acting. Melissanthi Mahut, the voice actress behind Kassandra, imbues her character with a range of emotions, from fierce determination to playful wit, that feels incredibly authentic. Her delivery elevates the dialogue, making Kassandra feel like a fully realized person navigating a treacherous world. Alexios’s voice acting, while not terrible, often comes across as wooden and occasionally forced. The direction seems to lean into a more stereotypical “tough guy” persona, resulting in a character that lacks depth and nuance.
Beyond the voice acting, Kassandra simply fits the narrative better. The writers of the official novel and subsequent appearances within the Assassin’s Creed universe (including Valhalla) have established Kassandra as the canonical protagonist. This isn’t just a matter of personal preference; it signals an intention from the creative team that Kassandra is the “true” Eagle Bearer. This adds a layer of significance to her journey, making the player feel more connected to the intended story.
Gameplay Parity: Stats and Customization
It’s crucial to understand that from a purely mechanical standpoint, there is no gameplay difference between Kassandra and Alexios. Both characters share the same skill tree, combat abilities, and access to identical gear. The outfits and armor you collect throughout your adventure will look slightly different on each character, but their stats remain the same. So, your choice won’t impact your combat effectiveness or strategic options.
The decision ultimately boils down to which character you prefer to inhabit for the duration of your Odyssey. Do you resonate with the voice acting and characterization of Kassandra, or does Alexios’s portrayal appeal to you more?
The Deimos Dilemma
The choice between Kassandra and Alexios also determines who plays the role of Deimos, the antagonistic sibling. Canonically, Alexios is Deimos. While he can be played as the main character, his portrayal as Deimos often feels more natural and believable. His physicality and delivery lend themselves well to the role of a brainwashed warrior driven by rage and misguided loyalty. Conversely, Kassandra as Deimos can feel somewhat miscast, losing the subtle nuances that make her a compelling protagonist. This isn’t to say she’s bad in the role, but Alexios’s raw aggression is arguably a better fit.
Embracing Personal Preference
Despite my strong preference for Kassandra, it’s essential to acknowledge that personal preference is paramount. Some players may connect more with Alexios’s portrayal, appreciating his stoicism or finding his voice acting more appealing. The beauty of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey lies in its ability to offer players a choice and allow them to craft their own unique experience. So, don’t let anyone dictate who you “should” play as. Experiment, explore, and choose the character that resonates with you the most.
FAQs: Kassandra vs. Alexios
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of choosing between Kassandra and Alexios:
Is Kassandra the better character?
That’s subjective, but many players find Kassandra to be a more engaging and compelling character due to her voice acting and overall portrayal. She is also the canon protagonist.
Does choosing Alexios or Kassandra affect the story?
No, the core storyline of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey remains the same regardless of which character you choose. The main difference is the protagonist you play as and who takes on the role of Deimos.
Are there any gameplay advantages to playing as Kassandra?
No, there are no gameplay advantages or disadvantages associated with either character. Both Kassandra and Alexios have the same stats, skills, and abilities.
Who is the canon protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Kassandra is considered the canon protagonist based on the official novelization and her subsequent appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
Does the gear look different on Kassandra and Alexios?
Yes, the gear and outfits will look slightly different on each character due to their different body types and builds. However, the stats of the gear remain the same.
Is Alexios or Kassandra a better Deimos?
Alexios is often considered a better fit for the role of Deimos due to his physicality and voice acting, which lend themselves well to the character’s aggressive and volatile nature.
How many endings are there in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and does the character you choose affect them?
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has nine possible endings, but the character you choose (Kassandra or Alexios) does not affect which endings are available. The endings are determined by the choices you make throughout the game.
Can I switch between Alexios and Kassandra after starting the game?
No, you cannot switch between Alexios and Kassandra mid-game. You must start a new game to play as the other character.
Why did the developers include both characters?
The developers wanted to give players a choice and allow them to experience the story from their preferred perspective.
Is Kassandra a descendant of the Assassins?
Kassandra’s story predates the formation of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. However, she is connected to their origins through her lineage and her involvement with the Isu.
Does Eivor have a romantic relationship with Kassandra in Valhalla?
While there’s no explicit romantic relationship, the bonus questline in Valhalla where Eivor meets Kassandra hints at tension and rivalry between the two protagonists.
Who is stronger, Kassandra or Alexios?
Lore-wise, they possess the same abilities and strength due to their connection to the Spear of Leonidas. However, within the community, Kassandra is often considered the more skilled and formidable warrior.
How old are Kassandra and Alexios in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
They are both 27 years old at the beginning of the game if they are the protagonist.
Which character did most players choose?
Early statistics showed that around two-thirds of players chose Alexios, which surprised the developers as playtests showed a closer 50/50 split.
Where can I learn more about the design choices in Assassin’s Creed games?
To delve deeper into the educational aspects and potential for learning through games like Assassin’s Creed, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, which examines how games can be used for educational purposes.
The Verdict
While both Kassandra and Alexios offer a compelling journey through ancient Greece, Kassandra emerges as the superior choice. Her voice acting, combined with her canonical status, creates a more immersive and believable experience. However, the ultimate decision rests with you. Embrace the freedom to choose and embark on your own unique Odyssey.