Ubisoft’s latest instalment in the Assassin’s Creed series, “Mirage,” promised a return to the franchise’s roots. With a focus on stealth, assassinations, and a richly constructed world, it seemed like a refreshing change from the recent action-packed titles. However, while the game does bring back some of the beloved elements from the earlier games, it struggles to rise above mediocrity, offering an experience that feels all too familiar.
Key Highlights:
- “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” emphasizes stealth and assassinations.
- The game is set in ninth-century Baghdad, with the protagonist, Basim ibn Ishaq, navigating the world of assassins and templars.
- Authenticity is a strong point, with NPCs conversing in Arabic and the game showcasing Arabic culture.
- The game offers contracts that cater to different playstyles: combat, stealth, or a mix of both.
- Technical issues, including game crashes, have been reported by players.
A Dive into Mirage:
The game’s protagonist, Basim ibn Ishaq, is a street thief who becomes embroiled in the eternal conflict between the assassins (referred to as “Hidden Ones” in this installment) and the templars. One of the standout features of “Mirage” is the parkour mechanics, allowing Basim to navigate the cityscape of Baghdad with ease. The game also doesn’t shy away from its Arabic setting, with NPCs engaging in full conversations in Arabic and the dialogue sprinkled with Arabic terms.
Ubisoft’s attempt to return to the series’ origins is evident in the gameplay mechanics. Players are encouraged to use stealth and cunning over brute force. For instance, contracts in the game can be approached in various ways, allowing players to choose a method that aligns with their playstyle. Whether it’s a stealthy approach, avoiding kills, or going in guns blazing, the game offers flexibility in how missions are tackled.
Technical Hiccups:
While “Mirage” offers a nostalgic experience for long-time fans of the series, it’s not without its flaws. Players have reported technical issues, including frequent game crashes, especially on the Series S console. Whether these issues are due to the pre-launch version or are inherent to the game remains to be seen.
Summary:
“Assassin’s Creed Mirage” attempts to bring the franchise back to its stealthy roots, focusing on a richly constructed world set in ninth-century Baghdad. While it succeeds in some areas, offering players a more authentic experience and gameplay that emphasizes stealth and strategy, it falls short in others, marred by technical issues and a sense of familiarity. It remains to be seen if Ubisoft can address these issues in future updates or if “Mirage” will remain a shadow of its predecessors.
