Should You Play as Kassandra or Alexios in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey? A Comprehensive Guide
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Choosing between Kassandra and Alexios as your protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a significant decision that can shape your gameplay experience. The short answer is: it depends on your preference, but for a canonical experience, choose Kassandra. While the core narrative and game mechanics remain largely the same regardless of your choice, the nuances of character portrayal, voice acting, and canon lore make each playthrough unique. This article dives deep into the intricacies of this choice, providing insights into why many recommend Kassandra for a first playthrough and offering a balanced view for those still undecided.
The Canonical Choice: Why Kassandra?
While both characters offer the same gameplay experience, Kassandra is considered the canonical protagonist. This decision is cemented by several factors:
- Novelization: The official novelization of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features Kassandra as the main character. This is a significant factor in establishing her as the “true” protagonist within the broader Assassin’s Creed universe.
- Performance as Deimos: Alexios’ portrayal as Deimos (the antagonist figure) is considered by many to be a more compelling and dramatically resonant performance. By choosing Kassandra, you witness this performance in its most impactful light.
- Character Suitability: Many fans and critics agree that Kassandra’s voice acting, demeanor, and overall character design are better suited to the role of the heroic Eagle Bearer. Her behavior, expressions, and interactions tend to align more seamlessly with the overarching narrative of saving ancient Greece from the machinations of the Cult of Kosmos.
While the in-game script doesn’t change drastically, the subtle differences in how the story unfolds, particularly when considering the Deimos character, make Kassandra the preferred option for players seeking the most cohesive canonical experience.
Subjectivity Matters: Why Alexios Could Be Your Choice
Despite the canonical weight leaning towards Kassandra, choosing Alexios offers an equally valid and engaging experience. Here’s why you might prefer him:
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the most important factor is personal enjoyment. If you connect more with Alexios’ voice actor or his character design, there’s no reason not to play as him first.
- Variety and Exploration: Choosing Alexios allows you to experience the narrative from a different perspective, specifically the dynamic between a brother and sister. This will impact the role of Kassandra as the antagonist.
- Voice Actor: Some players find Alexios’ voice actor more appealing or believe his performance is equally convincing. If you prioritize voice acting preference above canonical lore, Alexios is a solid option.
Essentially, both Alexios and Kassandra are capable, complex characters, and your enjoyment shouldn’t be solely based on what is considered “canon.”
Gameplay Remains Consistent
It’s crucial to highlight that the actual gameplay is virtually identical regardless of your chosen protagonist. The combat system, open-world exploration, skill tree, and quest structure remain consistent. This means your experience with the game’s mechanics won’t be altered by your choice. The primary difference lies in the narrative presentation and the subtle dynamics of dialogue.
Romance Options
Both Kassandra and Alexios have access to the same romance options throughout the game. Romance is a minor, yet enjoyable, aspect of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and you’ll find that the romantic interactions, while light-hearted, add an additional layer of engagement regardless of the gender you chose.
New Game+ Considerations
If you’re planning multiple playthroughs, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey allows you to switch characters in New Game+ mode. This feature enables you to experience the story from both perspectives without starting from scratch each time. This will enable you to play as the canonical Kassandra first, then experience the storyline from Alexios’ point of view on your next play through.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the “better” choice between Kassandra and Alexios comes down to your individual preferences. For a first playthrough, particularly if you’re interested in the most canonical experience, choosing Kassandra is generally recommended. However, if you have a strong preference for Alexios or simply want to see how the story unfolds from his perspective, there’s no wrong choice. The game is designed to be enjoyed through both characters, with the New Game+ feature allowing you to fully explore both experiences. What’s most important is that you select the character that best allows you to immerse yourself in the rich world and narrative of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the story different for Alexios and Kassandra?
No, the core story remains exactly the same for both characters. The differences lie solely in the voice acting and character presentation. The script itself does not change.
2. Can you switch between Alexios and Kassandra mid-game?
No, you cannot switch mid-game. The character choice is locked for each playthrough. However, you can choose a different character when starting a New Game+.
3. Which voice actor is considered better?
Many players and critics believe that Kassandra’s voice actress is superior, making her portrayal as the protagonist more compelling. However, this is subjective and ultimately comes down to your personal preference.
4. Why is Kassandra considered the canon choice?
Kassandra is considered the canon choice due to her role as the main protagonist in the official novelization of the game. Also, Alexios is a more compelling antagonist, and this is only brought to the fore when playing as Kassandra.
5. Is Alexios a demigod like Kassandra?
Both Alexios and Kassandra are descendants of the Isu, an ancient civilization, which gives them unique abilities. They are often perceived as demigods, but are not demigods in the traditional mythological sense.
6. How does the game treat romance options for both characters?
Both Alexios and Kassandra share the same romance options, making the experience essentially identical regardless of the character you choose.
7. Can Alexios be the protagonist and have Kassandra as Deimos?
Yes, you can choose Alexios as the Eagle Bearer, in which case Kassandra will be Deimos (the antagonist). However, this is not the canonical route.
8. Is Alexios’ death canon?
Yes, according to the game’s lore, Alexios’ death is canonical. This happens when Kassandra is forced to kill him when he threatens to kill their mother.
9. What about the horse choices in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The horse choice in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is purely cosmetic. All horses behave the same way, so pick the one you like the best aesthetically.
10. How does New Game+ work with the protagonist choice?
Starting a New Game+ allows you to change your protagonist from Alexios to Kassandra or vice versa, alongside an increase in difficulty.
11. Are there any significant differences in the gameplay between the two?
No, there are no significant differences in the core gameplay mechanics between Alexios and Kassandra. Their abilities and combat prowess are identical.
12. Is Kassandra’s appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla free?
Yes, Kassandra’s appearance in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as part of the Crossover Stories DLC is a free update for players.
13. Is Bayek related to Alexios and Kassandra?
Yes, Bayek is related to Alexios and Kassandra, but Layla Hassan is not related to them directly.
14. What is the max level in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The max level in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is level 99.
15. Who is considered the best love interest in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
While romance is subjective, Daphnae, Kyra, Thaletas, and Alkibiades are often considered the best romance options by players and critics.