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| Assassin's Creed Mirage |
Assassin's Creed Mirage
| Platform | PlayStation 4 PlayStation 5 Xbox One Xbox Series X/S Windows |
| DESIGN | |
|---|---|
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure game, Stealth game, Platform game, Fighting game |
| Developer(s) | Ubisoft Bordeaux |
| Publisher(s) | Ubisoft |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Director(s) | Stéphane Boudon |
| Artist(s) | Jean-Luc Sala |
| Writer(s) | Sarah Beaulieu |
| Composer(s) | Brendan Angelides |
| Series | Assassin's Creed |
| Engine | Ubisoft Anvil |
| Release Date | October 12, 2023 |
| Download Link | PlayStation | Xbox | Windows |
| Price | PlayStation ($50) | Xbox ($50) | Windows ($50) |
Assassin's Creed Mirage is an upcoming action-adventure video game in development by Ubisoft Bordeaux and set to be published by Ubisoft. This highly anticipated installment will mark the thirteenth major entry in the iconic Assassin's Creed series, following in the footsteps of the well-received 2020 title, "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." The game is slated for release on various platforms, including Amazon Luna, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X and Series S.
The narrative of "Mirage" unfolds against the historical backdrop of 9th-century Baghdad during a period of tumultuous anarchy known as the Samarra era. Players will delve into the journey of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in "Valhalla." Witnessing Basim's evolution from a street thief to a full-fledged member of the esteemed Assassin Brotherhood, players will be drawn into a conflict rooted in ideals. This ideological battle pits the Assassin Brotherhood, advocates of peace and liberty, against the Templar Order, proponents of control as a means to achieve their vision of peace.
The game's design harks back to the series' origins, offering a refreshing focus on linear storytelling and stealth-based gameplay. This shift marks a departure from the recent emphasis on role-playing and expansive open-world exploration, reinvigorating the franchise's core essence while infusing it with modern innovation.
Assassin's Creed Mirage promises a captivating virtual experience, inviting players to step into Basim Ibn Ishaq's shoes and navigate a world brimming with historical intrigue and shadowy conspiracies. The game's trajectory aligns it as a notable addition to the distinguished legacy of the Assassin's Creed saga, blending classic elements with contemporary game design for an engaging and immersive adventure.
Gameplay
Assassin's Creed Mirage is an upcoming action-adventure stealth video game that draws inspiration from the franchise's earlier titles, focusing on a more linear and story-driven experience. Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux and published by Ubisoft, it serves as the thirteenth major installment in the acclaimed Assassin's Creed series, succeeding the well-received "Assassin's Creed Valhalla," released in 2020. The game is slated to be available on various platforms, including Amazon Luna, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Gameplay in "Mirage" centers around the essential elements of parkour, close-quarter combat, and stealth mechanics. The title introduces a deliberate shift from the recent trend of emphasizing role-playing elements, opting for a more concentrated and narrative-driven approach. Particularly notable are the assassination missions, which embrace the "Black Box" design, reminiscent of the mechanics featured in "Assassin's Creed Unity" and "Assassin's Creed Syndicate." This approach encourages players to explore their environment, strategize, and discover diverse avenues to approach and eliminate their designated targets.
The primary setting of Assassin's Creed Mirage is the historical city of Baghdad during the 9th century, a period marked by tumultuous anarchy known as the Samarra era. The city is depicted across four distinct districts, each offering a unique atmosphere. Additionally, the fortress stronghold of Alamut, recognized as the headquarters of the Hidden Ones, is a prominent location within the game's world. Notably, the scale of Baghdad is more compact compared to the expansive worlds seen in recent installments of the series, reflecting a size closer to that of cities like Paris in "Assassin's Creed Unity" and Constantinople in "Assassin's Creed Revelations."
Players assume the role of the central protagonist, Basim, a character first introduced in "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." Basim wields an array of weapons and tools, including the iconic Assassin Hidden Blade, as well as smoke bombs, throwing knives, and poison darts. These tools can be upgraded through a skill tree system, allowing players to tailor their abilities to suit different scenarios. Alongside these tools, Basim harnesses Eagle Vision and is accompanied by Enkidu, an avian companion named after a legendary figure from the Epic of Gilgamesh. Enkidu, an eastern imperial eagle, serves as both a scout and a tactical asset, aiding players in surveying nearby areas. Notably, enemy archers can detect and engage Enkidu, adding an element of challenge.
Assassin's Creed Mirage introduces the innovative "Assassin Focus" ability, which empowers Basim to eliminate multiple enemies simultaneously while maintaining stealth, provided he remains undetected. This ability is fueled by performing stealth assassinations, and it grants players the capacity to slow down time after each successful elimination, facilitating swift and precise targeting of subsequent foes.
Further enhancing gameplay, the cityscape of Baghdad features poles that can be used for traversing wide gaps, adding a dynamic layer to movement. In addition, the game's development team has refined moving and running animations to enhance fluidity and mobility. Drawing inspiration from a range of revered figures such as samurai, ninja, and Jedi, these animations contribute to a seamless and engaging traversal experience.
As players immerse themselves in the world of "Assassin's Creed Mirage," they are poised to embark on a captivating journey, threading together historical intrigue, shadowy conspiracies, and strategic gameplay. The game's harmonious blend of classic mechanics and innovative features is set to deliver a compelling and immersive gaming experience, solidifying its place within the esteemed legacy of the Assassin's Creed series.
Synopsis
Assassin's Creed Mirage is set in an era preceding the events depicted in "Assassin's Creed Valhalla," positioning itself as a prequel to the acclaimed title. This narrative endeavor embarks on a "coming-of-age story" that centers on the protagonist, Basim Ibn Ishaq, portrayed by Lee Majdoub. At its core, the game traces Basim's journey from the role of a street thief to that of a seasoned advocate for a grander cause. His character's evolution is catalyzed by his induction into the Hidden Ones, a secretive group that champions a noble purpose. Serving as Basim's mentor is Roshan, portrayed by Shohreh Aghdashloo, a guiding figure instrumental in shaping his path towards embracing a higher calling and a more profound sense of duty.
Development
"Mirage" is characterized as a more compact addition to the Assassin's Creed series, aligning with the design principles of its predecessors and encompassing a main campaign spanning approximately 15 to 20 hours. This deliberate choice mirrors the gameplay duration of earlier titles within the franchise, contributing to a nostalgic resonance. An embodiment of homage, "Mirage" serves as a commemoration of the series' 15th anniversary. In crafting this experience, developers harnessed the technological foundations established in "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." This endeavor culminated in a game that not only pays tribute to the inaugural Assassin's Creed title but also embraces the ethos that propelled the franchise to its present stature.
Intriguing insights surfaced ahead of the official unveiling at Ubisoft Forward on September 10, 2022. A veil of secrecy was partially lifted as details regarding "Mirage" inadvertently emerged under the codename "Rift." These early revelations disclosed that the game's origins trace back to an expansion concept envisioned for "Valhalla." Subsequent development trajectories transformed this concept into an independent, standalone release, cementing "Mirage" as an entity in its own right.
An exciting announcement on June 4, 2023, unveiled a significant inclusion for "Mirage" – an Arabic dubbing option, enhancing accessibility and cultural immersion for players.
One of "Mirage's" distinctive features is its educational database, intricately woven into the tapestry of gameplay. This comprehensive database unfurls a vivid panorama of Baghdad's historical evolution. As players traverse the game, a captivating process of gradual article unlocking occurs, bringing the 9th-century Abbasid culture to life. The database captures this era through the lens of significant artifacts sourced from esteemed institutions, including the Khalili Collections, the David Collection, Shangri La Museum of Islamic Art, Culture & Design, and the Institut du Monde Arabe.
A collaborative endeavor with academic experts in Islamic art, the creation of this database was further supported by grants from the UK's Economic and Social Research Council and the Barakat Trust, reflecting a commitment to scholarly accuracy and cultural authenticity. The inclusion of this meticulously curated educational component amplifies the depth of "Mirage's" experience, inviting players to explore not only the game's narrative but also the rich tapestry of history that underpins its world.
Haptic suit
Incorporating innovative features to enhance player immersion, Assassin's Creed Mirage introduces compatibility with a specialized haptic vest, a creation of Owo Skin. This wireless vest extends its feedback capabilities to encompass key areas of the upper body and arms. This tactile augmentation, designated as the Owo Skin haptic vest, serves as a seamless tie-in to the game, heightening the sensory experience for players. Notably, this integration is detailed in reference.
Release
Assassin's Creed Mirage is scheduled for release on October 12, 2023, catering to an array of gaming platforms, including Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Amazon Luna. Notably, subscribers of Ubisoft+ are in for a treat, as the game will be readily accessible to them on Day 1, augmenting their gaming experience.
In the wake of the game's announcement, a notable incident emerged. Initial reports suggested that the Entertainment Software Rating Board had assigned an Adults Only rating to "Assassin's Creed Mirage." This decision, if upheld, could have impacted the game's distribution in the United States, potentially limiting its availability. The rumor gained traction due to a listing on the Xbox Store, which materialized a week before the game's formal unveiling. Intriguingly, one of the factors cited for this rating was the purported presence of "real gambling" within the game. However, Ubisoft promptly intervened and rectified these assertions. The game had not yet received an official rating, and Ubisoft clarified that there would be no inclusion of "real gambling or lootboxes" within the game's framework, dispelling any concerns surrounding these elements.
Other content
Ubisoft unveiled their strategic move by announcing an exclusive mission christened "The Forty Thieves," exclusively tailored for players who opted for pre-ordering the game. The Deluxe Edition of Assassin's Creed Mirage amplifies the experience by encompassing the core game along with a Prince of Persia-inspired package. This unique package incorporates supplementary weapons, cosmetic items that infuse a touch of allure, the melodious strains of the game's soundtrack, and a virtual artbook that showcases the game's artistic endeavors. It's noteworthy that the Prince of Persia-themed assortment can also be individually acquired, extending the options for enthusiasts and aficionados.
Venturing into the realms of development, July 2023 brought forth an enlightening declaration from game director Stephane Boudon. With transparency at the forefront, Ubisoft confirmed their deliberate stance of not pursuing post-launch downloadable content, thus shaping the course of the game's evolution beyond its initial release.
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