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Why is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Hated? Exploring the Controversies of Ancient Greece

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, while a commercial success and enjoyed by many, also attracted a significant amount of criticism. The core reasons for this hate boil down to several key factors: a perceived departure from the series’ core identity, a weak story marred by inconsistent character motivations and forced plot points, an over-reliance on grinding and RPG mechanics that felt out of place, and a controversial DLC storyline that sparked outrage within the LGBTQ+ community. These elements combined to create a game that, for many longtime fans, felt like a betrayal of the Assassin’s Creed legacy, sacrificing narrative coherence and historical accuracy for open-world exploration and repetitive gameplay loops. This perceived shift towards generic RPG elements alienated a core audience that valued the stealth-action gameplay and historical fiction that defined the earlier titles.

The Departure From Assassin’s Creed Roots

One of the most persistent criticisms against Odyssey is that it strayed too far from the original Assassin’s Creed formula. The series was built on a foundation of stealth-action, parkour, and a narrative deeply intertwined with the historical conflict between the Assassins and the Templars. Odyssey, on the other hand, placed a much greater emphasis on open-world exploration, character customization, and RPG-style combat.

Over-Reliance on RPG Mechanics

The introduction of level-gated areas and enemies, the need to constantly upgrade equipment, and the implementation of dialogue choices with varying consequences created a gameplay loop that felt more akin to The Witcher 3 or Dragon Age than a traditional Assassin’s Creed game. This shift towards RPG elements, while appealing to some, was seen as a dilution of the series’ core identity by others. The need to constantly grind for materials to upgrade weapons and armor was particularly frustrating, forcing players to spend hours engaging in repetitive tasks instead of progressing through the main story.

Weak Story and Character Inconsistencies

The narrative of Odyssey was also a major point of contention. While the game offered a sprawling open world and numerous side quests, the main story was often criticized for being convoluted and lacking in emotional depth. Both Alexios and Kassandra, the two playable characters, suffered from inconsistent characterization and questionable motivations. Many players found it difficult to connect with either protagonist, further diminishing the impact of the story.

The forced inclusion of a romantic relationship in the Legacy of the First Blade DLC was especially controversial, with many LGBTQ+ players feeling that it undermined the game’s previously praised same-sex romance options. The perceived erasure of player choice and the reinforcement of heteronormative narratives sparked widespread outrage and led to the creative director issuing an apology.

The Grind and the Pay-to-Win Accusations

The need to grind for experience points and resources was a constant source of frustration for many players. The game’s difficulty was often artificially inflated to encourage players to purchase time-saving microtransactions. This practice, which is often referred to as pay-to-win, further alienated players who felt that Ubisoft was prioritizing profit over gameplay quality.

Historical Inaccuracies

While the Assassin’s Creed series has always taken liberties with historical accuracy, Odyssey was seen as particularly egregious in its deviations from established historical facts. The game’s portrayal of ancient Greece was often criticized for being more fantastical than realistic, with mythical creatures and superhuman abilities playing a prominent role. This departure from historical authenticity further distanced the game from the series’ core identity.

FAQs: Addressing the Controversies of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Here are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the reasons why Assassin’s Creed Odyssey faced so much criticism:

Is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey the worst AC game? While personal opinions vary wildly, many consider Assassin’s Creed Unity to be the worst due to its launch issues and technical problems. Odyssey, while controversial, is usually not ranked as low due to its expansive world and content.
Why is Valhalla not as good as Odyssey? This is subjective, but some argue that Valhalla suffered from an identity crisis, trying to balance old and new AC elements. While combat was improved, the story and world weren’t as engaging for some players.
Why is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey controversial? Primarily due to its controversial DLC (Legacy of the First Blade) that forced a heterosexual relationship, angering LGBTQ+ fans and others who felt their choices were invalidated.
Which Assassin’s Creed is best? This is highly subjective. Assassin’s Creed 2 is often cited as the best due to its compelling story, character development, and introduction of Ezio Auditore. However, Black Flag, Origins, and Brotherhood are also strong contenders.
Which is better, Odyssey or Origins? They both have strengths. Odyssey offers a bigger world and more content, but Origins is often praised for its tighter story and introduction of RPG elements. It depends on individual preference.
Why is it Kassandra and not Alexios who is the canonical character? Ubisoft has confirmed that Kassandra is the canonical protagonist. The novelization of Odyssey follows Kassandra, and she appears in Valhalla as a guest character, solidifying her status.
What is the problem with the Odyssey’s story? Some find the main story convoluted and lacking emotional depth. The motivations of both Alexios and Kassandra can feel inconsistent, leading to a disconnect with the characters.
Why is the Odyssey still so popular? The Odyssey, the epic poem is popular because it explores universal themes of travel, heroism, and the longing for home, resonating with readers across cultures and time.
What is the least liked Assassin’s Creed game? Assassin’s Creed Unity is often considered the least liked due to its buggy launch and numerous technical issues.
What is the bloodiest Assassin’s Creed game? Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is considered the bloodiest due to its Viking setting and emphasis on brutal combat.
Which Assassin’s Creed has the best graphics? Fans generally agree that Assassin’s Creed Unity set a new standard for graphics in the series.
Can you be evil in Odyssey? While you can’t play as a purely evil character, your choices can have negative consequences and lead to a morally ambiguous path. Choosing the “wrong” options can lead to the death of family members and a tragic ending.
Why is Kassandra better than Alexios? This is subjective, but many feel Kassandra’s voice acting is superior, making her a more engaging and believable character.
Was AC Odyssey a good game? Despite its criticisms, many enjoyed AC Odyssey. It offered a vast open world, engaging gameplay, and compelling side quests.
Why is Kassandra in Valhalla? Kassandra’s appearance in Valhalla is part of a bonus questline, solidifying her status as the canonical Eagle Bearer and allowing players to experience a crossover between the two games.

Odyssey: A Divisive Entry in the Assassin’s Creed Series

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is a divisive game within the franchise. While it attracted new players with its open-world RPG elements, it also alienated many long-time fans who felt that it strayed too far from the series’ core identity. The weak story, the grind, and the controversial DLC all contributed to the game’s negative reception. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy Odyssey depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in an Assassin’s Creed game. If you’re a fan of open-world RPGs with a historical setting, you may find Odyssey to be a worthwhile experience. However, if you’re looking for a traditional Assassin’s Creed game with a strong emphasis on stealth and narrative coherence, you may be disappointed. It’s important to remember that understanding how games are designed and how they impact players is important, and the Games Learning Society works to advance knowledge in this area. You can learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

This is a complex issue, and there’s no single answer to the question of why Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is hated. However, by examining the various criticisms leveled against the game, we can gain a better understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, and why it remains a controversial entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.

Why is assassin creed Odyssey hated?