Assassin's Creed Mirage Review

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a game that returns to the series' roots and offers a smaller, more focused experience. Set in ninth century Baghdad, the game follows Basim's transition to Assassin.

For years now, the Assassin's Creed series has expanded the scope of its entries by offering longer adventures in increasingly larger open worlds. For players new to the series, Assassin's Creed Mirage may be a big surprise. Set mostly in a single city of ninth-century Baghdad and can be completed in under 20 hours, Mirage offers a throwback reminiscent of Altaïr and Ezio's first games. Longer-term players will be reminiscent of these beginning periods in many aspects.

Brotherhood member Basim, introduced in Assassin's Creed Valhalla in 2020, focuses on his teenage years in this game. We follow his transition from street robber to Master Assassin and his investigations and assassinations to unravel conspiracies around the city. It features elements that nod to the first games, with the return of Alamut's mysterious fortress, hidden city offices, and requiring a careful approach to track and neutralize primary targets. While the storytelling and plot progression are enjoyable, the dialogue can feel stiff and formal at times.

In terms of gameplay, there is a return to the hunter-prey style; Stealth and tool use are of paramount importance, and even open combat can quickly lead to death. It's not a high point, as melee combat feels stiff and clumsy. However, Mirage's missions and contracts generally encourage stealth and provide players with exciting and varied options. Enemy and target placement is logical and forces players to be careful. There is tension and interaction in a world where being careless can result in death.

Exploring Baghdad's Golden Age is a fascinating experience. While the music accompanies you on the rooftops, the sunset views are fascinating. The streets are lively, merchants sell their wares, careless citizens steal, and careful observation is required to reach hidden chests. As your reputation increases, the danger also increases, which increases the excitement of the game. Trail traversal is always enjoyable, and it's a lot of fun to crawl across rooftops, slide down zip lines, and get into hiding spots.

While I enjoy the missions, I sometimes rely too much on exploration areas, which I find tedious as I have to spend too much time exploring the area. These may feel like wandering aimlessly.

However, overall, the excess inherent in the series seems to be better balanced. The money and favor tokens you earn are important and should be spent carefully. Obtaining new equipment is a big deal and can change the outcome of a fight. Fewer side quests or activities are offered, but they feel carefully chosen and purposeful. This highlights how much sense it all makes despite being a more compact game. You will feel motivated while playing the game.

Mirage makes references to Basim's role in Valhalla, but this time the ending to the mystery seems unsatisfying and the conclusion to the story feels oddly underwhelming. However, you enjoy the old streets and palaces of Baghdad. Not everything is perfect, but the “less is more” design ethos makes Mirage one of the most consistent games in the series.

Summary