Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Tribute to the Origins of the Franchise

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the latest installment in the popular action-adventure stealth series by Ubisoft. It is a standalone game that does not require any previous knowledge of the franchise, but it is also a tribute to the original game that started it all in 2007. In this post, we will explore what Assassin’s Creed Mirage is, how it differs from the recent games, and why it is worth playing.

What is Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set in the 9th century, during the Golden Age of Baghdad, a period of cultural, scientific, and artistic flourishing under the Abbasid Caliphate. You play as Basim, a young street thief who joins the Assassins, a secret organization that fights against the Templars, a rival faction that seeks to control the world through a mysterious artifact called the Apple of Eden.

Mirage is a narrative-driven game that focuses on Basim’s personal journey from a rebellious orphan to a master assassin with a conflicted destiny. You will meet historical figures such as Al-Ma’mun, the caliph of Baghdad; Al-Khwarizmi, the father of algebra; and Al-Jahiz, the pioneer of evolutionary biology. You will also discover the secrets of the ancient civilization that created the Apple of Eden and the origins of the Assassin’s Creed.

How Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage Differ from the Recent Games?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a departure from the recent games in the series, such as Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, which adopted more role-playing elements and open-world exploration. Mirage is more reminiscent of the older games, such as the Ezio trilogy, which was more linear and story-focused.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage does away with the leveling system, the skill tree, the loot system, and the dialogue choices that were present in the recent games. Instead, it relies on the core gameplay mechanics that defined the franchise, such as parkour, stealth, and assassinations. You will have access to a variety of tools and weapons, such as the hidden blade, the throwing knives, the smoke bombs, and the crossbow, but you will not be able to upgrade them or customize them. You will also have a limited inventory and a health bar that does not regenerate automatically.

Mirage also features a smaller and more detailed map than the recent games. The game is set in the city of Baghdad, which is divided into four districts, each with its own landmarks, architecture, and atmosphere. You will be able to explore the city on foot, on horseback, or by boat, but you will not be able to travel to other regions or countries. The game also has a day and night cycle and a dynamic weather system, which affects the gameplay and the visuals.

Why Should You Play Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

Mirage is a game that appeals to both fans and newcomers to the franchise. If you are a fan of the older games, you will enjoy the return to the roots of the series and the homage to the original game that started it all. You will also appreciate the references and connections to the lore and the characters of the franchise and the deeper exploration of the Assassin’s Creed. If you are a newcomer to the series, you will enjoy the immersive and engaging story, the rich and vibrant setting, and the satisfying and challenging gameplay.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a game that offers a unique and memorable experience that combines historical accuracy, artistic creativity, and gameplay innovation. It is a game that celebrates the culture and achievements of the Golden Age of Baghdad and the legacy and philosophy of the Assassin’s Creed.