In a year when the first iPhone was released and Prince played “Purple Rain” at a halftime show with actual rain, another momentous cultural shift was taking place. Ubisoft released the first Assassin’s Creed game, which drew mixed reviews for its approach to stealth and action. However, most critics agreed that the game had something special. Now, more than 15 years later, Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes imperfect steps to get back to its roots and restore hope for a version of Assassin’s Creed that fans haven’t seen in nearly a decade.
Stealth is King: Returning to the Basics
Assassin’s Creed Mirage marks a return to the series’ roots in terms of gameplay. Ubisoft has done away with XP-based leveling entirely, meaning that every enemy is just a hidden blade away from doom if players strategize and execute their moves carefully. It’s refreshing to approach each scenario and weigh the options for tackling it based on the various moving parts, rather than simply considering the loot at stake.
The Importance of Precarious Timing and Environment
Early on in the game, the threat of fighting multiple enemies at once is daunting, making sharp timing and creative use of the environment a necessity. The game encourages players to make vigorous use of precariously hanging dock supplies or conveniently placed spice bags to cause enough chaos to cover their moves. This emphasis on environmental manipulation adds an extra layer of complexity to the stealth gameplay, making it more engaging and immersive.
A Mysterious Hero, But a Lackluster Story
The main character of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Basim Avore, is a mysterious figure. However, despite spending over 20 hours learning about his history, he doesn’t become more interesting. His story, while relatively short and linear compared to recent entries in the series, lacks surprises and twists. The villains he confronts in his hunt to track down members of the order of the Ancients are disappointingly one-dimensional, lacking the complexity of past memorable villains from the franchise.
A Well-Crafted Supporting Cast and Environments
While the main character’s story may be lackluster, the supporting cast and the city of Baghdad provide some engaging elements. The different districts of Baghdad feel lived-in and bustling, adding to the sense of immersion that has been missing from recent entries. The city’s busy streets are filled with people to blend in with, and the open homes and hidden alleys provide plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Notoriety and Commotion: Bribing and Rioting
Assassin’s Creed Mirage brings back the notoriety system from older games, scaling up the efforts of guards to take you down based on your wanted level. To escape their watchful eyes, players can remove wanted posters and pay off town criers. Additionally, the game introduces new and returning ways to sneak into fortifications, such as bribing merchants to let you pass or causing distractions to lure your targets into traps.
Combat and Tools: A Slower Pace and Deliberate Approach
The combat in Assassin’s Creed Mirage departs from recent entries, adopting a slower and more deliberate pace. While it may feel jarring at first, the combat system, which focuses on dodging and countering incoming attacks, adds a layer of challenge and strategy. The game offers an array of tools and upgrades to enhance the player’s stealth arsenal. Upgrading these tools increases their effectiveness, allowing for creative approaches to engagement and assassination.
A Smaller Scale, Focused Approach
One noticeable departure from recent Assassin’s Creed entries is the smaller scale and focused approach of Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The game offers a more condensed map, fewer collectibles, and a limited selection of gear. This shift is refreshing, as it deviates from the bloated scale of games like Odyssey and Valhalla, which could take over 100 hours to complete. While the plot may lack depth, the straightforward quest progression and fast pacing compensate for the simplicity of the story.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Mirage successfully takes a step back to the franchise’s stealthy origins, reviving the feeling that earlier games in the series provided. While the game has its imperfections, it was crafted with purpose and delivers a refreshing return to the basics. The engaging stealth gameplay, well-crafted environments, and attention to detail make Assassin’s Creed Mirage a worthwhile experience for fans who may have grown disillusioned with recent entries in the franchise.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers a glimmer of hope that the series can still deliver a version of the game that captivates players, just as it did years ago.