The Assassin’s Creed franchise has been a cornerstone of open-world gaming for over a decade, offering players a rich tapestry of historical settings, stealth action, and gripping narratives. With the release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Ubisoft takes fans back to the essence of what made the series iconic—a focus on stealth, exploration, and intricate storytelling.
Set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Golden Age of Islam, Mirage offers players a vibrant and bustling urban environment, filled with narrow streets, sprawling markets, and stunning architecture. The game centers around Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character fans may recognize from Assassin's Creed Valhalla, in his earlier years as a cunning street thief. Players witness his transformation into a master assassin under the tutelage of the Hidden Ones. This setting offers a perfect playground for stealth mechanics, parkour, and the classic blend of historical intrigue and Assassin-vs-Templar conflict.
One of the standout features of Mirage is its return to the franchise's roots. While recent entries in the series—like Odyssey and Valhalla—adopted RPG elements, Mirage simplifies things with a more focused narrative and streamlined gameplay. Gone are the sprawling skill trees and loot systems, replaced by a refined experience centered around stealth, assassination, and exploration. The return of iconic tools like smoke bombs, throwing knives, and the signature Hidden Blade feels like a breath of fresh air for long-time fans. The developers have also enhanced parkour, allowing for smoother movement across the rooftops and tighter control in tight spaces.
Baghdad in Mirage is more than just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing character in the game. Every corner of the city is filled with life, from merchants haggling in the bazaar to scholars debating in the House of Wisdom. Ubisoft has spared no detail in recreating the cultural and architectural splendor of the time, offering a historically rich environment for players to explore. The dynamic day-night cycle and bustling crowds create opportunities for players to blend into the environment, escape pursuit, or plan the perfect assassination.
Unlike the sprawling worlds of recent Assassin’s Creed titles, Mirage offers a more compact and tightly designed experience, with a playtime of around 20-30 hours. This makes it ideal for players who want a focused, story-driven game that doesn’t demand endless hours of grinding.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage feels like a love letter to the fans who fell in love with the franchise's earlier entries. Its dedication to storytelling, stealth, and parkour shows a clear intent to recapture the magic of Assassin’s Creed II and Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood, while still introducing modern polish and innovations.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is available now for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Whether you’re a veteran of the franchise or a newcomer intrigued by its historical intrigue, Mirage promises a captivating journey through the heart of one of history’s most fascinating periods.
