Prepare to be transported back to the golden age of Assassin’s Creed as Ubisoft takes us on a thrilling journey with their upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Breaking away from the recent RPG elements seen in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Mirage embraces the essence of the older Assassin’s Creed games that captivated fans worldwide.
The trailer introduces us to Basim, a familiar face from Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, where he played a vital role in Eivor’s story. Although a prequel to Valhalla, Mirage holds its own narrative that remains shrouded in mystery. The release date is set for October 12, 2023, and anticipation is mounting.
In Mirage, you step into the shoes of Basim, unfolding events from two decades before his encounter with Eivor. It’s a glimpse into his origins and the opportunity to work alongside the original Assassins, the Hidden Ones. Under the mentorship of the renowned Roshan, voiced by the Emmy award-winning actor Shohreh Aghdashloo, you’ll embark on a quest like no other.
While the storytelling draws inspiration from the modern RPG era, the gameplay pays homage to the classic Assassin’s Creed style. The ninth-century backdrop of Baghdad sets the stage for an urban city map reminiscent of the original games. Streets, roofs, and towers intertwine to form a labyrinth of parkour routes, embracing the true essence of Assassin’s Creed. And nodding to tradition, Basim undergoes the iconic ritual of severing a finger to make way for his Hidden Blade.
Stealth takes center stage in Mirage, much to the delight of fans who have longed for a return to the franchise’s roots. The trailer showcases Basim executing techniques that have been absent for years. We witness him silently tailing an enemy and skillfully pickpocketing a key, followed by its clever use to unlock a door. Basim’s moments of waiting on a bench, perhaps eavesdropping, harken back to the core elements of preparation missions that fans cherish. Let’s hope these tasks won’t become repetitive loops this time around.
Mirage goes beyond honoring the original Assassin’s Creed by incorporating elements from Assassin’s Unity. A pivotal moment in the trailer presents Basim with a choice. His accomplice suggests bribing the guards to gain entry unnoticed. Still, Basim opts for a more direct approach—blades swiftly piercing the guards’ necks. This decision-making aspect is reminiscent of Unity’s assassination missions, offering players multiple ways to complete objectives. It’s a welcome return to form that we hope Mirage expands upon.
Classic kill moves triumphantly return in Mirage, showcasing the game’s unwavering commitment to stealth. Aerial assassinations and ledge kill demonstrate Basim’s lethal prowess. At the same time, a throwing knife replaces the RPG games’ bow and arrow for ranged kills. But there’s more—Mirage introduces the new Assassin’s Focus ability, enabling swift marking and consecutive eliminations. This thrilling system, reminiscent of Splinter Cell’s renowned Mark and Execute, promises an exhilarating experience for players.
Combat, a staple of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, is not forgotten in Mirage. Though glimpsed briefly in the trailer, the swordplay is a spectacle of new animations. Basim rolls effortlessly over an enemy’s back, executes a seamless knee slide, and performs a mesmerizing sword spin. The promise of intense combat adds another layer of excitement to the game.
Returning to its roots, Assassin’s Creed Mirage resurrects the iconic parkour experience that enthralled players from the franchise’s early years. The trailer teases classic moves, such as the beam hop, corner swing, rope lift, and the signature eagle dive. But Mirage doesn’t stop there. It introduces fresh additions to the environmental toolkit, elevating the parkour experience to new heights. Basim effortlessly rides tall poles across expansive gaps, surpassing the limitations of mere jumps.
As we absorb the information presented in this gameplay trailer, it’s only natural to reflect on the direction of the Assassin’s Creed series. Does a return to the mechanics that made the earlier games beloved signify a step forward? The answer lies within you, the devoted fans. Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let your voice be heard as we eagerly await the release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage. This game promises to reignite the flames of nostalgia while delivering a fresh and exhilarating experience for all.