As the franchise has evolved over the years, it has expanded the scope of its entries by offering ever longer adventures across vast open worlds. For those who played Assassin’s Creed Mirage for the first time, this may be a surprise. Set primarily within the single city of ninth-century Baghdad and playable to completion in under 20 hours, Mirage is reminiscent of the first entries, which featured Altaïr and Ezio. The series will feel familiar to longtime fans, with the same highs and lows that characterized its early installments.
He was introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2020 as an older Brotherhood member, but here he is described in his youth. Through a series of investigations and assassinations, he uncovers plots across the city as he transitions from street thief to Master Assassin. The return of the mysterious castle of Alamut, the hidden urban bureaus, and the careful, structured approach to tracking and taking down primary targets – all references to the series’ early years. Even if the dialogue feels stiff and formal at times, the story unfolds in a freeform manner that is enjoyable.
A predatory-prey style dominates gameplay; stealth and tool use are essential, and an open conflict can quickly lead to death. In one-on-one encounters, melee exchanges are not a high point, as they feel rigid and clumsy. In contrast, Mirage’s missions and contracts often present exciting and well-curated stealth setups. Players must watch enemies carefully and move carefully as enemy and objective placements are deliberate and thoughtful. An approach is more engaging and tension-filled if it poses a high risk of death if discovered.