Ubisoft’s newest entry in its best-selling franchise, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, is hitting all the right notes ahead of its launch on October 12, guaranteeing fans that it’s bringing the series back to its roots and paying homage to the OG titles, specifically, the first Assassin’s Creed.
To further emphasize this, Ubisoft has dropped a new trailer for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, featuring Basim and his evolution from an unseasoned hero to the Master Assassin that he eventually became known to be.
Situated in the gleaming era of the Ninth century CE, Assassin’s Creed Mirage allows players to bask in the vibrant setting of Baghdad at its zenith. Known for leading the world in science, art, and innovation, the city’s pulsating urban landscape sets the stage for our main character’s remarkable journey.
Basim, an orphan with a tragic past, has always been haunted by unexplainable nightmares and visions. Initially known as a cunning street thief, Basim’s fate takes an unexpected turn when the Hidden Ones take him under their wing. He moves to Alamut, the brotherhood’s base still under construction, to decode his destiny. There, he acquaints himself with the tenets of the Hidden Ones, unearths his unique abilities, and a new Creed, which leads to unprecedented alterations in his life.
As the narrative unfolds, Assassin’s Creed Mirage provides players with a fascinating exploration of Basim’s complex personality. The developers describe him as a classic, deadly, and resourceful assassin. Echoing the essence of the original Assassin’s Creed set during the Third Crusade, Mirage revisits the atmosphere of the first Assassin’s Creed and the events therein significantly define Basim as a person.
Set 12 years before the events of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Basim’s life in Mirage begins in Ambar, a city near Baghdad. His journey takes a significant turn when he is tasked with unveiling the Order, known as the Templars later, in Baghdad. As he combats his foes, he begins to reassess his understanding of freedom.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has, for the past three installments, stuck to an RPG formula. However, Mirage is seen as a return to the classic formula, triggering excitement among both old and new fans alike. Unlike its predecessors, Mirage deviates from level progression via experience points (XP). Instead, players’ evolution follows a linear narrative. As Basim completes his missions, his stature within the Hidden Ones will rise, unlocking more opportunities, advantages, and access to an array of deadly tools, like the blowpipe.
In a nod to its roots, Mirage reintroduces the fan-favorite outfit dyes from Assassin’s Creed 2 and Brotherhood. Players can now personalize Basim’s outfit according to their preference, choosing from an array of colors. Additionally, Ubisoft offers a nostalgic color filter. A blue filter lets users experience the game with a reminiscent aesthetic akin to the first Assassin’s Creed.
An exciting addition to the franchise, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the first game to feature full Arabic localization, which is a testament to Ubisoft’s commitment to inclusivity. Basim will be voiced by the talented Lee Madjoub in English and Eyad Nassar in Arabic. Shohreh Aghdashloo lends her voice to Roshan, Basim’s mentor in the Hidden Ones.
For PC users, though, there’s a caveat: the game is expected to launch exclusively on Ubisoft Connect, sidelining Steam.
All said, Assassin’s Creed Mirage looks poised to offer a memorable adventure filled with compelling storytelling, honoring the franchise’s origins while ushering in a refreshing change for its legions of fans worldwide.
