If we’ve learned anything from history, it is that things can rarely succeed by staying the same. Change is good, and evolution within industries benefits everyone in the end. Tried and true franchises like Mario or The Legend of Zelda have been around for over 30 years, because they have adapted. We’ve even seen God of War make some massive changes in order to stay relevant. Another series that has done something similar is Assassin’s Creed . With Origins, we saw RPG elements introduced. Odyssey is taking that even further, by allowing players to choose their gender and including romance options.
I love romance options in games. So much so, that you’d be correct if you assumed that I was saddened to hear that Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey will not include any nudity. It’s something that I can overlook in this case, seeing as how no Assassin’s Creed game has even had the option of romance before. Simply allowing it at all, in any form, is great. Especially since Odyssey will also be giving players the option to pursue same-sex relationships. I get to woo someone and they can be the same gender as me? Well done, Ubisoft. Well done. I’m slow clapping, just so you know, as it is hard to translate that into text.
Being able to choose your gender in Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is also a big deal. This is a franchise that usually makes that choice for you. Considering my penchant for wanting to see every romance option available, I might even play the game multiple times as men and women, just to enjoy everything. This probably isn’t the result Ubisoft was aiming for, when they decided to give players the option to choose, but considering it could be giving it more replayable for at least one person is a nice bonus, I’m sure.
Assassin’s Creed ‘s shift only began with Origins and is continuing into Odyssey. I can’t help but wonder what might be come next. Maybe this is a gradual incline? While Odyssey might not have nudity, perhaps the next title in the franchise will? I won’t be able to play with some luscious lumps in Ancient Greece,but perhaps I will in another location someday. The future is Assassin’s Creed ‘s oyster, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.
So far, this is all sunshine and rainbows, or rather boobs and lust. I know there are many who will see Odyssey ‘s inclusion of romance as a shoe-horned effort to please certain audiences. An Assassin’s Creed title has never included it, so why in the world would they start now? Some people don’t like romance or sex in their video games. “Just give me the action!” they cry. And this is a fair point. I’ve mentioned before that having scaling options for this sort of thing would be really appealing. I don’t think Ubisoft will do that with Assassin’s Creed , but that could be to their detriment. Anyone who doesn’t want the romance might skip Odyssey all together.
What do you think of Ubisoft’s decision regarding Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey ? Do you think they should shove off with their romance and gender choices? Or are you thinking of giving the franchise another chance because of it? I’ll see you in the comments below!