So, first off, clearly it was a bad decision to start up this blog again at the same time that I moved home, moved jobs, and just in general had a lot going on. No Internet for about a week, no pc for almost a month, and no motivation for all of it. Not that I wasn't excited, I was just exhausted. But, hey-ho, I'm back now, and ready to roll. So, sorry for the monumentous delay, and without further ado, my issue with the setting of Assassin's Creed: Origins.
In and of itself, its fine. Just want to get that out there. The Roman Civil war (technically, like, the fourteenth, but shhhh) is a great time period, fluff of figures who's names we still know to this day, and features a land of great history and culture, barely remembered by the inhabitants, being forced into the ‘modern’ world by foreign rulers. The Hellenic cities of Alexandria and Heliopolis contrast beautifully with the Egyptian Memphis and even Latin Kyrenaika. The ancient ruins that dot the map give a great impression of the massive history buried beneath the sand.
However, that being said… They had three millennia of Unified Egyptian history to work with. Even longer if you want to mess about with the Upper and Lower Nile Kingdoms. Why didn't they use any of that? It was quite weird, I thought, when the DLC came out based on the New Kingdom, and absolutely ridiculous now that Odyssey, a prequel set in Greece, has been released. Ignoring the fact that a prequel to an origin story makes no sense, why would you only use the last decade or so of Egyptian history if you're going to use one of the earliest periods of classical Greek history.
I can appreciate why, to some extent, but I just feel that it's, well… Odd. And not exactly wrong, but I disagree with it. So, here I'd like to present you with a few alternatives that I have thought up.
- The Heretic King
Pharaoh Akhenaten has introduced monotheism to Egypt, supplanting the traditional priesthood with a Caste loyal only to their prophet. Bayek must ally himself to the Pharaohs heir, Tutakhaten, to return the Kingdom to the true gods. Along the way, he realises that these Priests wield artifacts of immense power, and he vows that they shall never lay hands on such a weapon again.
Given that they made a piece of DLC that dealt with exactly this, they clearly felt that it was interesting enough to build a narrative around, so why didn't they just commit to it? It could even have used mostly the same story, with only the names and era changing.
2. The Rise of Ramesses
Bayek returns from campaign under his Pharaoh to ensure the loyalty of his realm. Several of the Nobles have forgotten their vows, instead joining a mysterious cult. As Bayek uncovers the true purpose of the cult, he founds a brotherhood , the Hidden Ones, to prevent this Order of Ancients from fulfilling their sinister goals.
Alternatively, this could work under Pharaoh Thutmose - known colloquially as the Napoleon of Ancient Egypt. Either way, it would begin with Bayek working his way either up or down the Nile, working as the Pharaoh's personal assassin, and later becoming a forgotten hero to the masses.
3. The Kingdom's Collapse
As another Dynasty comes to an end, the land is left divided, chaotic, and on the brink of collapse. Central authority is all but forgotten, and local rulers accept no sovereignty above their own. In this time of uncertainty, Bayek seeks to maintain the last threads of peace and law.
Historically, Egyptian history 🏝 divided into three Periods - The Old Kingdom, the Middle Kingdom, and the New Kingdom. Each lasted for around half a millennia through several dynasties before they lost control, leading to around two-three hundred years of civil war, competing kingdoms, and outside interference. In any of these, there is assuredly a place for an origin story. Bayek could well have been a man who realised that the Pharaohs were not so divine as they seemed, and that it was down to him to protect his people. Perhaps, even more so, his ally could have founded the Order of Ancients - the first half of the story could have been the two of them fighting side by side to create a better civilisation, before ideological differences - and pieces of Eden - lead them down different paths, Bayek choosing freedom from a despot while his friend chooses order and collective safety.
There we are, three - or six, depending on how you view them - alternative time periods to set the game so that the title makes sense. And are still interesting, perhaps even more so.
Anyway, I'm sorry that took so long as I said, I was ridiculously busy - and kinda lazy too - but I hope that you've enjoyed my little three-part rant on one of my. most-played games this year. Maybe one day I can just appreciate things that I enjoy…
But for now, hope that you've enjoyed reading this. Hopefully I'll be back sooner with something interesting. But for the moment, thanks again and goodbye.
Volodanti out.
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