Assassin's Creed Mirage Review - A Return to the Roots with Modern Flourishes
Assassin's Creed Mirage is Ubisoft's latest entry in the long-running Assassin's Creed franchise, and it comes with a promise to bring back some beloved features from the series' earlier games. In this review, we'll dive into what makes Mirage a thrilling addition to the franchise while introducing some new elements with fans buzzing.
Nostalgia Meets Innovation
One of the standout features of Assassin's Creed Mirage is its commitment to reviving elements from the franchise's golden age. Social Stealth, a fan-favourite mechanic, is back, allowing players to blend in with crowds to elude enemies. The classic Bench Assassination feature also returns, enabling players to eavesdrop on targets discreetly. The popular Outfit Dyeing feature, first introduced in Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood, is also returning. To evoke the atmosphere of the franchise's inaugural title, Mirage offers a blue-grey filter option reminiscent of Assassin's Creed 1.
Stealth Reimagined
Assassin's Creed Mirage emphasizes stealth, harkening back to the series' roots. Players will be outnumbered and outgunned, requiring clever maneuvering, smoke bombs, and crowd blending to regain control. The warning system adds depth, as guards and civilians react dynamically to your actions, keeping the tension high.
A Compelling Narrative
Mirage offers a narrative-driven action-adventure experience centred around Basim, a young street thief with nightmarish visions seeking answers and justice. Players will witness Basim's transformation into a refined Master Assassin with a complex destiny, accompanied by an intriguing cast of characters whose true natures may surprise players.
Outstanding Voice Acting
The voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage is outstanding, with Lee Majdoub delivering a remarkable performance as Basim Ibn Is'haq and Shohreh Aghdashloo adding depth as Roshan. The inclusion of Islamic voice acting is a noteworthy and appreciated touch.
Exploring the Historical Setting
One notable addition to the game is the "History of Baghdad" feature, which allows players to delve into the historical context of Assassin's Creed Mirage's setting. Ubisoft has gone the extra mile to ensure historical accuracy, enlisting historian Raphaël Weyland to ensure the game faithfully represents the era, a commendable effort.
Seamless Parkour and Assassinations
Ubisoft has refined parkour mechanics, allowing players to navigate the city and seamlessly providing the most extensive tools. Contracts can be obtained at Assassin’s bureaus, and collecting vital clues leads to more visceral assassinations than ever before.
A Balanced Game Length
Unlike some recent entries, Assassin's Creed Mirage offers a more focused experience, with an estimated completion time of 20 to 30 hours. This return to the franchise's roots is a welcome change for those who prefer a concise and immersive story.
Assassin's Creed Mirage combines nostalgia with innovation, returning to the franchise's stealth-focused roots while introducing compelling new elements. The commitment to historical accuracy, outstanding voice acting, and a balanced game length make it a worthy addition to the Assassin's Creed series. Mirage is a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers, and it leaves us eager to explore more of Basim's intriguing journey. Assassin's Creed Mirage is set to release on October 5th, and it's available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, EPIC, PC, and Amazon Luna, so be sure to check it out and embark on this captivating adventure. I'm giving Assassin's Creed Mirage an 8/10