Assassin’s Creed Mirage: All we know

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the latest installment in the popular action-adventure stealth series by Ubisoft. The game is set to launch on October 12, 2023, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. 

The Story and Setting of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage takes place in the 9th century AD, during the Golden Age of Baghdad, a period of cultural and scientific flourishing under the Abbasid Caliphate. The game follows the journey of Basim, a young and ambitious assassin who joins the Hidden Ones, a secret brotherhood of assassins that traces its origins to ancient Egypt. Basim will face various threats and challenges as he tries to uphold the creed of his order and protect the people of Baghdad from tyranny and corruption.

The game promises to immerse players in a vibrant and authentic recreation of medieval Baghdad, with its iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and diverse population. The game will also feature historical figures and events, such as the famous House of Wisdom, a center of learning and innovation, and the Zanj Rebellion, a slave uprising that shook the caliphate.

Also read: Why PlayStation Showcase 2023 was disappointing

The Protagonist and Antagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

One of the highlights of the PlayStation Showcase 2023 was the new gameplay trailer for Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The trailer introduced us to Basim, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, who is also a familiar face for fans of the franchise. Basim is a young and ambitious assassin who joins the Hidden Ones, a secret brotherhood of assassins that traces its origins to ancient Egypt. Basim is also a character who played a pivotal role in the story of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, where he met Eivor, a Viking warrior who became an ally and a rival of Basim. However, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set two decades before those events, and so it is a prequel that will explore Basim’s origins and motivations.

The trailer also hinted at the main antagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, who is none other than Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Abbasid caliph and one of the most famous and influential rulers in Islamic history. Harun al-Rashid is known for his patronage of arts, sciences, and culture, as well as his military campaigns and diplomatic relations. However, he is also a member of the Order of the Ancients, a secret organization that seeks to control humanity and manipulate history using ancient artifacts left behind by the First Civilization, an advanced and mysterious race that created humanity. Harun al-Rashid will be Basim’s main target and nemesis throughout the game.

The Gameplay and Features of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage returns to the core gameplay elements that have defined the franchise for over 15 years, such as stealth, parkour, exploration, and combat. The game also introduces some new features and improvements that enhance the experience and add more variety and options to the gameplay.

One of the new features is the Assassin’s Focus, which allows Basim to mark and assassinate several targets in a row with precision and speed. Basim can also use classic assassin tools such as throwing knives and smoke bombs to distract or eliminate enemies. Another new feature is the Pole Vault, which adds a new dimension to parkour by allowing Basim to use poles and other objects to propel himself over obstacles or reach higher ground.

The game also features Blackbox missions, which are open-ended scenarios that give players multiple ways to approach and eliminate their targets. Players can use their creativity and skills to find the best strategy for each mission, or follow clues and hints that may lead them to hidden opportunities or secrets.

The game also boasts a rich and dynamic world that reacts to the player’s actions and choices. For example, players can influence the morale and behavior of the people of Baghdad by helping them or harming them. Players can also witness historical events unfold as they progress through the story, or explore side quests and activities that reveal more about the culture and history of the setting.

The Modern Day and Historical Connections of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is not only a prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, but also a sequel to Assassin’s Creed Origins. The game will explore the origins and evolution of the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization of the Assassins, and their conflict with the Order of the Ancients, the precursor organization of the Templars.

The game will also feature a modern-day storyline that continues the narrative of Layla Hassan, a former Abstergo employee who joined the Assassins and used the Animus to relive the memories of various historical figures. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Layla discovered a powerful artifact called the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, which granted her immortality and access to a mysterious realm called Yggdrasil. There, she met Basim, who had transferred his consciousness into the staff after his death in the 9th century. Basim then took over Layla’s body and escaped with the staff, leaving Layla trapped in Yggdrasil.

In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, players will find out what happened to Layla and Basim after their encounter, and how their actions will affect the fate of the world and the ongoing war between the Assassins and the Templars. The game will also reveal more secrets and mysteries about the First Civilization, an ancient and advanced race that created humanity and left behind powerful artifacts that both factions seek to control.

The game will also have connections and references to other games in the franchise, such as Assassin’s Creed 1, which was set in 12th century Jerusalem during the Third Crusade. Players will be able to see how Basim’s actions influenced the events and characters of that game, such as Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad, the legendary assassin who was mentored by Al Mualim, a descendant of Roshan. Players will also be able to find easter eggs and nods to other games in the series, such as hidden blades, eagle vision, leap of faith, and more.

The Graphics and Soundtrack of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is powered by AnvilNext 2.0, a proprietary game engine developed by Ubisoft that has been used for previous games in the series. The game boasts stunning graphics and realistic animations that bring medieval Baghdad to life. The game also features dynamic weather and day-night cycles that affect the gameplay and atmosphere.

The game also features a captivating soundtrack composed by Brendan Angelides, who also worked on Assassin’s Creed Origins. The soundtrack blends traditional Arabic instruments and vocals with modern electronic beats and synths, creating a unique and immersive musical experience that reflects the setting and tone of the game. The soundtrack also features original songs performed by famous artists such as Sami Yusuf, Natacha Atlas, Tinariwen, and more.

The Pre-Order Bonus and Editions of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Players who pre-order Assassin’s Creed Mirage will receive a bonus quest called The Forty Thieves, which is inspired by the famous tale from One Thousand and One Nights. The quest will involve Basim infiltrating a notorious gang of thieves and uncovering their secrets.

The game will also have several editions for different preferences and budgets. The Standard Edition will include only the base game. The Deluxe Edition will include the base game plus some digital content such as extra missions, outfits, weapons, and boosts. The Gold Edition will include everything in the Deluxe Edition plus the Season Pass, which will grant access to future expansions and content. The Ultimate Edition will include everything in the Gold Edition plus some exclusive digital content such as an art book, a soundtrack, and more.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is expected to be one of the most anticipated games of 2023, as it marks a return to the roots of the franchise while also offering a fresh and exciting experience for new and old fans alike. The game will be available on October 12, 2023 for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, as well as Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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