In this article, we will compare two of the most recent and acclaimed entries in the series: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins. These two games represent a major shift in the direction and design of the franchise, as they introduce more RPG elements, such as dialogue choices, branching quests, skill trees, and multiple endings. They also feature vast and beautiful open worlds that are rich in detail and diversity.

But which one is better? Which one should you play first? Which one offers more value and enjoyment? These are the questions that we will try to answer in this article. We will compare and contrast the two games in various aspects, such as story, characters, setting, gameplay, graphics, and DLC. We will also provide some tips and recommendations for both new and veteran players of the series.

AC Odyssey vs Origins Story

The story is one of the most important aspects of any Assassin’s Creed game, as it provides the context and motivation for the player’s actions. It also connects the historical events and characters with the modern-day storyline and the overarching conflict between the Assassins and the Templars.

Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins is set in ancient Egypt, during the Ptolemaic period, around 49-47 BCE. It tells the origin story of the Assassin Brotherhood, through the eyes of Bayek, a Medjay (a sort of ancient Egyptian police officer) who seeks revenge for the murder of his son by a mysterious group called the Order of the Ancients. Along the way, he meets and interacts with historical figures such as Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Ptolemy XIII, and uncovers the secrets of the ancient civilization and the First Civilization (a precursor race that created the Pieces of Eden, powerful artifacts that can manipulate reality).

The story of Origins is well-written, emotional, and compelling. It explores themes such as family, justice, freedom, and destiny. It also shows the formation and evolution of the Assassin’s Creed, the core philosophy and ideology of the Brotherhood. Bayek is a likable and relatable protagonist, who undergoes a significant character arc throughout the game. He is supported by a cast of memorable and diverse characters, such as his wife Aya, his friend Hepzefa, and his mentor Apollodorus.

Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is set in ancient Greece, during the Peloponnesian War, around 431-404 BCE. It follows the adventures of either Alexios or Kassandra, a mercenary and a descendant of the legendary Spartan king Leonidas, who gets involved in a conflict between the Cult of Kosmos, a secret organization that seeks to control the world through the Pieces of Eden, and the Pythagorean Brotherhood, a group of scientists and philosophers who study the ancient civilization and the First Civilization. Along the way, they meet and interact with historical figures such as Socrates, Pericles, Herodotus, and Hippocrates, and discover their true heritage and destiny.

The story of Odyssey is more complex, branching, and customizable than Origins. It features multiple endings, depending on the player’s choices and actions throughout the game. It also introduces dialogue options, which allow the player to shape the personality and relationships of the protagonist. The player can also choose to romance certain characters, regardless of their gender. However, some of the choices and consequences are not very clear or consistent, and some of the endings are not very satisfying or coherent. The story also suffers from pacing and tonal issues, as it tries to balance the serious and the humorous aspects of the game.

The protagonist of Odyssey is more charismatic, witty, and expressive than Bayek, but also less grounded and realistic. They are essentially a blank slate, who can be molded by the player’s preferences. They are supported by a cast of interesting and diverse characters, such as their adoptive father Nikolaos, their sibling Deimos, their friend Barnabas, and their mentor Markos.

AC Odyssey vs Origins Setting

The setting is another important aspect of any Assassin’s Creed game, as it provides the backdrop and the atmosphere for the player’s exploration and immersion. It also showcases the historical and cultural aspects of the time and place where the game takes place.

Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins features a stunning and detailed recreation of ancient Egypt, spanning from the Nile Delta to the Siwa Oasis, from the pyramids of Giza to the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, from the bustling city of Alexandria to the desolate desert of the White Desert. The game captures the beauty and diversity of the land, the architecture, the wildlife, and the people of Egypt. It also depicts the political and social turmoil of the era, as the country is torn between the rival factions of Ptolemy XIII and Cleopatra, and the looming threat of the Roman invasion.

The game also allows the player to explore the hidden and mysterious aspects of the ancient civilization and the First Civilization, such as the temples, the tombs, the vaults, and the artifacts. The game also features a Discovery Tour mode, which lets the player learn more about the history and culture of ancient Egypt, through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features a sprawling and diverse recreation of ancient Greece, spanning from the islands of the Aegean Sea to the mountains of the Peloponnese, from the city-states of Athens and Sparta to the mythical realms of Elysium and Atlantis. The game captures the beauty and variety of the land, the architecture, the wildlife, and the people of Greece. It also depicts the historical and cultural aspects of the era, such as the philosophy, the art, the religion, and the warfare of the Greeks.

The game also allows the player to explore the fantastical and mythical aspects of the ancient civilization and the First Civilization, such as the creatures, the gods, the heroes, and the artifacts. The game also features a Discovery Tour mode, which lets the player learn more about the history and culture of ancient Greece, through guided tours and interactive exhibits.

AC Odyssey vs Origins Gameplay

The gameplay is the core and the most fun aspect of any Assassin’s Creed game, as it provides the mechanics and the features that the player can use and enjoy in the game. It also defines the style and the challenge of the game.

Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins features a revamped and improved gameplay system, that introduces more RPG elements, such as leveling, looting, crafting, and upgrading. The game also features a new combat system, that is more dynamic, responsive, and skill-based than the previous games. The game offers a variety of weapons, such as swords, axes, spears, bows, and hidden blades, that have different stats, perks, and effects. The game also features a new stealth system, that is more flexible, creative, and rewarding than the previous games. The game allows the player to use various tools and tactics, such as smoke bombs, sleep darts, fire bombs, and traps, to assassinate, distract, or incapacitate enemies. The game also features a new eagle vision system, that lets the player use Bayek’s pet eagle Senu, to scout, mark, and track enemies and targets.

The game also features a variety of activities and quests, that are more diverse, engaging, and meaningful than the previous games. The game offers main quests, side quests, world quests, and activities, that have different objectives, stories, and rewards. The game also features a dynamic world, that reacts to the player’s actions and choices, and changes according to the time of day and the weather. The game also features a photo mode, that lets the player capture and share the beauty and the moments of the game.

Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features an expanded and enhanced gameplay system, that builds upon the foundations of Origins, and adds more RPG elements, such as dialogue choices, branching quests, multiple endings, and romance options. The game also features a refined combat system, that is more fluid, varied, and customizable than Origins. The game offers a wider range of weapons, such as daggers, swords, axes, spears, bows, and staffs, that have different stats, perks, and effects. The game also features a new skill system, that lets the player unlock and use various abilities, such as Sparta Kick, Rush Assassination, and Hero Strike, that have different effects and cooldowns. The game also features a new mercenary system, that lets the player encounter and fight various mercenaries, who have different ranks, strengths, and weaknesses, and who can be recruited, bribed, or killed.

The game also features a variety of activities and quests, that are more abundant, complex, and consequential than Origins. The game offers main quests, side quests, world quests, and activities, that have different objectives, stories, and outcomes, depending on the player’s choices and actions. The game also features a dynamic world, that reacts to the player’s actions and choices, and changes according to the war situation and the region’s leader. The game also features a naval system, that lets the player sail and customize their own ship, the Adrestia, and engage in naval combat and exploration. The game also features a photo mode, that lets the player capture and share the beauty and the moments of the game.

AC Odyssey vs Origins Graphics

The graphics are the visual and the aesthetic aspect of any Assassin’s Creed game, as they provide the realism and the immersion for the player’s experience. They also showcase the technical and artistic achievements of the game developers.

Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins features stunning and realistic graphics, that bring ancient Egypt to life. The game uses a new version of the Anvil engine, that improves the lighting, the shadows, the textures, and the animations of the game. The game also uses a new dynamic weather system, that creates various effects, such as sandstorms, rain, fog, and heat waves. The game also uses a new water system, that creates realistic and interactive water effects, such as waves, reflections, and ripples. The game also features a high level of detail and variety, in terms of the environments, the characters, the animals, and the objects of the game.

The game also supports 4K resolution and HDR on compatible devices, such as the Xbox One X and the PlayStation 4 Pro, which enhance the sharpness and the contrast of the game. The game also supports Dolby Atmos on compatible devices, which enhance the sound quality and the surround effect of the game.

Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features impressive and beautiful graphics, that bring ancient Greece to life. The game uses the same version of the Anvil engine as Origins, but with some improvements and optimizations. The game also uses a new dynamic world system, that creates various effects, such as day and night cycles, seasons, and regional variations. The game also uses a new naval system, that creates realistic and interactive naval effects, such as wind, waves, and collisions. The game also features a high level of detail and variety, in terms of the environments, the characters, the animals, and the objects of the game.

The game also supports 4K resolution and HDR on compatible devices, such as the Xbox One X and the PlayStation 4 Pro, which enhance the sharpness and the contrast of the game. The game also supports Dolby Atmos on compatible devices, which enhance the sound quality and the surround effect of the game.

AC Odyssey vs Origins DLC

The DLC (downloadable content) is the additional and optional content that can be purchased and downloaded for any Assassin’s Creed game, as it provides more gameplay and story content for the player’s enjoyment. It also expands and enriches the game’s universe and lore.

Origins

Assassin’s Creed Origins features two major DLCs, that are included in the game’s season pass, or can be bought separately. They are:

• The Hidden Ones: This DLC is set four years after the events of the main game, and follows Bayek and the Assassin Brotherhood as they travel to the Sinai Peninsula, where they clash with the Roman forces. The DLC features a new region, new quests, new enemies, new weapons, and new outfits. The DLC also raises the level cap from 40 to 45.
• The Curse of the Pharaohs: This DLC is set three years after the events of the main game, and follows Bayek as he investigates a mysterious curse that plagues the Theban region, where he encounters the undead pharaohs and their mythical beasts. The DLC features a new region, new quests, new enemies, new weapons, and new outfits. The DLC also raises the level cap from 45 to 55.

The game also features several minor DLCs, that are either free or paid, and provide additional content, such as outfits, weapons, mounts, and modes. Some of them are:

• The Trials of the Gods: This is a free DLC that lets the player fight against giant god-like bosses, such as Anubis, Sobek, and Sekhmet, and earn exclusive rewards.
• The Discovery Tour: This is a free DLC that lets the player explore the world of ancient Egypt without any combat or quests, and learn more about its history and culture, through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
• The Horus Pack: This is a paid DLC that provides a new outfit, a new mount, and four new weapons, all themed around the Egyptian god Horus.
• The Roman Centurion Pack: This is a paid DLC that provides a new outfit, a new mount, and four new weapons, all themed around the Roman army.

Odyssey

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey features two major DLCs, that are included in the game’s season pass, or can be bought separately. They are:

• Legacy of the First Blade: This DLC is divided into three episodes, and follows the protagonist as they encounter Darius, the first wielder of the hidden blade, and his son Natakas, who reveal more about the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order. The DLC features new regions, new quests, new enemies, new weapons, and new outfits. The DLC also raises the level cap from 50 to 70.
• The Fate of Atlantis: This DLC is divided into three episodes, and follows the protagonist as they explore the mythical realms of Elysium, the Underworld, and Atlantis, where they meet the Isu, the members of the First Civilization, and learn more about their heritage and destiny. The DLC features new regions, new quests, new enemies, new weapons, and new outfits. The DLC also raises the level cap from 70 to 99.

The game also features several minor DLCs, that are either free or paid, and provide additional content, such as outfits, weapons, mounts, and modes. Some of them are:

• The Lost Tales of Greece: This is a free DLC that adds several side quests, that feature new stories and characters, and provide more insight into the protagonist’s life and relationships.
• The Story Creator Mode: This is a free DLC that lets the player create and share their own quests, using a web-based tool that allows them to customize the dialogue, the objectives, the rewards, and the conditions of the quests.
• The Spartan Renegade Pack: This is a paid DLC that provides a new outfit, a new mount, and four new weapons, all themed around the Spartan rebels.
• The Hellenic Pack: This is a paid DLC that provides a new outfit, a new mount, and four new weapons, all themed around the ancient Greek culture.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins are both excellent and enjoyable games, that offer hours of gameplay and content for the fans of the series and the genre. They are both similar and different in many ways, and they both have their strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the choice between them depends on the player’s preferences and expectations.

If the player prefers a more historical and realistic game, with a more emotional and compelling story, a more grounded and relatable protagonist, and a more refined and improved gameplay system, then they might enjoy Origins more.

If the player prefers a more fantastical and mythical game, with a more complex and customizable story, a more charismatic and expressive protagonist, and a more abundant and varied gameplay system, then they might enjoy Odyssey more.

Either way, the player will not be disappointed by either game, as they both deliver a high-quality and immersive experience, that will satisfy and entertain the player.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins, and their answers.

• Q: Which game is longer and bigger?
• A: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is longer and bigger than Assassin’s Creed Origins, in terms of the map size, the quest quantity, and the gameplay duration. Odyssey’s map is about 130 km2, while Origins’ map is about 80 km2. Odyssey’s main story takes about 40 hours to complete, while Origins’ main story takes about 30 hours to complete. Odyssey’s total content takes about 100 hours to complete, while Origins’ total content takes about 60 hours to complete.
• Q: Which game is harder and more challenging?
• A: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is harder and more challenging than Assassin’s Creed Origins, in terms of the combat difficulty, the enemy variety, and the game mechanics. Odyssey’s combat is more fluid and varied, but also more demanding and unforgiving, as the enemies are more aggressive and resilient, and the player has to manage their health, adrenaline, and abilities. Odyssey’s enemies are more diverse and unique, as they include mercenaries, cultists, mythical creatures, and naval forces, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Odyssey’s game mechanics are more complex and consequential, as they include dialogue choices, branching quests, multiple endings, and war situations, each with their own effects and outcomes.
• Q: Which game is better and more fun?
• A: Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins are both better and more fun in different ways, and it is hard to say which one is objectively superior or inferior. It depends on the player’s preferences and expectations, and what they are looking for in a game. Some players might prefer Origins, while others might prefer Odyssey. Some players might enjoy both games equally, while others might dislike both games. The best way to find out which game is better and more fun for the player is to try them both and see for themselves.

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