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Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Item: Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2018

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Stealth, Single Player

AvailableOct 2, 2018

PlatformPC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperUbisoft Quebec

Overview

Write your own epic odyssey and become a legendary Spartan hero in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, an inspiring adventure where you must forge your destiny and define your own path in a world on the brink of tearing itself apart. Influence how history unfolds as you experience a rich and ever-changing world shaped by your decisions.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey's narrative is mostly praised for its engaging story during the Peloponnesian War, rich character development, and impactful player choices, with critics highlighting the compelling antagonist Cult of Kosmos. However, some reviewers criticized it for weak writing and repetitive missions, suggesting it falls short of previous franchise standards. Overall, it's a captivating experience that resonates with many, despite some narrative flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

82%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Assassin's Creed Odyssey has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising its engaging and expansive narrative set against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War. Reviewers such as EGM and Game Informer highlight the epic nature of the story, emphasizing the protagonist's personal journey intertwined with historical events and political intrigue. The game allows players to choose between characters Alexios and Kassandra, which adds a layer of personalization to the experience, as noted by Washington Post and Digital Chumps. Critics like Cubed3 and Game Revolution commend the story for its surprises and character development, with the Cult of Kosmos serving as a compelling antagonist that enriches the plot. The branching narrative and meaningful player choices are frequently cited as strengths, with many reviewers appreciating how these elements enhance engagement and immersion in the world. However, not all critics were as enthusiastic about the story. Some, like Everyeye.it and GameOver.gr, expressed concerns about weak writing and a lack of depth in the main missions, suggesting that the narrative sometimes feels repetitive and diluted. Trusted Reviews echoed this sentiment, pointing out inconsistencies in dialogue and performances. Additionally, The Games Machine criticized the story for being insipid at times, implying that it may not fully live up to the expectations set by previous entries in the franchise. These critiques suggest that while the game has its merits, it also suffers from some narrative shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a favorable view of the story in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, despite some noted flaws. While there are criticisms regarding repetitive elements and inconsistent writing, the majority of reviewers appreciate the engaging narrative, rich character arcs, and the depth provided by player choices. The game's ability to weave personal quests with grand historical events has resonated with many, as seen in the reviews from GamingTrend and Gamers Heroes, who highlight the game's character-driven storytelling and immersive world. In summary, Assassin's Creed Odyssey presents a compelling narrative that, while not without its issues, succeeds in captivating a wide audience and enriching the Assassin's Creed universe.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with its expansive open world, RPG elements, and engaging combat mechanics, but suffers from pacing issues and repetitive quests that can dull the experience. Critics praise character customization and immersive narratives, but some find the leveling system forced and combat controls clunky. Overall, it builds on Assassin's Creed Origins with innovation but still grapples with familiar franchise pitfalls.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Assassin's Creed Odyssey has garnered a mix of praise for its expansive open world and engaging mechanics. Many critics, such as Trusted Reviews and PlayStation Universe, commend the game's RPG elements, which allow for character customization and strategic gameplay. The introduction of a narrative-driven experience, as highlighted by Eurogamer Italy, adds depth to player choices, making the gameplay feel more immersive. Critics like New Game Network and PC Invasion emphasize the evolution of the combat system, noting the variety of weapons and abilities that enhance the overall experience. The game's diverse activities, including naval combat and side missions, are also recognized as compelling aspects that keep players engaged. However, several reviewers pointed out notable weaknesses in the gameplay. Digital Trends and Riot Pixels criticize the pacing issues and repetitive nature of quests, suggesting that the gameplay can become monotonous over time. The leveling system, which some critics like Gamer.no and Forbes argue can feel forced, disrupts the natural flow of the narrative, requiring players to engage in grinding to progress. Additionally, the combat mechanics, while improved, have been described as clunky or frustrating at times, with critics like PlayGround.ru and Hardcore Gamer noting that certain controls could benefit from further refinement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Assassin's Creed Odyssey builds upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Origins, it does so with a mix of innovation and repetition. Many reviewers, including M3 and GameStar, acknowledge the game's vast world and engaging combat, but they also highlight the issues of repetitive quests and pacing that can detract from the overall experience. The game successfully introduces new mechanics and customization options, yet it struggles with some of the same pitfalls that have plagued the franchise in the past. Critics seem to agree that while Odyssey offers an enjoyable experience, it may not fully escape the shadows of its predecessor.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey dazzles with its breathtaking visuals of ancient Greece, earning high praise for its vibrant landscapes and immersive world design. Critics commend the stunning attention to detail, from lush environments to realistic lighting. However, technical flaws like frame rate drops and inconsistent character animations mar the experience. Despite these issues, the game remains a visual standout in the franchise, delivering an impressive and engaging historical journey.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Odyssey have garnered widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising the game's stunning recreation of ancient Greece. Reviewers like Xbox Tavern and Generación Xbox highlighted the authenticity and detail in the world design, emphasizing the vibrant landscapes and dynamic environments that make exploration rewarding. Critics from outlets such as GamesRadar+ and GameSpot noted the impressive attention to detail in both the environments and character models, with lush greenery, detailed architecture, and immersive settings contributing to an overall breathtaking visual experience. The artistry of the game, as mentioned by Areajugones and GameCrate, was also commended for its vibrant color palette and realistic lighting, further enhancing the player's immersion in the historical context. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a number of critics pointed out technical flaws that detracted from the visual experience. Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network noted issues such as frame rate drops, stuttering, and texture pop-ins, which can disrupt gameplay and immersion. Critics like PlayGround.ru and Riot Pixels expressed that while the game features beautiful objects and landscapes, it lacks the same level of impressiveness as its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Origins. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Softpedia and 3DJuegos, mentioned inconsistencies in character animations and facial expressions, indicating that while the world is visually stunning, character models may not always meet the same standard. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Odyssey presents a visually impressive and expansive world that successfully captures the essence of ancient Greece. While there are notable technical issues and some criticism regarding the repetitiveness of assets, the majority of reviewers, including those from Digital Trends and Gaming Nexus, agree that the game's graphics and visual design are a standout feature. The combination of beautiful landscapes, detailed environments, and engaging character designs contributes to a rich and immersive experience, making it a significant achievement in the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with its immersive sound design and evocative soundtrack that authentically reflects ancient Greece, earning praise from critics for enhancing the gaming experience. Voice acting, particularly by Melissanthi Mahut as Kassandra, receives mixed reviews, with some performances criticized as amateurish. Despite these flaws, the overall auditory landscape is highly regarded, solidifying Odyssey as a standout title in the franchise.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

28%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Odyssey have garnered significant praise from various critics, highlighting the game's ability to create an immersive experience reflective of ancient Greece. Many reviewers, such as Atomix and CGMagazine, commend the soundtrack for capturing the essence of the game's setting, with CGMagazine noting the incorporation of Greek language snippets into the dialogue, which enhances authenticity. Critics like LaPS4 and Meristation emphasize how the soundtrack complements the narrative, adding an epic quality that enhances pivotal moments in the game. Additionally, the voice acting has received accolades, with notable performances mentioned by critics like Guardian, who highlighted Melissanthi Mahut's portrayal of Kassandra, and Hardcore Gamer, who noted the convincing performances of key characters. Despite the overall acclaim, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting quality and certain aspects of the sound design. Areajugones pointed out the Spanish voice acting as strident and shrill, while GameOver.gr criticized the amateurish acting and pronunciation of some voice actors, suggesting that it detracted from the overall experience. Additionally, Gamer.no mentioned that while the voice acting improves as the game progresses, it starts off lacking. RPG Fan echoed this sentiment, stating that while the protagonist's performance is strong, some side characters sound exaggerated, leading to a mixed perception of the voice acting quality throughout the game. The overall consensus among critics indicates that Assassin's Creed Odyssey excels in creating a rich auditory landscape that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly through its music and sound design. While there are criticisms regarding specific voice performances, the majority of reviewers, including RPGamer and Xbox Achievements, agree that the music and sound elements significantly contribute to the game's immersive qualities. The combination of evocative historical music, engaging sea shanties, and well-executed sound design has left a positive impression on most critics, establishing Odyssey as a noteworthy entry in the franchise with a strong auditory identity.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey shines with standout voice acting from Kassandra (Melissanthi Mahut), earning widespread praise for emotional depth and charisma. Critics laud the main characters' performances but note significant inconsistencies in secondary characters, with some expressing disappointment in Alexios's delivery. While the game succeeds in enhancing narrative immersion, it highlights the need for more uniform quality across the cast.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

54%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

43%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Assassin's Creed Odyssey has garnered a variety of positive remarks from critics, particularly highlighting the performances of the main characters, Kassandra and Alexios. Melissanthi Mahut's portrayal of Kassandra is frequently praised for its charisma and emotional depth, with several reviewers, including Digital Chumps and Gaming Age, noting her performance as a standout feature of the game. Critics like Game Informer and Hardcore Gamer also commend the overall quality of the voice acting, asserting that the main characters are well-written and engaging. Additionally, the dialogue's richness and warmth have been appreciated by outlets such as GamesRadar+, which emphasizes how the voice acting enhances player immersion during dialogue sequences and cutscenes. On the flip side, there are notable criticisms regarding the inconsistency in voice acting quality across secondary characters and the overall delivery of certain lines. Areajugones points out that the Spanish voice acting can be strident and shrill, while GameOver.gr criticizes the amateurish acting and pronunciation of some actors, which detracts from the experience. Critics like Gamer.no and PC Invasion echo these sentiments, suggesting that while the main characters shine, the performances of side characters can feel lacking or exaggerated. Furthermore, some reviewers, such as ZTGD, have expressed disappointment with Alexios's voice acting, describing it as subpar compared to Kassandra's. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Odyssey has its strengths, particularly in the performances of the protagonists, it is marred by inconsistencies in the quality of secondary characters. Many reviewers, including IGN and Xbox Achievements, highlight Kassandra's performance as a high point, but there is a clear divide in opinions regarding Alexios's portrayal. The game succeeds in creating an engaging narrative experience through its voice acting, yet it also leaves room for improvement, particularly in ensuring a more uniform quality across all characters.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey's technical performance on PS4 is a mixed bag; praised for stability and usability improvements, yet plagued by bugs, long loading times, and frame rate drops—especially in busy areas. Xbox One reviews reflect similar inconsistencies, with smoother play on Xbox One X but issues on the original model. The PC version shows varied opinions, highlighting optimization problems. Overall, while there are strides in performance, significant flaws remain across all platforms, impacting the player experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

16%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

81%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In analyzing the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Odyssey across various platforms, the PS4 version received a mix of opinions, with some critics praising its overall stability. For instance, CGMagazine noted that Odyssey is the "least glitchy Assassin's Creed game right out of the gate," while PlayStation Country reported no significant technical issues. Additionally, GameCrate highlighted improvements in controls and stable performance, suggesting that the game has made strides in usability compared to its predecessors. Critics like PlayGround.ru also mentioned good optimization, likening its performance to that of Assassin's Creed Origins, which indicates a solid foundation for the game on this platform. However, the PS4 version is not without its flaws. Many reviewers, including Atomix and DarkStation, pointed out various technical problems such as random bugs, long loading times, and glitches that could hinder gameplay. Digital Trends and Eurogamer Italy echoed this sentiment, citing issues like stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in crowded areas. Critics like GameSpot and Worth Playing highlighted notable bugs that could prevent mission progress or even crash the game, indicating that while there are positives, the negatives are significant enough to impact the overall experience for many players. On the Xbox One, the reviews were similarly mixed. While some critics like Xbox Achievements and Windows Central praised the game's polished nature and lack of major bugs, others, such as GameGrin and Guardian, noted issues like freezing and frame-rate drops, particularly on the original Xbox One. Critics like TrueAchievements pointed out that while the game runs smoothly on the Xbox One X, standard consoles may suffer from longer loading times and visual fidelity issues. For the PC version, opinions varied widely; while PC Invasion reported little to no performance issues, PLAY! Zine criticized the game for poor optimization and numerous bugs. Overall, the consensus across platforms suggests that while Assassin's Creed Odyssey has made improvements in technical performance, it still suffers from a range of issues that detract from the experience, particularly on older consoles.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is praised for its vast content, engaging RPG mechanics, and replayable storylines, making it a hit among critics. However, it suffers from repetitive tasks and pacing issues, which could deter some players. While it offers significant replay value, individual experiences may vary depending on preferences for exploration versus grinding. Overall, it's a captivating yet potentially fatiguing adventure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Assassin's Creed Odyssey is largely positive, with many critics highlighting the game's extensive content and engaging mechanics. Reviewers such as GameSpot and IGN commend the vast open world filled with quests, secrets, and varied side missions that encourage exploration and player choice. The game features multiple endings and branching storylines, which critics like USgamer and GameCrate note as significant factors that enhance replayability. Additionally, the inclusion of RPG elements, such as dialogue options and character customization, adds depth to the gameplay experience, making it enjoyable for players who appreciate narrative-driven adventures. The promise of ongoing content updates and DLC, as mentioned by Stevivor, also suggests that players will have new experiences to look forward to, further extending the game's longevity. However, despite the abundance of content, several critics express concerns about the repetitiveness of certain tasks and the pacing of the game. Reviewers like GRYOnline.pl and PlaySense point out that after extensive playtime, the missions can become monotonous, detracting from the overall enjoyment. Critics such as GameCritics and Metro Montreal mention that some side missions feel like filler and do not contribute meaningfully to the overall experience. Additionally, the progression system can be frustrating for players who may not have the time to grind through the content, as noted by The Escapist and Impulsegamer. This sentiment is echoed by Game Debate, which argues that the game lacks sufficient incentives for a second playthrough, labeling it a "colossal time sink." In summary, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers a wealth of content and engaging gameplay mechanics that many critics celebrate, there are notable drawbacks that could deter some players. The consensus among critics is that the game's replay value is significant, bolstered by its rich narrative choices and expansive world, but it is somewhat marred by repetitive tasks and pacing issues. Critics like DualShockers and TrueAchievements emphasize that the game can keep players engaged for an extended period, but the experience may vary based on individual preferences for exploration versus grinding. Overall, Assassin's Creed Odyssey presents a mixed bag of replayability; it is a game that can captivate players for hours but may also lead to fatigue due to its repetitive nature.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

83%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

17%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Assassin's Creed Odyssey is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its ambitious scope and engaging gameplay. Reviewers like Destructoid and GamingTrend highlight it as the best game in the series to date, lauding its impressive storytelling and vast, immersive world. The game is noted for its stunning graphics, improved mechanics, and the successful blend of action and RPG elements, as emphasized by IGN and TrueAchievements. Critics such as PlaySense and Post Arcade appreciate the game's grand scale and the variety of content available, making it a worthwhile experience for players who enjoy exploration and adventure. The narrative choices and character development, while not perfect, are often seen as compelling, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game. However, despite the accolades, there are notable criticisms that temper the enthusiasm. Several reviewers, including M3 and GameOver.gr, point out the game's repetitive missions and a focus on quantity over quality, which can detract from the overall experience. Technical issues are frequently mentioned, with critics like TrueAchievements and Cubed3 expressing frustration over bugs and the impact of microtransactions on gameplay. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Metro GameCentral and Riot Pixels, feel that the game could benefit from deeper role-playing systems and more meaningful dialogue options, suggesting that certain aspects of the gameplay could be improved. In summary, while Assassin's Creed Odyssey has received a largely favorable reception, with many critics deeming it a significant step forward for the franchise, there are valid concerns regarding its execution. The consensus among critics like Game Informer and Softpedia is that the game is a remarkable achievement, offering a rich and engaging experience, yet it is not without its flaws. Overall, the game is recommended for fans of the series and newcomers alike, particularly those who appreciate expansive open-world adventures, despite some reservations about repetitive elements and technical shortcomings.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with its ambitious scope, stunning graphics, and engaging gameplay, making it a standout in the series, praised by critics for its storytelling and immersive world. However, it faces criticism for repetitive missions, technical bugs, and a need for deeper role-playing elements. While largely recommended for fans and newcomers, its flaws give pause to some reviewers.

MONSTER

Reviews

222 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Oct 15, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Assassin's Creed Odyssey is one of the best games in the franchise and highly addictive. It mentions that it is not a million miles away from the stunning Origins.

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100

We Got This Covered

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is an epic historical RPG that combines elements from the Assassin's Creed universe with a personal journey, offering stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and high replay value.

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100

GamesRadar+

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review highly praises Assassin's Creed Odyssey, calling it an "utterly beautifully crafted world and story" and comparing it to The Witcher 3. It describes the game as the ultimate Creed.

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100

Gaming Age

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a pretty great experience overall and is recommended.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox One

Oct 11, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is the finest entry in the series so far, showcasing Ubisoft's commitment to strengthening the franchise. It successfully expands on the systems and foundations of the previous game and offers a captivating and innovative adventure.

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Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is considered a classic in the making and sets a high bar for future games in the series. It is praised as the best Assassin's Creed game to date.

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MMORPG.com

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives Assassin's Creed Odyssey a score of 9.6 out of 10, indicating a highly positive overall verdict.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a stunning and immersive game that offers a vast and engaging world to explore. It is meticulously crafted and ensures that players will have plenty to do even after completing the main story.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is the best game in the series, delivering a thunderous and muscular open-world adventure that shouldn't be missed.

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PlayStation LifeStyle

PlayStation 4

Oct 1, 2018

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a must-play for fans of the series and anyone interested in Greek mythology and history. It delivers on its promise of an epic journey through Ancient Greece with its compelling story, meaningful choices, immersive exploration, and intense combat.