Diving Deep: Assassin’s Creed Games Where You Can Play as a Girl
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The Assassin’s Creed franchise has evolved significantly since its inception, and one of the most welcome changes has been the increasing inclusion of female protagonists. So, to directly answer the question: Which Assassin’s Creed game can you play as a girl? The answer is multi-faceted. You can play as a female character in Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (Aveline de Grandpré is the main and only character), Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (you can choose to play as Kassandra), Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (you can choose to play as a female Eivor and switch between genders whenever you want), and you have brief playable sections as Aya in Assassin’s Creed Origins.
The journey towards consistent and meaningful representation hasn’t been a straight line, but the franchise has undoubtedly made strides. Let’s explore the history, characters, and the impact of playing as a female assassin in this iconic series.
The Evolution of Female Representation in Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series initially focused on male protagonists, but the clamor for female representation grew louder with each installment. The turning point came with Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, released in 2012. This PlayStation Vita exclusive introduced Aveline de Grandpré, a compelling and capable assassin operating in 18th-century New Orleans. Aveline’s story wasn’t just a reskin of the traditional Assassin’s Creed narrative; it delved into themes of slavery, freedom, and identity, offering a unique perspective within the franchise.
However, it took several years before the option to play as a female assassin in a mainline title became a reality. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (2018) broke ground by allowing players to choose between playing as Alexios or Kassandra. Both characters shared the same storyline, but Kassandra quickly became a fan favorite, lauded for her strength, charisma, and compelling performance. Her portrayal as a fierce and independent warrior resonated with players and cemented the demand for more female protagonists in the series.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (2020) took the representation a step further by introducing Eivor, whose gender is selectable at the beginning of the game. What’s unique about Valhalla is the ability to switch between the male and female versions of Eivor at almost any point during gameplay. The narrative justification for this is woven into the game’s lore through the Animus, which is interpreted as experiencing the genetic memories of Eivor in different timelines or interpretations. This feature allows players to experience both perspectives without committing to a single choice.
A brief but not insignificant mention must go to Assassin’s Creed Origins. While the main character is Bayek, you get to control his wife, Aya, at a couple of points in the game. Although these sections are not extensive, they gave us a taste of what a female assassin could be like in the world of ancient Egypt.
The Impact of Playing as a Female Assassin
The option to play as a female assassin brings several important dimensions to the Assassin’s Creed experience:
- Increased Immersion: For many female players, choosing a female protagonist enhances their sense of immersion and connection to the game world. It’s empowering to see oneself represented in a powerful and capable role.
- Diverse Perspectives: Female protagonists often offer unique perspectives on the events unfolding in the game. Aveline’s experience as a woman of color in colonial New Orleans, for instance, provides a nuanced take on the themes of freedom and oppression.
- Expanded Storytelling: The inclusion of female characters opens up opportunities for richer and more complex storytelling. Relationships, motivations, and challenges can be explored through a different lens, adding depth to the overall narrative.
- Challenging Gender Norms: By portraying women as skilled warriors and leaders, Assassin’s Creed challenges traditional gender norms within the gaming industry and beyond. It sends a message that women can be just as strong, capable, and heroic as men.
Addressing Concerns and Criticisms
Despite the positive reception of female protagonists in Assassin’s Creed, some criticisms have been raised. One common concern is the historical accuracy of portraying women as warriors in certain historical periods. While it’s true that women’s roles in combat were often limited in certain societies, the Assassin’s Creed series is, at its core, a work of fiction. The games often take liberties with historical events and characters to create compelling narratives.
Another criticism is that the female characters are sometimes written as simply reskinned versions of their male counterparts, lacking unique traits or perspectives. However, with characters like Kassandra and Aveline, Ubisoft has demonstrated the ability to create compelling female leads with distinct personalities and motivations.
The Future of Female Representation in Assassin’s Creed
The future of female representation in Assassin’s Creed looks promising. The success of characters like Kassandra and Eivor has demonstrated that there is a strong demand for female protagonists in the series. As the franchise continues to evolve, it’s likely that we’ll see more games offering players the option to choose their character’s gender, or even feature female protagonists exclusively.
By embracing diversity and inclusion, Assassin’s Creed can continue to attract new players and resonate with a wider audience. The ability to play as a female assassin is not just a matter of representation; it’s a way to enrich the gaming experience and tell stories that are more meaningful and impactful.
Moreover, there’s a growing body of research that demonstrates the importance of diverse representation in media, including video games. Studies have shown that seeing characters who reflect one’s own identity can boost self-esteem, promote empathy, and challenge stereotypes. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, whose mission is to promote innovation in education through games, are dedicated to understanding and leveraging the power of games for positive social change. You can find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about female characters in Assassin’s Creed:
1. Was Aveline de Grandpré the first playable female Assassin?
Yes, Aveline de Grandpré was the first playable female Assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. She starred in Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation, a spin-off title released for the PlayStation Vita in 2012.
2. Can you choose to be a girl in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, you can choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra. Both characters have the same storyline, but Kassandra is widely considered the canon protagonist.
3. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, do you have to stick with one gender?
No, in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you can switch between the male (Eivor Varinsdottir) and female versions of Eivor at almost any point during the game via the Animus menu.
4. Are there any advantages to playing as a female character in Assassin’s Creed?
While there are generally no gameplay advantages tied specifically to gender in games like Odyssey and Valhalla, choosing a female character can offer a different narrative experience and a greater sense of immersion for female players.
5. Why can’t you play as a female assassin in every Assassin’s Creed game?
The decision to include or exclude female protagonists depends on various factors, including historical context, narrative choices, and game design considerations. Some games are specifically designed around a male character’s story.
6. Is Kassandra the canon protagonist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
While both Alexios and Kassandra are playable, many consider Kassandra to be the canon protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This is based on various sources, including promotional materials and comments from the game’s creators.
7. Does changing Eivor’s gender affect the story in Valhalla?
No, changing Eivor’s gender in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla does not significantly alter the story. The main plot points and character interactions remain the same regardless of which gender you choose.
8. Was there any initial resistance to having female protagonists in Assassin’s Creed?
Yes, early on in the franchise, there were concerns about the marketability of female protagonists. However, the success of Aveline, Kassandra, and Eivor has proven that there is a strong demand for female representation in the series.
9. Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage allow you to play as a female character?
No, Assassin’s Creed Mirage features Basim Ibn Ishaq as the sole playable protagonist and does not allow you to choose a female character.
10. Are there any other notable female characters in the Assassin’s Creed series besides playable ones?
Yes, there are many notable female characters throughout the Assassin’s Creed series, including Claudia Auditore da Firenze, Evie Frye, and Aya (Amunet), who play important supporting roles in their respective games.
11. Will future Assassin’s Creed games continue to offer female playable characters?
It is highly likely that future Assassin’s Creed games will continue to offer female playable characters, given the positive reception and success of previous installments with female protagonists.
12. Does Assassin’s Creed Syndicate feature a playable female character?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate features Evie Frye as one of two playable protagonists, alongside her twin brother, Jacob. You can switch between them freely during missions and open-world exploration.
13. How does the historical setting influence the portrayal of female characters in Assassin’s Creed?
The historical setting plays a significant role in shaping the portrayal of female characters in Assassin’s Creed. Developers often research and draw inspiration from historical accounts and cultural norms to create authentic and believable characters. However, they also take creative liberties to tell compelling stories and challenge traditional gender roles.
14. Are there any LGBT characters in Assassin’s Creed?
Yes, the Assassin’s Creed series has featured several LGBT characters. Jacob Frye in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate is confirmed as bisexual. Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla can have relationships with both men and women.
15. What are some examples of female assassins in real history that might have inspired the Assassin’s Creed series?
While it’s difficult to verify historical accounts of female assassins with absolute certainty, there are several legendary figures and historical accounts that may have served as inspiration. Examples include female warriors like Joan of Arc and Boudicca, as well as stories of female spies and saboteurs throughout history.