Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage, set to release in October, promises to bring the popular stealth adventure series back to its roots. Unlike the expansive open-world settings of recent entries like Valhalla, Mirage offers a more focused and methodic gameplay experience reminiscent of the original 2007 game set in Jerusalem.
Throughout the series, each new installment has built upon the existing formula, exploring different settings and time periods, from 13th-century Italy to the American Revolutionary War and the Golden Age of Piracy. However, it was with 2017’s Assassin’s Creed Origin that the series transitioned to a larger open-world structure in Egypt. This trend continued with 2018’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and the massive Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2020.
During a four-hour demo of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I had the chance to experience the game firsthand. It became evident that Mirage offers a more streamlined experience while still maintaining the open-ended world of recent entries. However, unlike Valhalla, the game is not cluttered with numerous map icons. What sets Mirage apart and makes it exciting is the emphasis it places on stealth, with top-notch stealth systems and an enjoyable lockpicking minigame.
One aspect that immediately takes players back to the original Assassin’s Creed is Mirage’s aesthetics. The iconic white robes with red sashes worn by the protagonists in the early games have made a comeback, represented by the main character Basim. This nostalgic touch instantly transports players back to the series’ beginnings. Basim himself is more akin to the streetwise heroes of the past, allowing players to engage in classic pickpocketing mechanics. While not every NPC can be pickpocketed, it is a more prominent feature in Mirage compared to recent entries. The pickpocketing mechanic adds to the immersion, requiring players to perform quick-time events to successfully steal from unsuspecting targets.
Another returning feature is eavesdropping, which adds depth to missions and allows players to gather crucial information. In one mission, I had to eavesdrop on two women to gain information about a character called the Treasurer. The way the camera pushes in and focuses on the speakers while slightly blurring Basim creates a sense of secrecy and immerses players in the role of an assassin. These eavesdropping and pickpocketing mechanics were absent from Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, making their return in Mirage a welcome throwback.
Mirage also incorporates a notoriety meter, similar to the “Star” level in Grand Theft Auto. Engaging in criminal activities can result in enemies chasing Basim, and the more recklessly players behave, the more Wanted posters appear around the city. To avoid recognition, Basim can tear down these posters, providing players with tools to fully embrace the role of a stealthy assassin.
While some elements of Mirage reflect the style of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, it is not a mere imitation. The game introduces its own features, such as Basim’s sight ability, reminiscent of Valhalla’s Odin Sight. This ability allows Basim to see through objects and track enemies, making assassinations easier to execute. Additionally, the gameplay provides opportunities for experimentation when dealing with enemies. Players can choose different approaches to clear obstacles and adapt their strategy if a stealth attempt fails. This level of freedom and open-ended gameplay enhances the overall experience and adds satisfaction to the core Assassin’s Creed gameplay.
For fans who have longed for an Assassin’s Creed game that harkens back to the series’ early days, Mirage offers a nostalgic journey. Recent entries have faced criticism for veering away from the essence of the franchise, with Odyssey even relegating the iconic Hidden Blade to DLC. Mirage, on the other hand, embraces the roots of Assassin’s Creed and evokes a sense of playing a remake of the original game, despite having a new story, characters, and setting.
As someone who played the first Assassin’s Creed game during my middle school years, the demo of Mirage was a nostalgic experience, reigniting my excitement for the series. I am eagerly looking forward to returning to the world of assassins when Assassin’s Creed Mirage releases on October 5 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
