Let me start by saying that I am not a fan of the Assassin's Creed series. I only completed the first part at one time, so the review is based purely on impressions specifically from Odyssey in isolation from other games. As soon as I saw this game, I immediately wanted to play it - an action RPG in a seamless game world and ancient scenery! Unfortunately, I was able to play it only now due to a belated PC upgrade, but I’m still impressed.
We are allowed to plunge headlong into the era of Ancient Greece - you often forget that this is even AC, drawing parallels more with some third Witcher. No, seriously, there is a large game world here, a lot of quests and dialogues, however, in the additional quests they are quite monotonous, and in the story ones, either the voice actors greatly overact, or this was intended. AS Odyssey is The Witcher 3 without magic and monsters, but with parkour and ancient scenery.
Of course, over time the wow effect wears off, and you begin to notice that the additional quests are very monotonous, there is grinding (I can’t say that it’s crazy and absolutely obligatory, but still), but the game is still impressive and after two dozen hours of playthrough. And all the marvelous landscapes, involuntarily forcing you to admire them, take screenshots and continue your wanderings.
Regarding the gameplay, this is a conventional RPG, rather an action game with elements of a role-playing game, but the game mechanics are implemented very well. The game world is divided into leveled zones, so you know exactly where to go and where it’s better not to meddle (if you remember the aforementioned third Witcher, there are characters and monsters of different levels scattered throughout the map, so you often had to run away with your tail between your legs). Parkour still plays an important role here, although it has changed somewhat. Some will say that you can climb steep cliffs here, but... look at what professional climbers do in real life, and it will stop being so ridiculous. In addition to walking, there are sea voyages and battles designed to diversify the gameplay. Many will say that here all this is geared towards the painful collection of resources and coins to upgrade the ship and equipment, but personally, I can comfortably play without any amplifiers. If you like to wander around the open world, then there will be no problems with this.
Oh, by the way, weapons and any element of armor can be upgraded at the blacksmith - engravings can be applied that give certain combat effects, and equipment can be improved to the player’s current level. If you find a legendary item that loses its relevance after a few levels, you can improve it at the blacksmith. If you don’t upgrade everything and no, no, but take on additional tasks, then there will be enough money and resources.
The story itself is perhaps not the best aspect of the game. It is interesting in its own way, but does not evoke empathy for the characters, partly due to the overacting of the actors. But it seems to me that the story has never been as strong a part of AS as the gameplay. And with him here, as for me, everything is fine.
I recommend it! 8/10