Delving Deep: Unraveling the Oldest Time Period in Assassin’s Creed
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The oldest time period currently explored in the Assassin’s Creed universe is 431–422 B.C., the setting of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This entry plunges players into the heart of Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War, centuries before the events of any other mainline game.
Ancient Greece: A Cradle of Conflict and Conspiracies
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey marks a significant departure in terms of timeline, transporting players back almost 400 years before the events of Assassin’s Creed Origins, which was previously considered the earliest point in the established canon. This time shift allows for an exploration of the series’ core themes of freedom, control, and the eternal conflict between Assassins (or their precursors) and Templars within a vastly different historical context.
The game leverages the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, philosophy, and political intrigue. Players navigate a world steeped in ancient traditions, encountering historical figures like Socrates, Pericles, and Aspasia. The Peloponnesian War, a brutal conflict between Athens and Sparta, serves as the backdrop for a personal story of family, betrayal, and the forging of a legend.
Furthermore, Odyssey emphasizes the nascent stages of the conflict between the Hidden Ones (proto-Assassins) and the Order of Ancients (proto-Templars). While the explicit formation of these groups occurs later, the ideologies and power struggles that define their conflict are deeply embedded within the game’s narrative. It explores a time when these ideas were only beginning to take shape. The game explores the origins of the Hidden Blade, used in assassinations, as far back as 500 BCE in the game.
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: The Shift to RPG
It is important to note that Assassin’s Creed Odyssey further solidified the series’ move toward a more pronounced role-playing game (RPG) experience. This shift began with Assassin’s Creed Origins, but Odyssey expanded upon it with features like dialogue choices, branching storylines, and more in-depth character customization.
A Controversial Choice?
The decision to set an Assassin’s Creed game so far back in history, and to embrace more overt RPG elements, was not without its critics. Some purists argued that it strayed too far from the series’ roots in social stealth and historical accuracy. However, others praised Odyssey for its immersive world, engaging narrative, and the freedom it offered players to forge their own path. The game is highly rated for its depth, scope, and overall entertainment value.
Why Ancient Greece?
The choice of Ancient Greece as the setting for the “oldest” Assassin’s Creed game was likely driven by several factors:
- Rich Historical Context: Ancient Greece offers a compelling backdrop rife with political intrigue, warfare, and philosophical debates, all fertile ground for an Assassin’s Creed narrative.
- Mythological Elements: The inclusion of Greek mythology allows for fantastical elements to be woven into the story, expanding the scope and appeal of the game.
- Exploration and Discovery: The vast and varied landscape of Ancient Greece provides ample opportunities for exploration, discovery, and open-world gameplay.
- RPG Potential: The era lends itself well to RPG mechanics, allowing for greater player agency and character development.
The exploration of historical settings and narratives is a key element in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, aligning with principles of historical game-based learning. Further research into how games impact learning can be found at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey considered canon?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is considered part of the official Assassin’s Creed canon, despite its shift toward RPG elements and its setting further in the past.
2. Does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey feature Assassins and Templars?
While the formal Assassin Brotherhood and Templar Order haven’t yet formed, the game features their precursors, the Hidden Ones and the Order of Ancients, respectively. The game’s storyline deeply involves the early stages of their ideological conflict.
3. Who are the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Players can choose to play as either Alexios or Kassandra, Spartan mercenaries and descendants of King Leonidas.
4. How does the Hidden Blade feature in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
Odyssey shows one of the very first uses of the Hidden Blade. It was wielded by Darius to assassinate King Xerxes around 500 BCE, pre-dating the setting of Odyssey. Alexios or Kassandra use a “Proto-Hidden Blade” connected to Leonidas’ Spear.
5. What is the Peloponnesian War?
The Peloponnesian War was a protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta (and their respective allies) that dominated the Greek world from 431 to 404 B.C. It profoundly impacted the political and social landscape of Ancient Greece.
6. Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey historically accurate?
While inspired by historical events and figures, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey takes liberties with historical accuracy for the sake of gameplay and narrative. It blends historical fact with fictional elements.
7. Can you change the time period in Assassin’s Creed games?
No, each Assassin’s Creed game is set within a specific historical period, and players cannot change the time period during gameplay. Future installments are set in specific time periods and places.
8. Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey open world?
Yes, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features a vast open world that includes mainland Greece and numerous islands, allowing for extensive exploration.
9. What are some of the mythological elements in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The game features encounters with mythical creatures such as the Minotaur, Medusa, and the Cyclops, as well as references to Greek gods and legends. These elements, however, are usually explained through the Isu lore of the Assassin’s Creed universe.
10. How does Assassin’s Creed Odyssey connect to other Assassin’s Creed games?
Odyssey expands on the lore established in previous games, particularly regarding the Isu and the origins of the Assassin/Templar conflict. It explores earlier stages of organizations and ideologies.
11. What is the Order of Ancients in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The Order of Ancients is a precursor to the Templar Order, seeking control and order through manipulation and oppression. They serve as the primary antagonists in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
12. Was Bayek of Siwa the first Assassin?
In terms of the formal organization, Bayek and Aya, from Assassin’s Creed Origins, are credited with founding the Hidden Ones, the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood. However, individuals like Darius predate Bayek in using hidden blades and fighting for similar ideals.
13. Will there be more Assassin’s Creed games set further in the past?
Ubisoft has not ruled out the possibility of exploring even earlier time periods in future Assassin’s Creed games. However, nothing has been officially announced.
14. What are the RPG elements in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey?
The RPG elements in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey include dialogue choices, branching storylines, character customization, skill trees, and gear upgrades, giving players more control over their character’s development and the narrative.
15. Which is better: Assassin’s Creed Origins or Odyssey?
The preference between Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey is subjective. Origins is praised for its focused story and historical accuracy, while Odyssey is favored for its larger scope, RPG elements, and open-world exploration. Both games are highly rated within the Assassin’s Creed franchise.