Opinion: Assassin's Creed: Odyssey Is The Most Important Story To The Series
Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey got leaked a months prior to its official reveal leaving many even myself in disbelief that the next title in the franchise might be set back even further back in time than the recently released Assassin’s Creed Origins. But coming Ubisoft’s E3 Conference, Odyssey was revealed with the setting leaked before and originally I was instantly pushed away, but later discovered this is better than originally thought. Many hardcore fans of the franchise received the next game to be a complete 180 from what the series is notoriously known for. Stripping away key elements that were present in all previous titles like the hidden blade, hooded attire and the iconic leap of faith. For these being absent in the upcoming game, many felt the title being too foreign to associate it with the Assassin’s Creed franchise. But what replaces those in Odyssey is what reinvents the series and introduces new game mechanics that was seen during the E3 demo. From what was showcased last month at the conference, RPG elements are to be more predominant this time around for the upcoming title. The player will be able to determine the outcome of the game’s plot from the choices they make and the relationships they form. Along with having naval combat return to be a more common element for gameplay. Ubisoft Quebec is attempting to push the boundaries of what defines Assassin’s Creed, which some games failed to do so previously on like Assassin’s Creed IV. On top of the main focus for more dialogue options to push the game’s story, what makes Odyssey an essential part in the Assassin’s Creed universe is the emphasis on the First Civilization. Each title has touched upon this since the beginning and now we are getting an in-depth look at how the society before influenced the games falling in time after Odyssey. The ultimate prequel. Starting with Leonidas’ Spear, giving either Alexios or Kassandra certain powers that will help them progress through the game as it unfolds. And for the first time players will have access to a Piece of Eden earlier on compared to most other titles as you’d obtain it near the end. What makes this crucial for the franchise is that even with the 10+ games since the first was released back in 2007, we still don’t know a lot about the First Civilization. Those before that left behind the artifacts that both the Assassins and the Templars have fought over for more than a thousand years. For both, their soul purpose is to stop the other from getting said artifact in their possession either it being the Apple, Sword or Shroud of Eden. Without the First Civilization, the events that fall to influence the actions made by both groups wouldn’t have happened. There wouldn’t be an Creed formed, no opposing Templars and no pressure to produce ways to eliminate conflicting faces like the creation of the hidden blade and later other traits that help differentiate both sides like the Assassin’s hoods and robes. It wouldn’t makes sense for the most devoted fans to drop what practically created the series just because it doesn’t “look like” Assassin’s Creed. As Odyssey still hasn’t fully released, of this being written, to determine the game will not perform well is just nonsense. From a fan that played every title in the series it’s hard to see this upcoming title result badly if it hasn’t officially finished being developed yet. Even with what we’re known to always see in the series, change doesn’t always mean a bad thing. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey will be available for Xbox One, Playstation 4 and PC on October 5, 2018.
Splatoon 2 Pearl & Marina amiibo launching next week, unlock new outfits and more
Nintendo has announced that the Splatoon 2 Pearl & Marina amiibo dual pack that was announced a few months back will finally be hitting stores on July 13th. Each amiibo will unlock an outfit matching the respective character for use with your Inkling or Octoling (if you purchased the Octo Expansion). Not only that, they will also allow you to take photos with Pearl & Marina in Inkopolis Square as well as unlock new themes and sound effects for the Squid Beatz rhythm minigame. Also announced was that the next Splatfest will take place on July 21st and will pit Inklings against Octolings. Even if you don’t own the Octo Expansion, you will play as an Octoling for the duration of the event if you choose Team Octopus.
