Assassin’s Creed: Mirage marks the thirteenth main installment in the iconic Assassin’s Creed series, and it brings players back in time to explore the vibrant and bustling world of 9th-century Baghdad. Developed by Ubisoft, this game offers a fresh perspective on the series, with a focus on stealth, mystery, and exploration. In this overview, we’ll dive into the game’s intriguing plot, captivating gameplay, and the unique experiences it offers.
Plot Synopsis
Set in the 9th century CE, Mirage immerses players in the heart of Baghdad, a city at the peak of its glory, flourishing in science, art, innovation, and commerce. Amid the urban hustle and bustle, you take on the role of Basim, a young orphan grappling with a tragic past. Survival in these streets requires more than quick wits—it demands cunning and a thirst for justice.
Basim, portrayed as a cunning street thief with haunting visions, embarks on a journey that will take him far beyond the city’s boundaries. After an act of retribution, he finds himself on the run and eventually joins an ancient organization known as The Hidden Ones. Through these experiences, Basim will develop unique abilities, uncover his true identity, and embrace a new Creed—one that will alter his destiny in unimaginable ways.
Gameplay
Mirage offers a prequel to the events of its predecessor, Valhalla, taking us 20 years back in time. As players, we embody Basim Ibn Ishaq, with gender choices, dialogue options, and relationship possibilities removed. The eagle Sýnin is replaced by Enkidu, the Eastern imperial eagle, providing invaluable assistance to Basim.
Baghdad takes center stage as the primary setting, with occasional visits to the Alamut fortress. The game reintroduces “Black Box” missions, allowing players to explore their surroundings and discover various methods to approach and eliminate their targets. The notoriety system returns, influencing Basim’s missions and adding depth to the gameplay.
Weapons
To aid him in his quest, Basim carries a diverse array of weapons and tools, including smoke bombs, the iconic Hidden Blade, a blowpipe with darts, mines, throwing knives, noise makers, and more. Unlike previous titles in the series, Mirage removes the leveling and XP system, focusing instead on tool improvement. To enhance these tools, Basim turns to the Banū Mūsā brothers. A skill tree lets players choose the effects for each weapon or tool. A new combat mechanic, “Assassin Focus,” offers enhanced abilities, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.
A Short Journey Through History
Mirage provides a glimpse into the prelude of the Zanj Rebellion, a significant historical event in Baghdad’s past. The city teems with vibrant civilian crowds, reminiscent of the atmosphere in Assassin’s Creed: Unity. While Basim’s movements are built on the Valhalla engine, they have been fine-tuned for a more fluid parkour experience, reminiscent of Arno Dorian’s free-running in the French Revolution
A Different Perspective on Storytelling
Uniquely, Mirage does not intertwine its storyline with a modern-day plot element, except for a framing device that appears at the beginning and end of the game. Contracts for assassination targets and hiding places make a return, along with optional challenges. The introduction of enemy archers adds another layer of complexity, as they can target Basim’s eagle, disrupting the Eagle Vision.
Exploring the Ubisoft Connect Store
In addition to its compelling gameplay and intriguing narrative, Assassin’s Creed: Mirage opens the doors to the Ubisoft Connect Store. Here, players gain access to an inventory of cosmetic downloads, allowing you to personalize your in-game experience. Some of these cosmetics can be purchased with real-world currency, adding a touch of flair to your character’s appearance. Moreover, the Ubisoft Connect Store offers legendary costumes of iconic Assassins like Ezio Auditore da Firenze and Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad. To obtain these legendary outfits, players can use Ubisoft Units, adding a touch of nostalgia and prestige to your character.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage promises to take players on a remarkable journey through a meticulously recreated historical setting, offering an unparalleled experience in stealth and intrigue. With a focus on Basim’s character development and his quest for justice, it’s a must-play title for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Ubisoft’s return to a more traditional Assassin’s Creed experience in this prequel has piqued the interest of many, and for good reason. The game’s rich storyline, immersive world, and reimagined gameplay make it a standout entry in the beloved franchise. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just stepping into the world of Assassins, Mirage is sure to offer an unforgettable adventure.
In concluding this overview of Assassin’s Creed: Mirage, it’s essential to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our friends at MSI Malaysia. They went above and beyond when they learned about our quest to obtain a copy of the game for review. Their generosity shone through as they not only provided us with the game but also equipped us with a fully built MSI PC. We would like to take this opportunity to say a resounding thank you to the incredible team at MSI Malaysia for their support and generosity. You guys are simply awesome!
Best Paired With
For those eager to embark on this thrilling Assassin’s Creed adventure, the ideal companions are none other than the impressive MSI gaming hardware. We recommend experiencing Mirage with the remarkable MSI MEG 342C QD OLED, the cutting-edge MAG A850GL PCIE5 WHITE, and the powerful GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GAMING X SLIM WHITE 12G. These components will undoubtedly elevate your gaming experience to new heights.
May your stealthy endeavors in Assassin’s Creed: Mirage be both thrilling and rewarding. Remember, “Nothing is true; everything is permitted.”
