Ubisoft has taken Assassin’s Creed back to the drawing board for their next big title. Mirage feels like an almost total reset, a fresh take on the series, and a welcome throwback to the beginning.
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It’s an origin story, but it’s not Origins. Mirage tells the story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a lowly street thief, turned Master Assassin.
Basim is as bad arse as they come, a true legend of the series.
Mirage is in development by Ubisoft Bordeaux in France, it’s the thirteenth game in the series and the first Assassin’s Creed title in three years.
Thanks to Ubisoft, I was able to play four hours of the new game and I am thrilled to be singing its praises.
Something to keep in mind when watching the gameplay clips ahead; I played an earlier build of the game. I’m advised Mirage will undergo extensive updates before launch.
Gameplay
Assassin’s Creed’s face-to-face combat is familiar, I wouldn’t say it’s had a complete overhaul, but running in sword swinging isn’t the most tactical approach.
It also felt unpolished and a little clunky, I found myself falling into enemies while fighting. This is something I’m hopeful they’ll address — that’s not to say it wasn’t good.
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But where the game really shines is in its stealth gameplay.
I felt serious consequences and excitement while sneaking around a guard post trying to find a clue to the next mission.
Creeping up behind an enemy, grabbing and dragging them into the bushes was exhilarating. As was casually strolling up beside an enemy manning a rooftop and dropping my blade into their back. (It’s just a video game. Chill.)
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You want side quests? You got ‘em.
I found one heartwarming interaction with a young boy stuck up a tower. After I climbed to help him he shared his ambition to become a Hidden One, I then coached him to dive off into the classic cart full of hay below. Safe.
World
Jumping across rooftops, scaling cliffs, rowing a boat, slicing open a guard’s throat — it all looks incredible, even the most gory detail.
The attention to detail throughout the markets of Baghdad is noted. There is so much more of this city to explore, I just didn’t have the time! Four hours really fly by when you’re having fun.
They’ve brought back the corner swing and added a new pole vault traversal move, but I only came across one pole in my preview. It’s a cool animation, but I wouldn’t say it’s a game-changer.
Is there a photo mode in Mirage?
I’m the type of gamer who spends hours in photo mode, so I was very excited to confirm that photo mode will be available for Assassin’s Creed Mirage at launch.
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The game has been developed for previous generation PlayStation and Xbox, which shows in some parts, but it’s not a major setback.
It’s also incredible to think this game will be playable on the latest iPhones, at a presumed lower resolution.
Can you pat the cat? Unfortunately not. I tried.
How about the Donkey? Again, no. (Patch please Ubisoft?)
If the lack of animal interaction (and combat polish) is the worst I have to say about the game, things are looking pretty promising.
I look forward to playing the full game when it releases on PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 5th.
Watch some of my gameplay in the videos above.
Quest Daily travelled to Ubisoft HQ with thanks to Ubisoft to play Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
