Can I play Odyssey first?
Odyssey, the third game in the Assassin’s Creed series, has received extensive attention from gamers worldwide for its unique storyline, exceptional graphics, and improved game mechanics. Many gamers new to the series might ask, "Can I play Odyssey first?" Well, the answer is a yes! Odyssey is a separate story with its own original plot, and you won’t miss out on critical events by playing it initially. Here’s why and how.
Starting at the beginning
Before embarking on Odyssey, most players begin with the oldest games in the series – Assassin’s Creed (2007) and Assassin’s Creed II (2009) – to understand the foundations of the franchise. In this case, however, you can skip those earliest titles and dive into Assassin’s Creed Odyssey without knowing anything about the previous AC games.
Independent stories
Each Assassin’s Creed game features a distinct tale, set in different regions and eras. Odyssey takes place in ancient Greece and tells the story of Alexander the Great’s quest against the Persian Empire. From the onset, it boasts a fresh narrative that builds upon the series’ long-standing themes of the perpetual struggle between the Assassins and Templars. Here, the story focuses more on personal relationships and decisions that impact the game, creating a more intimate adventure.
No pre-quels or sequels necessarily
While Odyssey doesn’t directly connect to other Assasin’s Creed games or have prequels required for understanding, some shared lore and references do present themselves throughout the story, offering fans of the franchise additional layers of depth to appreciate. However, both new and veteran players, familiar or not with past AC games, can approach Odyssey as a standalone epic with minimal prior knowledge requirement.
Combat and leveling systems
Odyssey expands on the combat and progression systems from previous Assassin’s Creed games. It utilizes a skill tree that becomes increasingly complex as you enhance your abilities, giving new players an opportunity to forge their own path without concerns about compatibility with older installment’s systems.
Customization and role-playing mechanics
As you navigate Odessa, you’ll collect abilities, skills, and upgrades for your protagonist using the game’s dynamic open-world. This aspect opens up various playstyles allowing for creative freedom in addressing situations, making your quest truly personalized.
Playing as Alexios or Kassandra
Odyssey empowers players to choose two playable protagonists: Alexios or Kassandra, giving an air of uniqueness between each experience. Kassandra, as the chosen avatar by the game’s designers, holds a specific prominence within the narrative, showcasing a deeper connection with several key characters. Regardless, both Alexios and Kassandra provide distinct approaches while engaging in combat and dialogue choices, ensuring your actions significantly impact the game universe.
In-game significance of character choice
Within Odyssey, your protagonist does affect specific story moments: conversations, quests, characters’ perceptions, and eventual conclusions. This character-centered design offers a dynamic branching narrative that evolves based on your choices, making your personalized Odyssey journey even more relevant and captivating.
Don’t worry about story chronology
Odyssey’s story is self-contained, omitting references to prior installment events or characters. Since Odyssey’s narrative isn’t tied to the events occurring in other Assassin’s Creed games, you can worry less about the game chronology. Instead, focus on the engaging story and compelling gameplay as you experience these adventures for the first time.
Conclusion
It is perfectly fine to explore Assassin’s Creed Odyssey first, as it offers a delightful experience that doesn’t expect you to have knowledge or understanding of the franchise prequels. You don’t need to worry about complex connections or prior knowledge concerning other games in the Assassin’s Creed series. Explore Odyssey, and its exciting journey, without concerns over continuity, and experience something unique in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
Pros and Cons of Playing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey First:
| Pros: | Cons: |
|---|---|
| • Standalone gameplay | • Limited knowledge or connections to other AC titles |
| • Engaging storyline | • Might missing some lore or shared canon connections |
| • Role-playing mechanics | • Game design decisions might impact its connection to other AC entries |
| • Unique perspectives (Alexios and Kassandra) |