Why Assassin's Creed Origins was necessary for someone like me

Besides it being an absolutely amazing game, AC Origins did way more than just deliver a great gaming experience - it was a bold statement.

Aya & Bayek of Siwa - Movements by themselves, a force when together

Throughout my gaming journey, I immediately fell deep in love with Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed franchise. The very first game I played and purchased for my PlayStation 3 was Assassin's Creed. With Altaïr Ibn-Lahad at the helm, I knew that this was one of the best decisions I made. The years went by and I went from being Ezio to Ratonhnhaké:ton to Edward and finally Bayek & Aya of Siwa. I know that there were many other titles in between Black Flag and Origins, however, I did not get the same feeling of connection and depth as I did with the ones I mentioned. But thank goodness Origins happened, and it couldn't have come at a better time for me.

Origins officially launched in October 2017. This was also around the time that the hype for Black Panther had begun. As a proud black African woman and gamer, I was over the moon. I do no wish to discredit other games and movies that have come in the past, but finally I was going to get to see a strong black African couple as the leads in a massive AAA game. I was going to see a black African superhero. The little black girl inside wanted to explode.

I got to see Black Panther before I got to play Origins (my struggle as a low-budget gamer). I finally got my hands on Origins later in 2018. I still have shivers thinking and writing about this game. The story, the characters, the quest and the authenticity blew me away. I wasn't seeing a black lead character who would eventually become some sidekick for a non-black individual. Instead, I got to play as two consistently and immensely strong and human Africans - Bayek & Aya.

As a couple, it became apparent that these two are #couplegoals. You have a prestigious Medjai , Bayek, who in his own right has earned his respect. Then you get Aya, a strong warrior with a graceful power to her. Together they are not the typical husband and wife; Aya being totally submissive and Bayek being "in charge." Instead, Bayek lovingly yields to the strength of Aya, in a reverence and awe. Never afraid for her to take the lead. In one scene of the game, Bayek refuses to do something deemed too important for a woman to do, because Aya is more than capable of getting it done. According to Bayek, anything he can do, Aya can do and maybe even better. Aya on the other hand, plays the role of being a friend and partner to Bayek. She is unafraid of telling him the truth but also being a source of comfort for him and herself as they go through their pain and struggles. In the highs and lows, they embrace each moment like it was the last. Never losing focus, they stay their courses as individuals but always have each other's backs. I loved witnessing this aspect of the game.

The portrayal of an African culture, rich in beauty and purpose, was incredibly executed. I appreciate Ubisoft's efforts in steering away from the stereotypical and misguided perceptions of Africa. There was a beautiful honesty that was willing to see the dark, the painful and the captivating stories and scenery that are a part of life. I was also in love with a character called Kensa - an amazing combat warrior and gladiator with huge amounts of spirit. This was another empowering moment for me in playing the game. A black woman with zero fear, succeeding at bringing many men to their knees and ultimate demise. She didn't need Bayek, she allowed him to join her in the fights. Mbokodo! (Meaning rcok in isiZulu).

In this day and age, I NEEDED to see heroes that look like me. I cannot express in enough words how grateful I am that Origins was the title that marked the comeback for Assassin's Creed. After finishing the game, I left feeling fulfilled and more confident in my skin and my identity as a black African woman. I not only can be but I am strong. I am beautiful. I am powerful. Just as I am.

I can't wait to see more heroes and leads in gaming like me :)

#ACOrigins #Ubisoft #Bayekofsiwa #Ayaofsiwa #gaming #Blackpanther