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Assassin’s Creed, a gaming cornerstone for over a decade, has seen Ubisoft consistently release iterations across various platforms. This prolific output, however, has sometimes led to concerns about quality, particularly after Assassin’s Creed Unity. While the subsequent forays into Ancient Greece and Egypt offered a refreshing change, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, despite its scope, faced criticism for bugs and diluted gameplay.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage, set in the vibrant backdrop of ninth-century Baghdad, aims to recapture the series’ original magic and entice new players. But does this journey to the Golden Age of Islam live up to expectations?

Assassin protagonist, Basim, in action.

Recapturing the Classic Formula

Ubisoft, like many developers, embraced a trend of increased action in their franchises. This was notable in Assassin’s Creed, particularly after Rogue, a shift influenced by factors like the commercial underperformance of the stealth-focused Splinter Cell: Blacklist. While Origins saw relative success with its new setting, the action focus intensified in subsequent titles, culminating in Valhalla’s almost warrior-like combat.

Mirage consciously returns to the stealth-focused roots of the series. Baghdad, meticulously recreated at its peak, serves as a stunning backdrop. Basim, a street thief, ascends through the ranks of the Hidden Ones, navigating a city teeming with political intrigue and cultural richness. Ubisoft’s investment in historical accuracy is evident, with experts and archaeologists contributing to a believable portrayal of a city lost to time. The game’s environment is not merely a setting but a living historical document, filled with details and easter eggs referencing other Ubisoft titles like Prince of Persia.

AssassinBaghdad’s bustling marketplace in Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

Gameplay in Mirage emphasizes stealth, reminiscent of the earlier titles. Even low-level enemies pose a threat, encouraging calculated maneuvers. Eagle Vision returns, aiding in target tracking, planning, and escape routes. The skill tree exists but doesn’t overpower the core stealth mechanics, preventing the player from becoming an unstoppable warrior. Missions primarily involve assassinations or item retrieval, unraveling the narrative through carefully crafted scenarios. The tighter focus suits the setting, as Baghdad’s dense population and strong military presence demand a more subtle approach. While combat is present in specific events, it doesn’t overshadow the core gameplay loop. The game’s presentation is excellent, showcasing a visually impressive Baghdad accompanied by a fitting Arabic-inspired soundtrack, further enhanced by the optional Arabic voiceover. With a playtime of around 20 hours, Mirage offers a concise and satisfying experience, aligning with Ubisoft’s intended vision.

AssassinBasim surveying his surroundings in Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

Overlooked Details and Technical Hiccups

Despite its strengths, Mirage suffers from several minor flaws that detract from the overall experience. The NPC AI is simplistic, exhibiting behaviors that can break immersion. They remain oblivious to the player’s parkour maneuvers and show little reaction to disturbances. This, while making stealth easier, diminishes the tension and challenge compared to other stealth titles like Metal Gear Solid V.

AssassinThe detailed architecture of Baghdad in Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

Animation design also presents issues, requiring the player to wait for specific event triggers before interacting. For example, enemies momentarily pause after being exposed to smoke bombs, preventing immediate takedowns. Some details surprisingly fall short even compared to the original Assassin’s Creed, showcasing a lack of polish. Basim’s effortless navigation through crowds, unlike Altaïr’s more realistic interactions in the first game, reduces the sense of urgency during chases.

AssassinBasim using stealth to navigate the rooftops of Baghdad.

Technical issues, such as frame rate drops, floating objects, and audio glitches, persist, echoing problems seen in recent Assassin’s Creed games. While likely to be addressed in future patches, they currently impact the experience. Finally, while the setting is grand, the narrative touches only the surface of the rich cultural and historical tapestry of ninth-century Baghdad. Opportunities to explore maritime adventures, the legacy of Babylon, or Zoroastrian lore are largely missed, despite being hinted at through collectible items.

AssassinCombat in Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Mirage succeeds in returning to the series’ stealth roots while delivering a visually stunning and historically inspired portrayal of Baghdad. However, overlooked details, simplistic AI, and technical issues hold it back from being a truly exceptional experience. While it offers a satisfying return to form for fans of the classic formula, it also highlights areas where future installments can improve.

AssassinBasim engaging in combat.

AssassinA screenshot showcasing the visuals of Assassin’s Creed Mirage.

AssassinAnother visual showcase of the game environment.

AssassinA final screenshot highlighting the setting.