The Controversy Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Legacy of the First Blade
The primary controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s “Legacy of the First Blade” DLC stems from its narrative decision to force a heterosexual relationship and subsequent childbirth upon the player character, Kassandra or Alexios, regardless of previous in-game choices. This was particularly contentious among players who had established same-sex romances with their characters earlier in the game. While Assassin’s Creed Odyssey was initially praised for its inclusion of same-sex relationship options, this DLC storyline was perceived as a betrayal of those choices, and an unwanted imposition of a predetermined narrative onto a character that many players had worked to define themselves. This created a backlash, with many feeling their choices were effectively invalidated, and that the game’s previous stance on player agency was undermined. This perceived lack of player agency, coupled with the forced heterosexual relationship, fueled significant LGBTQ+ community backlash, turning a previously lauded title into a source of controversy and criticism.
The Core Issue: Forced Heteronormativity
Undermining Player Choice
The core problem lies within the Legacy of the First Blade DLC’s narrative. Players had the option to engage in romantic relationships with characters of either sex throughout the main game, giving the impression of meaningful player agency and the freedom to shape their character’s personal life. The DLC introduced a new character, Natakas, who the protagonist inevitably enters a relationship with, resulting in a child. This plot point, while seemingly intended to connect to future lore within the Assassin’s Creed universe, directly contradicts the freedom players thought they had.
The Impact on LGBTQ+ Players
For LGBTQ+ players, this storyline felt particularly hurtful. Having the agency to explore same-sex relationships only to have a heterosexual relationship forced upon their character felt like a step backward. It suggested that these relationships were either not valid or merely temporary diversions before the “canonical” heterosexual path was taken. This narrative choice diminished the weight of the player’s choices and marginalized LGBTQ+ representation, creating feelings of exclusion and misrepresentation.
The Narrative “Betrayal”
Many felt this constituted a narrative betrayal, as it was perceived to prioritize a specific kind of relationship—a heterosexual one culminating in parenthood—over the variety of choices offered earlier in the game. Players felt the DLC’s narrative was not only undermining their previous choices but also attempting to impose an unwanted heterosexual “norm” on a character they had created and shaped, often in defiance of this norm. This created a feeling of disconnect and ultimately led to a major negative reaction from the community.
Further Complicating Factors
The Apology and its Aftermath
Following the initial backlash, the creative director of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey issued an apology. This apology, however, was viewed by some as being insufficient, as it did not reverse the decisions in the DLC or provide meaningful options to mitigate the forced relationship. The apology also highlighted an apparent disconnect between the development team and how players were perceiving and being affected by the game’s narrative choices. The entire situation further intensified the controversy, with many feeling the game’s creators didn’t fully understand the depth of their concerns.
The Problem with “Canon”
The entire controversy also highlights a problem with the idea of a defined “canon” within games that present players with choices. When the series developers established Kassandra as the canon protagonist, it further fueled the idea that a specific path is the “correct” way to experience the game, despite promoting player freedom throughout the main narrative. This, combined with the DLC storyline, led to a perception that the player’s choices, particularly same-sex romantic choices, were ultimately inconsequential.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Legacy of the First Blade – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Legacy of the First Blade?
Legacy of the First Blade is a three-part downloadable content (DLC) expansion for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. It introduces new stories, characters, and abilities, focusing on the origins of the hidden blade and the history of the assassin’s order.
2. When can I start playing Legacy of the First Blade?
You can access the Legacy of the First Blade missions after reaching episode 7 of the main game and having reached level 28. The starting quest, “The Horsemen Cometh,” is located in Makedonia.
3. How long is Legacy of the First Blade?
The DLC takes around 6.5 hours to complete if focusing on the main objectives and approximately 12.5 hours to achieve 100% completion.
4. Does Legacy of the First Blade take place after the main story?
No, the events of Legacy of the First Blade occur during the main story of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, specifically after chapter 7 and when the player character reaches level 28.
5. What does Legacy of the First Blade add to the game?
The DLC introduces new stories, enemies, abilities, and enhanced gear. It also reveals the origins of the Hidden Blade and explores the early history of the assassin’s order.
6. Is Legacy of the First Blade a good addition to Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
While the gameplay itself continues the formula set by previous episodes and introduces a new combat skill, it does receive mixed opinions due to its forced story line. The story’s emotional payoff and connection to the series lore is enjoyed by some, but the forced relationship is a point of contention.
7. Why did the Legacy of the First Blade DLC receive backlash from the LGBTQ+ community?
The forced heterosexual relationship and resulting childbirth between the protagonist and Natakas angered players who had previously pursued same-sex relationships in the game. This was perceived as a betrayal of player choice and an invalidation of LGBTQ+ representation.
8. What was the main criticism of the Legacy of the First Blade DLC?
The primary criticism was the forced heteronormative narrative, which ignored the player’s previous choices in the main game and imposed a specific type of relationship on the protagonist.
9. Did Ubisoft acknowledge the backlash surrounding Legacy of the First Blade?
Yes, the creative director of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey did issue an apology following the backlash, though many deemed it insufficient, as it did not address the core problem of the forced storyline.
10. Did the Legacy of the First Blade DLC impact the overall opinion of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Yes, despite Assassin’s Creed Odyssey receiving overall praise for its gameplay and world, the forced storyline in Legacy of the First Blade significantly impacted the community’s opinion of the game, especially among LGBTQ+ players.
11. Is there a hidden blade in Legacy of the First Blade?
Yes, as part of the narrative of this DLC, the protagonist does wield the proto-type of the Hidden Blade which was used by Darius. The spear is also revealed to be a Piece of Eden, which relates to the blade.
12. What is the connection between Alexios/Kassandra and the first hidden blade?
The DLC reveals that Darius, the first known user of the hidden blade, was the grandfather of Alexios or Kassandra’s child, making their family an early part of the legacy associated with the weapon.
13. Should I play Legacy of the First Blade or Fate of Atlantis first?
It is recommended to complete Legacy of the First Blade before starting Fate of Atlantis because Legacy contains small spoilers for Fate and the main game.
14. Does Legacy of the First Blade impact the ending of the main game?
Legacy of the First Blade does not directly impact the main game’s ending, but it does contribute to the overall narrative and establishes the lineage of certain characters within the Assassin’s Creed lore.
15. What is the significance of Elpidios in Assassin’s Creed Lore?
Elpidios, the son of the protagonist in Legacy of the First Blade, is revealed to be an ancestor of Amunet from Assassin’s Creed Origins, further connecting the timelines of the series and playing into the over arching canon.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: Legacy of the First Blade stemmed from the DLC’s narrative decision to impose a heterosexual relationship on the protagonist. This choice was interpreted by many as a betrayal of player agency and a marginalization of LGBTQ+ representation, overshadowing the other positive aspects of the DLC and leaving a lasting negative impact on the perception of the game. This controversy serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting player choices and inclusivity within game narratives.