After a considerable hiatus, I’m pleased to return with a review of Assassins Creed: Mirage, the latest installment in one of my preferred gaming franchises.
In this iteration, we follow the journey of Basim Ibn Ishaq. The name should resonate, particularly with dedicated fans of the series, as Basim was introduced in Assassins Creed: Valhalla. Mirage allows us to explore Basim’s narrative, set approximately a decade prior to his encounter with Eivor.
The game opens with Basim operating as a pickpocket in Anbar. He and his associate, Nehal, undertake various tasks for “The Hidden Ones.” Dissatisfied with his current circumstances, Basim aspires to join the brotherhood and intercepts information related to a recent assignment. This leads to significant complications, compelling him to seek refuge with the assassin Roshan at The Hidden Ones’ stronghold in Alamut, where he commences his training.
Concerning the game’s visual presentation, the cinematic sequences remain impressive, showcasing strong character development and detailed environments. While the general gameplay graphics are competent, a comparison with Valhalla reveals a slight dip in quality. To be clear, the Assassins Creed series generally sets a high bar for graphical fidelity, and Mirage is visually appealing. However, its Iraqi setting bears notable similarities to Assassins Creed: Origins, potentially leading to a sense of familiarity. In summary, the presentation is adequate but lacks significant innovation, offering a largely iterative experience.
My primary concerns with AC: Mirage center on two aspects. Firstly, certain bugs persist from Valhalla, such as object clipping issues. The recurrence of these issues is somewhat disappointing. Secondly, the removal of the option to select a male or female protagonist is a notable change. While this does not fundamentally detract from the narrative, the exclusion of this feature is regrettable.
The gameplay experience evokes a sense of nostalgia, as the developers have seemingly returned to the core tenets of the original Assassin’s Creed. Stealth is paramount for successful mission completion. Players must blend into crowds, utilize cover, and strategically employ diversions to avoid detection. The removal of ranged combat options necessitates close-quarters engagements. The enhanced game mechanics introduce a layer of challenge that encourages careful planning and reconnaissance. Furthermore, the smaller game world, compared to recent installments, streamlines navigation and reduces travel time, addressing a common point of frustration in previous entries.
Finally, I would like to commend the voice acting. The actors deliver compelling performances, adding depth and nuance to the characters. The subtle variations in accents and pronunciations contribute to a more immersive experience, requiring closer attention to the dialogue. Overall, Assassins Creed: Mirage is a well-crafted game that balances challenge and enjoyment. With its captivating narrative, historical elements, and visually appealing environments, I recommend it to those considering a foray into this title.
Ubisoft provided a review code for this analysis. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial judgment.
