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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, 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 has received a largely positive critical reception for its engaging story and character development, particularly praising the protagonist options, Alexios and Kassandra. Set against the backdrop of the Peloponnesian War, it combines political intrigue with rich personal quests, featuring meaningful dialogue choices and multiple endings that enhance replayability. However, some critiques highlight weaknesses in narrative structure, weak writing, and a bloated storyline with a rushed conclusion. Despite these flaws, the game’s ambitious storytelling and depth of player choice make it a standout in the series. Overall, it captivates players, with critics recognizing its immersive narrative strengths.

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 narrative and character development. Reviewers from outlets such as IGN Spain and Game Informer highlighted the well-written story and the compelling nature of the protagonist, whether players choose Alexios or Kassandra. The game’s setting during the Peloponnesian War, combined with its exploration of political intrigue and personal quests, has been described as immersive and rich, with critics like Xbox Achievements noting its compelling blend of Greek tragedy and warfare. The inclusion of meaningful dialogue choices that affect the narrative's direction has also been a significant point of praise, with multiple endings adding to the replay value, as noted by critics such as M3 and DualShockers. However, not all reviews were entirely positive, with some critics pointing out notable weaknesses in the narrative structure and writing. Everyeye.it and Trusted Reviews expressed concerns about weak writing and underwhelming dialogue, which they felt diminished player engagement. Additionally, Giant Bomb criticized the story for being long-winded and bloated, with a rushed conclusion that left some players unsatisfied. Windows Central echoed these sentiments, mentioning inconsistencies in character development that could lead to contradictions in the protagonist's personality. Such critiques suggest that while the story has strong elements, it is not without its flaws. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that Assassin's Creed Odyssey presents a compelling and immersive story that resonates well with players, despite some criticisms regarding its execution. Many reviewers, including those from Game Revolution and Press Start Australia, emphasized the game's narrative as one of its strong points, showcasing a blend of personal and historical drama that successfully engages players. While certain aspects, such as writing quality and pacing, were points of contention, the majority of critics recognized the game's ambitious storytelling and the depth of player choice, ultimately leading to a favorable reception of its narrative.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with its expansive RPG elements, improved combat mechanics, and engaging naval battles, but suffers from repetitive gameplay, unbalanced difficulty, and underwhelming stealth mechanics. While critics praise its ambition and player choices, design flaws could hinder overall enjoyment.

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 RPG elements and engaging mechanics. Critics like TrueAchievements and Metro Montreal highlight the evolution of the combat system from its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Origins, noting the introduction of tighter controls, special abilities, and a variety of combat styles that allow players to customize their experience. The inclusion of naval combat, as mentioned by Critical Hit and Slant Magazine, adds an epic scale to the gameplay, while the new dialogue system provides depth and player involvement, making choices that affect the story and character development. Additionally, the Mercenary System and conquest battles offer players new ways to engage with the game world, as pointed out by Worth Playing and Push Square. However, several reviewers have pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the overall experience. Critics like GameOver.gr and GameCrate have criticized the combat for being repetitive and lacking depth, with some even describing it as underwhelming. The unbalanced difficulty and reliance on exploits, as noted by GameOver.gr, can lead to frustrating encounters, while the leveling system has been described as restrictive by InsideGamer.nl. Furthermore, the stealth mechanics have received mixed reviews, with some critics, such as Digitally Downloaded and TheSixthAxis, stating that they lack depth and can feel too easy compared to previous titles in the series. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers a wealth of engaging content and innovative gameplay mechanics, it is hampered by repetitive elements and some design flaws. Many reviewers, including Xbox Tavern and LaPS4, appreciate the game's ambitious RPG direction and the variety of choices available to players, but they also acknowledge the issues with combat depth and difficulty balance. The game is seen as a significant step forward for the franchise, yet it still carries the weight of some familiar shortcomings that may impact player enjoyment.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey dazzles with stunning visuals and detailed recreations of Ancient Greece, earning praise for its immersive landscapes and vibrant artistry. However, critics noted technical flaws like stuttering and inconsistent animations that mar the experience. Overall, it's deemed one of the series' most visually impressive titles, despite some shortcomings.

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 a largely positive reception from critics, with many praising the game's stunning recreation of Ancient Greece. Reviewers such as Push Square and PC Gamer highlighted the game's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant colors, and intricate architectural details, emphasizing the immersive nature of the world. Critics like Areajugones and CGMagazine noted the impressive artistry and attention to detail, with CGMagazine specifically mentioning the lush regions rendered with loving care. The expansive environments, filled with historical landmarks and dynamic life, contribute to a sense of exploration that many players found rewarding, as noted by Gaming Nexus and Digital Trends. However, despite the overall acclaim, several critics pointed out technical flaws that detracted from the visual experience. Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network mentioned issues such as stuttering, frame rate drops, and loading screens that could disrupt gameplay, while PlayGround.ru argued that the vastness of the game world lacked the impressive quality seen in its predecessor, Origins. Additionally, some critics like Hardcore Gamer and InsideGamer.nl noted inconsistencies in character animations and lifeless NPCs in urban areas, which could detract from the immersive experience that the game strives to provide. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers a visually stunning experience that showcases the beauty of Ancient Greece, with many praising its expansive and detailed environments. While technical issues and some repetitive visual elements were noted, the majority of reviewers, including those from LaPS4 and TrueGaming, found the graphics to be among the best in the series, solidifying Odyssey's status as a visually impressive title. The game's ability to evoke a sense of wonder and exploration, combined with its artistic design, has left a lasting positive impression on players and critics alike.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise Assassin's Creed Odyssey's immersive sound design and music, which effectively captures ancient Greece's essence and enhances gameplay. The soundtrack is hailed as epic, while Kassandra's voice acting shines. However, some voice performances are criticized for being amateurish or inconsistent, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, the audio elements are celebrated as standout features despite some flaws.

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 a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to immerse players in the ancient Greek setting. Many reviewers, such as Atomix and CGMagazine, praised the soundtrack for capturing the essence of ancient Greece and enhancing the overall experience. The incorporation of Greek rhythms and instruments, as noted by Meristation and RPGamer, contributes to a vibrant atmosphere that complements the game's narrative. Additionally, the voice acting received commendations for its quality, with critics like We Got This Covered and Xbox Achievements emphasizing the strong performances, particularly that of Kassandra, voiced by Melissanthi Mahut, which adds depth to the character and the story. However, not all feedback was complimentary. Some critics expressed concerns about the quality of the voice acting, with GameOver.gr criticizing the amateurish performances and pronunciation of certain actors, which detracts from the immersion. Similarly, Gamer.no noted that while the voice acting improves over time, it starts off lacking. Areajugones pointed out issues with the Spanish voice acting being strident and shrill, and RPG Fan mentioned that some side characters' performances felt exaggerated. This inconsistency in voice acting quality has led to mixed feelings among reviewers, indicating that while some performances shine, others fall short. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Odyssey excels in its sound design and music, creating an immersive experience that effectively transports players to ancient Greece. The soundtrack is widely regarded as fitting and epic, with many reviewers, including Game Revolution and GRYOnline.pl, highlighting its ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Despite some criticisms regarding the voice acting's inconsistency, the majority of critics agree that the game's audio elements contribute significantly to its atmosphere and storytelling. Thus, while there are areas for improvement, the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Odyssey are generally celebrated as standout features of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey's voice acting shines, especially with Kassandra's portrayal, hailed as charismatic and engaging by critics. While the main characters receive widespread acclaim, some secondary characters lack emotion and authenticity, leading to mixed reviews. Overall, the voice performances enhance the game's narrative, despite occasional shortcomings, particularly in Alexios's portrayal.

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 received a significant amount of praise, particularly for the performances of the main characters, Kassandra and Alexios. Critics such as Digital Chumps and Trusted Reviews highlight Melissanthi Mahut's portrayal of Kassandra as exceptional, noting her charismatic and commanding presence that enhances the game's narrative. Many reviewers, including Gaming Age and Game Informer, commend Kassandra's voice acting as one of the standout elements of the game, with the character being described as well-written and engaging. Additionally, the overall voice cast is regarded positively, with GameCrate and Xbox Tavern noting solid performances that contribute to the immersive experience of the game. However, the voice acting is not without its criticisms. Some reviewers express dissatisfaction with the performances of secondary characters, describing them as lacking emotion or sounding exaggerated. For instance, Atomix points out that while the main characters deliver exceptional performances, some side characters fall short in their expressiveness. Critics like GameOver.gr and Gamer.no echo this sentiment, with the former criticizing the amateurish acting and pronunciation that detracts from the overall experience. Furthermore, the English dialogue spoken with a Greek accent has been noted as feeling inauthentic and tiring by Ragequit.gr, indicating a divide in the quality of voice performances across the cast. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans towards a positive reception for the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Odyssey, particularly for the protagonists. While Kassandra's performance is widely celebrated, Alexios's portrayal receives more varied responses, with some reviewers, like ZTGD, suggesting he is often overshadowed by his sister's superior acting. Despite the noted shortcomings in some side characters and the occasional awkward dialogue, many critics appreciate the depth and engagement that the voice acting brings to the game, as highlighted by DarkStation and GamesRadar+. Thus, while there are areas for improvement, the voice acting significantly contributes to the game's overall impact and player immersion.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with solid technical performance, especially on PS4 and Xbox One X, with fewer glitches at launch compared to previous entries. However, critics highlight significant flaws across platforms, including loading delays, bugs, and performance dips, particularly on PS4 and PC. Despite its ambitious scope, these technical issues cast a shadow on the overall experience, prompting a cautious recommendation for potential players.

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.

Positives: Across all platforms, critics have noted several positive aspects regarding the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. On the PlayStation 4, 3DJuegos highlighted Ubisoft's optimization efforts, which led to a smoother experience akin to its predecessor, Origins. CGMagazine praised the game as being the least glitchy installment in the franchise at launch, which is a significant achievement given the series' history. On the Xbox One, TrueAchievements reported that the game runs smoothly on the Xbox One X, with HDR enabled, while XboxAddict noted that recent patches have resolved many of the technical issues that were initially present. For the PC version, PC Invasion remarked on the game's smooth performance, running at 60-75 FPS, while PC Gamer noted that it offers stable performance, albeit requiring a powerful rig for optimal play. Negatives: However, the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Odyssey is not without its flaws across all platforms. On the PS4, multiple critics, including Atomix and DarkStation, pointed out various technical issues such as long loading times, random bugs, and even game-breaking glitches that hindered gameplay. Eurogamer Italy and Digital Trends echoed these sentiments, mentioning stuttering and frame rate drops, particularly in crowded areas. On the Xbox One, critics like GameGrin and Guardian reported freezing issues and long loading times, while GameSpot highlighted notable bugs that could prevent mission progress. The PC version also faced criticism, with PLAY! Zine describing poor optimization and numerous bugs, and Ragequit.gr mentioning performance issues specifically in Athens. Overall Consensus: In summary, the overall consensus among critics indicates that while Assassin's Creed Odyssey showcases some commendable technical achievements, particularly in its optimization and graphical fidelity, it is marred by a range of technical issues across all platforms. The PS4 version appears to have the most mixed reception, with many reviewers citing significant bugs and performance hiccups, while the Xbox One version shows a similar trend but with some improvements noted on the Xbox One X. The PC version, while generally performing well, still suffers from optimization concerns and bugs. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Gaming Age suggest that while the game is an ambitious open-world title, the technical shortcomings may detract from the overall experience for some players, leading to a cautious recommendation for potential buyers.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey impresses with its vast content, varied quests, and multiple endings that promote exploration, earning praise for its replay value. However, critics point out issues like repetitive missions, grind-heavy progression, and uninspired content that can frustrate players. While the game shines with rich RPG elements and ongoing DLC, its replayability is hindered by fatigue and filler, making it a mixed bag for those seeking a fresh experience on second playthroughs.

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.

Assassin's Creed Odyssey has garnered a largely positive reception regarding its replay value, with many reviewers highlighting the vast amount of content available to players. Critics like IGN and DualShockers praise the game for its staggering variety of quests, side missions, and the inclusion of multiple endings that encourage exploration and experimentation. The game’s open world, filled with numerous side activities and a dynamic leveling system, allows players to engage deeply with the environment, as noted by RPGamer and Gaming Nexus. The presence of branching narratives and player choices adds a layer of depth, making it appealing for those who enjoy RPG elements, as highlighted by GameSpot and Gaming Age. Furthermore, the promise of ongoing DLC and updates, as mentioned by ZTGD and AusGamers, suggests that players will have new content to explore, enhancing the game's longevity. However, despite the wealth of content, several critics point out significant drawbacks that affect the overall replay value. Many reviews, such as those from M3 and Game Debate, mention the repetitive nature of missions and quests, which can lead to a sense of grind and fatigue over time. Critics like The Escapist and PlaySense express concerns about progression gating and the need for grinding, which can frustrate players who have limited time to invest in the game. Additionally, some reviewers, including RPG Site and GameCrate, note that while the game offers a plethora of choices, many missions feel uninspired or lack originality, leading to a sense of filler content that detracts from the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics is that while Assassin's Creed Odyssey provides an expansive and rich gaming experience filled with content, it is marred by repetitive gameplay elements and progression issues. Many reviewers, including Guardian and TrueAchievements, acknowledge the game's potential for replayability through its branching storylines and numerous side quests, yet they also caution that the grind and lack of variety may deter some players from fully enjoying a second playthrough. Ultimately, the game is seen as a double-edged sword: it offers a significant amount of engaging content and opportunities for exploration, but the repetitive nature of some gameplay elements and the need for grinding can diminish its replay value for certain audiences.

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 towards Assassin's Creed Odyssey from critics is predominantly positive, with many praising its ambitious scope, stunning visuals, and engaging gameplay. Critics like IGN and Xbox Tavern highlight the game as a significant leap forward for the franchise, with IGN calling it "the most impressive game in the history of the series." The expansive open world, set in ancient Greece, is lauded for its breathtaking landscapes and rich attention to detail, as noted by GameSpot and PlayGround.ru. Additionally, the game’s RPG mechanics, which allow for meaningful choices and character development, are recognized as a successful evolution of the series, with critics like RPG Fan and GameSpace appreciating the blend of storytelling and gameplay. However, there are notable criticisms that temper the overall enthusiasm. Several reviewers, including GameOver.gr and Worth Playing, point out the game's repetitive nature and bloated content, suggesting that it could benefit from better editing and a more refined structure. Critics like Giant Bomb and Metro Montreal mention pacing issues and the overwhelming scale of the game, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Riot Pixels and 3DJuegos, express disappointment with the depth of the role-playing elements and dialogue options, indicating that while the game is visually impressive, it lacks some of the narrative depth that could elevate it further. Despite these criticisms, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Odyssey is a remarkable entry in the franchise, with many considering it one of the best games of the year. Reviewers like Vgames and Meristation emphasize its captivating story and immersive exploration, while others, such as Cheat Code Central and We Got This Covered, commend its blend of historical elements with personal narratives. Overall, while acknowledging its flaws, the majority of critics agree that Assassin's Creed Odyssey offers an epic and engaging experience that sets a high bar for future titles in the series.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Odyssey receives predominantly positive reviews, hailed for its stunning visuals, expansive open world, and engaging RPG mechanics. Critics praise its ambitious scope, with IGN calling it a monumental leap for the franchise. However, concerns about repetitive gameplay, bloated content, and pacing issues are noted, alongside some dissatisfaction with the depth of role-playing elements. Despite these flaws, it’s celebrated as one of the year's standout titles, offering a captivating blend of history and personal storytelling that raises the bar for future installments.

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.