> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.mattgoesrogue.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Revisiting 'Assassin’s Creed Odyssey' – A Timeless Open-World Adventure - URL: https://www.mattgoesrogue.com/revisiting-assassins-creed-odyssey/ - Published: 2025-03-17T18:26:14.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-09T21:49:09.000Z - Author: Matt - Tags: Video Game, Let's Play Commentary, Recent Articles Even years after its release, ***AC Odyssey*** remains one of the most ambitious and celebrated titles of the Ubisoft franchise - and for legitimate reason! Here are some of the **highlights** of my experience with the game, and why you should revisit this title whilst waiting for the release of ***AC Shadows***... *The vast open world of AC Odyssey offers an exciting exploration of *Greek mythology*, where *gods and mortals coexist on the same plane*, blending elements of *ancient literature* with *depictions of Mediterranean social life* for an adventure spanning over *80 hours of gameplay*...* --- ## **The Eagle Bearer's Odyssey** The game keeps players on their toes for **80+ hours** with its **core intrigue**, offering a **balanced mix** of **revenge-driven ambitions, social investigations,** and **mythical encounters** inspired by **Greek mythology**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_GreeceEpicOdyessy.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). ### **Game Synopsis:** > As a child, the Eagle Bearer was exiled from Spartan society after they attempted to stop a Spartan elder from throwing their infant sibling from Mount Taygetos at the urging of the Pythia. > As punishment for inadvertently causing the elder’s death, they were thrown off the mountain by their father, Nikolaos, who was compelled to do so by Spartan leadership. Surviving the fall, they ended up in the care of a conman named Markos, based in Kephallonia, where they worked various odd jobs under his direction. > Now a wandering mercenary (*misthios*), the Eagle Bearer has the opportunity to fight for both the **Delian League (led by Athens)** and the **Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta)**. Alongside their attempts to reunite their fractured family, they take on **parallel quests**, including the destruction of the **Cult of Kosmos** (a secret organisation spanning the Greek world) and the discovery of **artifacts and monsters from Atlantean times**. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_AlexiosEpicBattle.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). The **chapter editorial** of the game helps keep track of the **main storyline and character progression**, while a **variety of non-linear quests** (such as hunting down members of the **Cult of Kosmos** or **completing side quests and local contracts**) encourage further exploration accross the large (enormous) map of the game. Beyond human encounters, combat and social interactions, *AC* *Odyssey* also features **legendary creatures from Greek mythology**, like the **Nemean Lion and Medusa**, offering thrilling **boss battles** with **powerful loot rewards**. These **mythical elements** blend **Greek social life** with the **belief system of the Mediterranean basin**, creating a world that leans moretowards **antique literature** than social realism. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_Medusa-1.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). The bond between **Kassandra** and the legendary ***Spear of Leonidas*** also feeds into the **sci-fi overarching plot** of the AC franchise, acting as a **MacGuffin** connecting the different **eras depicted in the game (modern-day and ancient Greece)**. However, it’s fair to say that **Isu references** and the overarching modern-day storyline feel diluted at this stage in the franchise. In reality, the **Animus technology** exists mostly as a **justification for in-game mechanics**, rather than having any significant impact on *Odyssey’s* core narrarive. The sci-fi elements feel **redundant** at this point in the series - and *Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla*, and *Mirage* could have easily functioned **independently** without suffering from major plot holes. --- ## A Master Piece of World Design ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_GreeceEstablishingShot.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). The one thing that will strike you early is the **beautifully crafted environment** of the game. *AC Odyssey* is an **absolute masterpiece of world design** and **a true feast for the eyes,** featuring **rich regional biomes and legendary landmarks**, from **war-torn battlefields** to **lost ruins** and **temples**, from **bustling cities** to **untamed wilderness**. The world is **immersive** and **varied**, packed with **intricate details** that create a **compelling cultural depiction of ancient Greece -** an acheivementperhaps uncontested by most recent AC titles. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_PC_Wallpaper_EU_1920x1080.jpg) ## Sign up for MattGoesRogue Storytelling In Interactive Entertainment, Video Games, and TTRPGs Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## **A Rewarding Game System** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_BattlefieldShieldBreak.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). One of *Odyssey’s* standout features is its **protagonist choice**: **Kassandra or Alexios**. While both characters offer the same **gameplay experience**, **Kassandra, in particular, has become one of my favourite AC characters** (performed by **Melissanthi Mahut**). There is something truly **inspiring** about playing Odyssey as a **female character**, and Ubisoft later **legitimised** this choice by making **Kassandra** the **official lead** of the game. ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_SkillTree.jpg) Skill Tree from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). As such, the **game system** behind *Odyssey* offers a **variety of game style oppportunities** from **exploration, stealth, melee and ranged combat,** and **social influence.** The character's **skill tree** provides a **variety of powerful abilities** to customise your **combat approach** and **expert abilities -** making this odyssey **your very own**! ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_NavalCombat.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). *AC Odyssey* alsoallows you to use **NPCs to collaborate** with your **attack strategies** when needed (use of your eagle or recruited soldier to attack your target). Another notable featureinclude **naval combat**, borrowing mechanics from *AC Black Flag* (similar navigation style, brace and attack) - in this specific situation you **control the ship of Kassandra as the playing character** and direct the NPCs to **engage in ranged combat.** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_RomanceWithKyra.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). Finally, the **dialogue system** allows players to shape Kassandra’s personality - whether exploring her **virtuous and flirtatious side** (or not) - making every interaction unique to the player’s preference. Another key feature of *Odyssey’s* dialogue system is **time-sensitive decisions** \-these choices **depend on the immediacy of the action itself**, rather than being purely narrative-based. --- ## **The Mercenary System** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_StealthAssassination.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). As you **complete quests** or **cause chaos** in **targeted areas**, bounty hunters will **track you down**, making every fight more **challenging and unpredictable**. That being said, this is **one of my biggest criticisms** of the game - this mechanic **feels biased against your success**. If you gain the upper hand in combat, the game will **spawn increasingly difficult mercenaries**, **forcing a losing condition** where your only options are to **flee (or die/get desynchronised)**. Taking down **mercenaries** can be a **satisfying challenge**, but *Odyssey* **unfairly** stacks the odds against you by constantly adding **new opponents mid-fight -** making encounters feel **artificially difficult**. --- ## **Adaptable AI** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_JumpAttack.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). The game adapts encounters to **your XP level**, meaning that **every location with standard NPCs** will **match (or exceed) your level** for fair combat altercations. While this is a **balanced design choice**, it does feel somewhat **unrealistic** at times. One **possible reason** for this choice is to **prevent low-XP grinding**, ensuring players reach level milestones **through legitimate encounters** rather than repeatedly farming weak enemies on their path. Overall, the **AI in *Odyssey*** feels **more reactive and engaging** than in *Valhalla* or even *Mirage*. NPCs react **naturally** to crimes and violence - **fleeing, calling reinforcements, or investigating disturbances**. While *Odyssey’s* AI isn’t perfect, it certainly feels **more responsive** than its modern counterparts. --- ## **As We Leap into the Shadows...** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/AC-Shadows.jpg) Poster of Assassin's Creed® Shadows. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). Many of the talents and resources behind *Odyssey* have shaped later *Assassin’s Creed* titles, and *AC Shadows* is set to reuse key core components and mechanics from this title. Whilst it would be fair to expect a similar approach to gameplay, *Shadows* is introducing **significant changes to the 2nd wave of AC titles** *(i.e. Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, Mirage)*\- Some of these key changes will include: - **Dual playable protagonists** (each with different skills and weapons) - **A dynamic seasonal system** (rather than pre-mapped season areas) - **More adaptable AI** and **AI seasonal behaviour** - **The removal of Eagle Vision**, requiring players to **scout areas without sky-high perspective** - **Automatic Synchronisation when reaching activation points** As *AC Shadows* approaches release, I’m excited to see how it compares to *AC Odyssey* in terms of **creative ambition, cultural representation, map scale, and overall playability**. Those with a **PS5** will be able to enjoy **day-one release on 20th March**. --- ## **Final Thoughts...** ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/2025/03/ACOdyssey_FallenGodStatue.jpg) Still from Assassin's Creed® Odyssey. ©Ubisoft Entertainment (all rights reserved). *AC Odyssey* is - and will remain - one of the **greatest achievements** of the *AC* franchise, as well as one of the **greatest single player open-world RPGs ever made**. Whilst I am still trying to **discover and unveil the many mysteries of this title** (50 hours in the game at time of publishing), I am having a wonderful time exploring **the rich world the game as to offer...** If you can’t play *AC Shadows* but still want to **scratch that Assassin’s Creed itch**, **I highly recommend giving *Odyssey* another go.** *May the gods of ancient Greece guide you, Eagle Bearer!* --- ## Useful Links [Assassin’s Creed Odyssey on PS4, Xbox One, PC | Ubisoft (EU / UK)Official Website. In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, embark on an epic journey in Ancient Greece to become a legendary Spartan hero. Available Now on PS4, Xbox One, & PC.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/icon/apple-icon-152x152.png)Assassins Creed Franchise![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/9c/a6/9ca65997-0759-4665-92be-d15e739ae69e/content/images/thumbnail/acod-header-background-desktop-1920x1080-v2.jpg)](https://www.ubisoft.com/en-gb/game/assassins-creed/odyssey?ref=mattgoesrogue.com) --- **Mentioned in this article:** assassins creed odyssey, ac odyssey gameplay, assassin’s creed shadows, open world rpg, greek mythology game, ubisoft games, kassandra assassin’s creed, alexios assassin’s creed, cult of kosmos, eagle bearer, spear of leonidas, ac odyssey storyline, assassin’s creed history, ac odyssey mercenaries, assassin’s creed bosses, medusa assassin’s creed, nemean lion ac odyssey, assassin’s creed open world, ancient greece game, ac odyssey combat system, ac odyssey skill tree, ac odyssey naval combat, assassin’s creed protagonist, melissanthi mahut, ac odyssey quests, assassin’s creed stealth, ac odyssey review, assassin’s creed rpg, ubisoft rpg games, ac odyssey vs shadows, assassin’s creed ai, ac odyssey map size **Credits:** © 2025 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Ubisoft, Ubi.com and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a 2018 action role-playing game developed by U**bisoft Quebec** and published by **Ubisoft**. Images provided by the E3 Fan Kit **Release date:** 2 October 2018 **Platforms:** [PlayStation 4](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sca%5Fesv=4660ccb57c532432&q=PlayStation+4&si=APYL9btKi1TLoawpxIKkhA47KIc3RH36yjJAdk2TmwBtOZld-tuIxdChA6C1Bt4oANPBDPu-7ratOeMK5oFyhMmWz8rbz1ZYzB1CgzB9lzt9TwTPuJ38Kp3xKKla0XetAQ2fMkVc3wJzrhuZFpXEtNmgNH-HiPGiCSUPJuOoWF3MHGr2j9Xzkx9vPFNbt4S0blJ1L8G6QOXxCr8nDb1Be7PeOOvUWYRqyLuMXO7lxtX4a5Xyhiv%5FE-0un2gr%5FQP8ubcjNIoybqY0oDcQ3CU5JVFMfH30TRPeQBzvmm-FRka0a72qGgTXXXA%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6htCT2ZGMAxX%5FT0EAHa0pOLIQmxMoAHoECBcQAg&ref=mattgoesrogue.com), [Nintendo Switch](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sca%5Fesv=4660ccb57c532432&q=Nintendo+Switch&si=APYL9bvbTYBlvjo9HgsKokb80VOuw9zV-z5EXyhbMKCadi8Rhx0ImX10wrQOZo7qcFergyqGNxaFhkxk0cRjL%5FjmwbCXJg1V%5F-yrh1l4ylQXJkEydoMPqnfAdVYxV0KjK0W6FXeCdFP9TQiHacanJCLGp6xk6QIYfhucvlt75Z1CzHMP3GUi5T8r2iZLJSfEHUalOpuCDFw0ifADoXsS7OvtbPQvfzCmWZxK-TIce8%5F2Nd-w3AsHrpnqDvuEpHz2oR1GyGPumgJoT16TE7-xBXBFIfH6TcvmOhzsMjw6bQL-5RvBGtZAVvc%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6htCT2ZGMAxX%5FT0EAHa0pOLIQmxMoAXoECBcQAw&ref=mattgoesrogue.com), [Xbox One](https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&sca%5Fesv=4660ccb57c532432&q=Xbox&si=APYL9btKi1TLoawpxIKkhA47KIc3RH36yjJAdk2TmwBtOZld-uKYOtzv-k1by%5FRj2vrfbTGFQXHLL5fHlRyVDn3n0kdAp92NYKtzAfT2N8EWLmGO2VwaT8KCDQwfziCD47zj5jl%5FbLHi4KnqmW%5Fy%5FMNB84mdDUl3cu2FK2kHvaHVdXalFLrI5XiSNmdfI9lEBF7uARWlHOMTJ19EuMcip9QXCWwX0uCjIYwXulloDb-OzSLiwTT-TWRvp3r65s2clQNzQQhTqSBq9NBQ3Eyjk0z9sXDoDUNGkQ%3D%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj6htCT2ZGMAxX%5FT0EAHa0pOLIQmxMoAnoECBcQBA&ref=mattgoesrogue.com)