Assassin’s Creed Mirage from Ubisoft Bordeaux is the next game to follow in AC Valhalla’s wake, but it sounds like a different beast entirely. Thankfully, Ubisoft has gone straight back to the games’ roots in a bold move focusing on action-adventure and stealth/parkour over its more recent RPG-infused outings.
Despite its clear influences, Mirage represents a major departure from the saga by eschewing the RPG progression systems that have become synonymous with Ubisoft’s open-world approach to historical settings. Marketed as a spinoff, it is designed to have the core pillars of each Assassin’s Creed game represented. If this change goes ahead, Mirage could mark the final farewell to RPG mechanics in the franchise as Ubisoft reconfigures what its series represents.
A Change in Direction
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is Ubisoft’s latest installment in their flagship franchise, aiming to bring gamers back to a model of the once beloved game. Instead, its recent outings opted for a more RPG-focused angle that led to some thrilling tales and fun times created by Ubisoft. Still, the RPG route was not without its faults as it cost the game some of what made Assassin’s Creed feel like an assassin.
Mirage sends players back to stealth action and parkour, with elements of other games in the series worked into it. You can expect the new direction to be a return to form, with its developer promising that.
Mirage Settings & Locations
Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes us to the grandeur of Baghdad, 20 years before AC Valhalla, where you will be introduced to the vibrant environment of this city. The story plays out as we see Basim go from being a lowly street thief to becoming one of the key members of the mysterious Hidden Ones gang.
Ubisoft did not hold back on the graphics either. This level of specificity sets the scene for a bustling Baghdad 861 AD when the city was at its height and divided into four factions. The industrial and garden districts have been revealed, but every district has been painstakingly designed to promote stealth and parkour.
Expect bigger crowds and lots of chances to explore the town. One such stronghold is the imposing fortress of Alamut, which has now been officially confirmed as a location in the game and will act as headquarters for the Assassin Order. Located in a picturesque valley, this fortress offers wide, explorable natural environments. Additionally, Basim’s journey crosses paths with several historical figures that add an extra layer to the story.
Mirage Gameplay, Narrative & Weapons
There’s not much detail in Ubisoft’s explosive debut trailer about the storyline, but it is described as a really well-made (albeit narrative-driven) game. Basim has a tragic past, haunted by enemies of Djinn and sharing nightmares. It also features his mentor, Roshan, a former Persian slave turned top assassin.
With the change of tone to a more stealth-oriented design for Mirage, we will not be seeing character and weapon RPG-like level-ups. Stealth takes center stage in which you use larger crowds to blend, sneak up on ingress points or targets, and once they are clear, dispose of them and then disappear from the enemies’ look.
Players will have social stealth, kill multiple targets, slow down time, and pole vault. Basim will also require a few side quest variations, removing minor targets and bribing guards, locating hints, or eavesdropping on conversations to dismantle larger objectives as well.
Ubisoft has also showcased gas mines and smoke bombs to help you get unstuck from some bad situations faster. Lastly, there’s Enkidu, a scavenger bird that Basim can call on to grant him an eagle friend with the benefit of letting Basim view high up even higher than any towers he would climb. Tools can be upgraded by gamers, and those who preorder will receive the 40 Thieves add-on content. Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
