Assassin's Creed Odyssey Review (PS4)
Introduction
This is the latest Assassin's Creed game published by Ubisoft, developed mainly by Ubisoft Quebec. Like Assassin's Creed Origins, this game plays more like an action RPG with open-world and stealth.
Story
The game's past setting takes place during Peloponnesian War in Greece, where both Sparta and Athens fought a war against each other.
Before starting the game, you will need to choose between Alexios and Kassandra for your playthrough. You will then control the misthios (a.k.a mercenary), who is surviving against multiple odds, and will find themselves in a difficult path in reuniting with their family, defeating a secret cult, as well as fulfilling their destiny.
The game's present setting takes place after the present events in Assassin's Creed Origins, where Layla has allied with the Assassins. She and other Assassins want to find another Piece of Eden that will help turns the tide against the Templars.
Like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, this game doesn't have much tie-in to the mythos of the Assassins and Templars, but the past storyline is well-done and interesting. Interesting plot and many likable characters, but I find that this game's Isu lore is not well-presented or conclusive, despite the great setup such as a famous mythological place. As the character, you will find yourself having multiple choices that affect your playthrough, and some of them may affect the game's ending as well. Unfortunately, this game's past storyline doesn't e
Characters are interesting as well, and I find that Alexios is a strong and interesting lead character. Other historical figures such as Sokrates, Herodotos, and other original characters such as Nikolaos are well developed too.
The present storyline is weak. I do not find myself getting interested with Layla and other new Assassins. No real character developments, less impactful events in the present storyline, and lack of Animus database. The only good thing I can say about the present storyline is that it has a great epilogue.
I suggest that new players and Assassin's Creed fans just enjoy the game's past storyline and ignore the present storyline. You will not find anything new or interesting about the present storyline, especially regarding the Assassin/Templar war.
Gameplay
1) Exploration and Progression Section
Like Assassin's Creed Origins and previous Assassin's Creed games, this game uses open-world exploration. The map is extremely big, as you are able to visit different regions in Greece. On-foot, you can walk, run, or ride a horse to your destination. To visit other regions or islands, you will need to ride your ship there, and you may encounter hostile enemy ships. You may also unlock Fast Travel points by synchronising on different Synchronisation Points. The Eagle system from the previous game also returns, which allows you to tag enemies, highlight areas, as well as discovering your next objective marker for a Quest.
Also, please take note that there are two types of Exploration setting: Guided Mode will immediately mark your next objective marker of a Quest. Exploration Mode however, requires you to go to the area based on hints provided. You will also need to read the map, find the area's name, and place a manual marker to go there. If you are not used to either setting, you can switch it in during the game anytime.
Progression is done by completing Storyline Quests, which will generally involve you in the affairs of three factions: Sparta, Athens, and the Cult of Kosmos. As a mercenary, you can make different choices that will affect the game's story. For example, one of the decisions in a story related Quest will affect the appearance of the character in later story related Quests. Some of your decisions may affect the game's story ending as well as dialogue options.
Basically, there are three story arcs: Family (the main story arc), Cult of Kosmos (optional story arc), and Atlantis (optional story arc). The Cult of Kosmos and Atlantis arcs are optional, but I suggest to players to complete them as well to get a better story closure for either Alexios or Kassandra in the game.
It is also noted that each Quest has it's own level requirement, and they will scale accordingly to your current level. Having a lower level than the Quest's suggested level may give you troubles in completing them, such as enemies dealing higher damage to you. It is highly recommended to complete any Quest within it's recommended level. Level can be obtained easily by completing optional Side Quests, clearing forts, completing Message Board Quests, and etc.
2) Leveling and Customisation Section
The game's leveling system is the same as Assassin's Creed Origins leveling system. You will gain a level by accumulating enough experience points, which can be obtained by defeating enemies, clearing optional areas, and completing different Quests. Once you have gained a level, your character's stats will increase, and you will gain an Ability Point that allows you to learn a new Ability, which can be a combat Ability or a passive Ability. Some Abilities can be upgraded even further, but you can only do so by upgrading a certain tool as well as being in higher levels. There are three Ability Trees, where each of them focuses on different specialisation.
The game's equipment system is expanded, and it is not dissimilar to Assassin's Creed Unity's equipment system. Each equipment may have a different sets of stat bonuses, such as a certain equipment increases Warrior damage, and another equipment increases Hunter damage. Equipment can be bought from blacksmiths, or looted from enemies and treasure chests. To have a viable build, it is recommended to equip different equipment to all slots so that your character has better chances in fighting enemies.
As this game has expanded RPG stats system compared to the previous game, it is recommended that you pay attention to the stats that you want to focus on. Each build has different stats focus, such as melee fighters should focus on Warrior stat, ranged fighters should focus on Hunter stat, and stealth attackers should focus on Assassin stat. You may also to choose to do a mixed build, such as a Warrior + Assassin build. If you are not comfortable with your character's build, you can always choose to equip other equipment pieces, reset the abilities learned, and try them out in different combat situations.
3) Combat Section
The game uses the real-time action combat system. You can use a melee weapon to execute combo attack, use a strong attack, or use a Warrior Ability. Using a bow allows you to fight enemies long-ranged, whether in stealth or direct combat situations. You may also use Hunter abilities to kill an enemy from a range as well. Stealth gameplay is similar to Assassin's Creed Origins, as you may use a different variety of Assassin related Abilities to defeat your enemies quietly. Other actions include parrying enemy attacks, dodge roll, and etc.
Enemies come in different types, but generally you will encounter Spartans, Athenians, Cultists, as well as Mercenaries. Different factions have different sets of enemies, but Cultists and Mercenaries are the tougher enemies as they have more dangerous equipment that can kill you easily. Mercenaries will usually hunt you if you have a Bounty, and defeating them will usually reward you a piece of equipment. Higher level Bounty will cause more Mercenaries to hunt you, so take precaution as to not harm civilians or fight against Spartans/Athenians in the public. You may also encounter predator animals as enemies as well, and they can be more dangerous than regular human enemies due to their high damage potential.
Ship combat is the same as Assassin's Creed Origins. You will use arrows, javelins and ramming attacks to damage an enemy ship. You may also escape from naval combat if you sail far enough from them. Ships also come in different varieties, with different sizes and groups riding them. Damaging a ship will allow you to board them, or you can cleave it to half and get loot as well.
4) Optional Content
This game has tons of optional content, such as exploring forts, clearing out camps, and find the stele in tombs. You may also choose to do Side Quests, which can be found in different areas in the game. Some may even lead up to the identities of the members in the Cult of Kosmos, and some may even reward you greatly. You may also choose to do Conquest battles, where you may fight at the side of Sparta or Athens in conquering a region. Completing them also reward you with money and new equipment pieces. Board Quests are also available to do, and they are easy to complete as well as provide generous amount of experience points.
You may also choose to complete the optional Story Arcs such as the Cult of Kosmos and Atlantis, where completing them may reward you with Legendary Equipment for your character and ship. Completing them will also unlock additional epilogues for your character.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
I thoroughly enjoy the gameplay in this game. Good story progression, tons of side-content, good customisation system, great combat system, interesting dialogue choices and effects, good variety of abilities, and very viable combat builds. The only issue I haves with the game are that more members of the Cult of Kosmos should be integrated in Side Quests to give them more impact, and the Conquest feature could use more work. Many storyline Quest objectives are generic as well, with not enough variety. Enemy variety could use a bit more as well, and the level scaling may be a hit or miss to some players. Overall, excellent gameplay despite some issues.
Graphics
This game has amazing graphics. Amazing looking character models, breathtaking environments, and decent framerate performance. There are some bugs and glitches remain, and I suggest that you always install the latest game update to fix those issues.
Sound
This game has fitting soundtrack. Decent themes all-round, and a bit more memorable compared to Assassin's Creed Origins soundtrack. The main theme is pretty good too.
This game also has great voice acting. All voice actors did commendable job for their characters, especially the main characters. No weak spots in the voice acting department.
Replay Value
Like previous Assassin's Creed games, this game has high replay value. This game is notable as there are multiple story choices that affect your playthrough as well as your endings. You may choose to opt to play as the other character in your new playthrough, choose different outcomes with different story decisions in the new playthrough, complete all Side Quests, complete all areas, try out different character builds, and etc.
Conclusion
Despite some issues, I find that this is a satisfying and great game to play from the start to the end. Improved combat system, satisfying story, many viable combat builds, more refined RPG elements compared to the previous game, and good tons of side-content are the major highlights. I highly recommend this game to any action RPG fans as well as Assassin's Creed fans to play this game at least once.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good storyline.
- Multiple endings.
- Great lead character.
- Many interesting characters.
- Great exploration aspect, with two different modes.
- Refined and better RPG elements compared to the previous game, such as inclusion of dialogue choices and stats system.
- Good customisation system.
- Quite a good amount of funny scenes.
- Good and impactful dialogue choices.
- Great combat system.
- Tons of side content.
- Great graphics.
- Good voice acting and music.
- High replay value.
Cons
- Poorly presented and developed Isu lore, despite the great setup.
- Weak and short present storyline.
- Generic storyline Quests' objectives.
- Hit-or-miss level scaling feature.
- Need a bit more enemy variety.
- Bugs and glitches.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation UK game page.
This is the latest Assassin's Creed game published by Ubisoft, developed mainly by Ubisoft Quebec. Like Assassin's Creed Origins, this game plays more like an action RPG with open-world and stealth.
Story
Take control either Alexios or Kassandra in the game.
The game's past setting takes place during Peloponnesian War in Greece, where both Sparta and Athens fought a war against each other.
Before starting the game, you will need to choose between Alexios and Kassandra for your playthrough. You will then control the misthios (a.k.a mercenary), who is surviving against multiple odds, and will find themselves in a difficult path in reuniting with their family, defeating a secret cult, as well as fulfilling their destiny.
The game's present setting takes place after the present events in Assassin's Creed Origins, where Layla has allied with the Assassins. She and other Assassins want to find another Piece of Eden that will help turns the tide against the Templars.
Like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, this game doesn't have much tie-in to the mythos of the Assassins and Templars, but the past storyline is well-done and interesting. Interesting plot and many likable characters, but I find that this game's Isu lore is not well-presented or conclusive, despite the great setup such as a famous mythological place. As the character, you will find yourself having multiple choices that affect your playthrough, and some of them may affect the game's ending as well. Unfortunately, this game's past storyline doesn't e
Characters are interesting as well, and I find that Alexios is a strong and interesting lead character. Other historical figures such as Sokrates, Herodotos, and other original characters such as Nikolaos are well developed too.
The present storyline is weak. I do not find myself getting interested with Layla and other new Assassins. No real character developments, less impactful events in the present storyline, and lack of Animus database. The only good thing I can say about the present storyline is that it has a great epilogue.
I suggest that new players and Assassin's Creed fans just enjoy the game's past storyline and ignore the present storyline. You will not find anything new or interesting about the present storyline, especially regarding the Assassin/Templar war.
1) Exploration and Progression Section
Explore Greece.
Also, please take note that there are two types of Exploration setting: Guided Mode will immediately mark your next objective marker of a Quest. Exploration Mode however, requires you to go to the area based on hints provided. You will also need to read the map, find the area's name, and place a manual marker to go there. If you are not used to either setting, you can switch it in during the game anytime.
Progression is done by completing Storyline Quests, which will generally involve you in the affairs of three factions: Sparta, Athens, and the Cult of Kosmos. As a mercenary, you can make different choices that will affect the game's story. For example, one of the decisions in a story related Quest will affect the appearance of the character in later story related Quests. Some of your decisions may affect the game's story ending as well as dialogue options.
Basically, there are three story arcs: Family (the main story arc), Cult of Kosmos (optional story arc), and Atlantis (optional story arc). The Cult of Kosmos and Atlantis arcs are optional, but I suggest to players to complete them as well to get a better story closure for either Alexios or Kassandra in the game.
It is also noted that each Quest has it's own level requirement, and they will scale accordingly to your current level. Having a lower level than the Quest's suggested level may give you troubles in completing them, such as enemies dealing higher damage to you. It is highly recommended to complete any Quest within it's recommended level. Level can be obtained easily by completing optional Side Quests, clearing forts, completing Message Board Quests, and etc.
2) Leveling and Customisation Section
Equip your misthios with some cool looking gear.
The game's equipment system is expanded, and it is not dissimilar to Assassin's Creed Unity's equipment system. Each equipment may have a different sets of stat bonuses, such as a certain equipment increases Warrior damage, and another equipment increases Hunter damage. Equipment can be bought from blacksmiths, or looted from enemies and treasure chests. To have a viable build, it is recommended to equip different equipment to all slots so that your character has better chances in fighting enemies.
As this game has expanded RPG stats system compared to the previous game, it is recommended that you pay attention to the stats that you want to focus on. Each build has different stats focus, such as melee fighters should focus on Warrior stat, ranged fighters should focus on Hunter stat, and stealth attackers should focus on Assassin stat. You may also to choose to do a mixed build, such as a Warrior + Assassin build. If you are not comfortable with your character's build, you can always choose to equip other equipment pieces, reset the abilities learned, and try them out in different combat situations.
3) Combat Section
Try out different builds.
The game uses the real-time action combat system. You can use a melee weapon to execute combo attack, use a strong attack, or use a Warrior Ability. Using a bow allows you to fight enemies long-ranged, whether in stealth or direct combat situations. You may also use Hunter abilities to kill an enemy from a range as well. Stealth gameplay is similar to Assassin's Creed Origins, as you may use a different variety of Assassin related Abilities to defeat your enemies quietly. Other actions include parrying enemy attacks, dodge roll, and etc.
Enemies come in different types, but generally you will encounter Spartans, Athenians, Cultists, as well as Mercenaries. Different factions have different sets of enemies, but Cultists and Mercenaries are the tougher enemies as they have more dangerous equipment that can kill you easily. Mercenaries will usually hunt you if you have a Bounty, and defeating them will usually reward you a piece of equipment. Higher level Bounty will cause more Mercenaries to hunt you, so take precaution as to not harm civilians or fight against Spartans/Athenians in the public. You may also encounter predator animals as enemies as well, and they can be more dangerous than regular human enemies due to their high damage potential.
Ship combat is the same as Assassin's Creed Origins. You will use arrows, javelins and ramming attacks to damage an enemy ship. You may also escape from naval combat if you sail far enough from them. Ships also come in different varieties, with different sizes and groups riding them. Damaging a ship will allow you to board them, or you can cleave it to half and get loot as well.
4) Optional Content
Complete side content such as side quests, bounties, etc.
This game has tons of optional content, such as exploring forts, clearing out camps, and find the stele in tombs. You may also choose to do Side Quests, which can be found in different areas in the game. Some may even lead up to the identities of the members in the Cult of Kosmos, and some may even reward you greatly. You may also choose to do Conquest battles, where you may fight at the side of Sparta or Athens in conquering a region. Completing them also reward you with money and new equipment pieces. Board Quests are also available to do, and they are easy to complete as well as provide generous amount of experience points.
You may also choose to complete the optional Story Arcs such as the Cult of Kosmos and Atlantis, where completing them may reward you with Legendary Equipment for your character and ship. Completing them will also unlock additional epilogues for your character.
5) Gameplay Conclusion
Excellent gameplay.
Graphics
Excellent graphics. Few bugs and glitches around.
Sound
Fitting soundtrack and great voice acting.
This game also has great voice acting. All voice actors did commendable job for their characters, especially the main characters. No weak spots in the voice acting department.
Replay Value
High replay value.
Conclusion
One of my favourite Assassin's Creed games.
Despite some issues, I find that this is a satisfying and great game to play from the start to the end. Improved combat system, satisfying story, many viable combat builds, more refined RPG elements compared to the previous game, and good tons of side-content are the major highlights. I highly recommend this game to any action RPG fans as well as Assassin's Creed fans to play this game at least once.
Score
Story: 8/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Final Score: 8.5/10 or 34/40
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good storyline.
- Multiple endings.
- Great lead character.
- Many interesting characters.
- Great exploration aspect, with two different modes.
- Refined and better RPG elements compared to the previous game, such as inclusion of dialogue choices and stats system.
- Good customisation system.
- Quite a good amount of funny scenes.
- Good and impactful dialogue choices.
- Great combat system.
- Tons of side content.
- Great graphics.
- Good voice acting and music.
- High replay value.
Cons
- Poorly presented and developed Isu lore, despite the great setup.
- Weak and short present storyline.
- Generic storyline Quests' objectives.
- Hit-or-miss level scaling feature.
- Need a bit more enemy variety.
- Bugs and glitches.
**Screenshots are from official PlayStation UK game page.
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