Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Stripped-Back Stab, but Does It Hit the Mark?

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Stripped-Back Stab in the Right Direction

The Setting and Storyline

Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the latest iteration of the popular gaming franchise developed by Ubisoft, takes players on a journey to ninth-century Baghdad. In this stripped-back version of the game, players step into the shoes of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a pickpocket-turned-hitman-in-training who is forced to join the Hidden Ones, a group fighting against the secretive Order that seeks power in Baghdad’s upper echelons.

The game’s setting is immersive, with Ubisoft depicting the canals of ninth-century Baghdad, the bustling bazaars, and the clay-brick houses that give players a glimpse into the vibrant world of the time. The attention to detail is evident in the depiction of a dye factory, where workers sweat and toil, creating an arresting visual contrast against the backdrop of the city.

The Morality of Assassinations

One of the interesting aspects of Assassin’s Creed Mirage is how the game presents a moral dichotomy between the assassinations carried out by the player character and those perpetrated by the Order. Ubisoft emphasizes that the murders committed by the player are justified and honorable, as they are carried out on behalf of the people. This distinction adds a philosophical layer to the gameplay, prompting players to ponder the ethics of their actions.

However, the game’s morality becomes questionable when players realize that they can engage in pickpocketing and even steal from the vulnerable, such as nurses in the burns ward of a hospital. The inconsistency in moral messaging raises ethical concerns and shows the limits of the game’s attempt to establish a clear-cut moral framework.

A Return to Simplicity

Assassin’s Creed Mirage marks a departure from the recent trend of bloated extras in the Assassin’s Creed series. Previous installments, such as Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, introduced various systems and gameplay mechanics that sometimes detracted from the core essence of being an assassin. Mirage strips away these complexities and returns to the franchise’s roots.

The combat in Mirage has been simplified, offering players only a sword and a dagger. This streamlined approach encourages stealth gameplay and rewards players for staying undetected rather than engaging in large-scale battles. Furthermore, the addition of Assassin’s Focus as a new gameplay mechanic allows players to chain silent kills, emphasizing the importance of stealth and finesse over brute force.

While the removal of the grand battles and raids found in previous games may disappoint some players, Mirage introduces a new hire system, where players can recruit individuals to assist them in their missions. This feature adds a tactical dimension to the gameplay, enabling players to use distractions and teamwork to overcome heavily guarded targets.

A Focused and Engaging Experience

By returning to its roots and delivering a more focused experience, Ubisoft has created a game that is accessible to players with limited time. The decision to set the game in a single city and its surrounding countryside allows for a more intimate exploration of the environment and provides players with fascinating snapshots of life in ninth-century Baghdad.

However, despite the richness of the game’s world, the storyline falls into familiar tropes and fails to deliver a truly compelling narrative. Despite this shortcoming, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a step in the right direction for the franchise. It reintroduces the core elements that made the series popular while shedding some of the unnecessary complexities that had crept in over the years.

In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers players a stripped-back and engaging experience set in the vibrant world of ninth-century Baghdad. With a renewed emphasis on stealth gameplay and a return to the franchise’s roots, Ubisoft has crafted a game that is both accessible and satisfying for fans of the series. While the game’s morality may raise questions, Mirage succeeds in delivering a focused and enjoyable experience for players.