Assassin’s Creed Mirage: A Deep Dive into 9th-Century Baghdad

Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is indeed set in Iraq, specifically in 9th-century Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate. The game immerses players in the vibrant and historically rich environment of Baghdad during its Golden Age, a period of significant intellectual, cultural, and economic flourishing. While the game also features smaller surrounding towns like Anbar, the central focus is undoubtedly on the city of Baghdad itself, making it a compelling virtual representation of a crucial historical era in Iraqi history. Prepare to explore the intricacies of this meticulously crafted digital Baghdad.

Unveiling Baghdad: The Heart of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise takes a significant step back from the sprawling open worlds of its predecessors, such as Odyssey and Valhalla, and grounds itself in the more focused and intimate setting of 9th-century Baghdad. This return to the series’ roots emphasizes stealth gameplay and a dense urban environment, drawing inspiration from the very first Assassin’s Creed game.

The decision to set Mirage in Baghdad is a deliberate one, driven by a desire to showcase the Islamic Golden Age and its contributions to art, science, and philosophy. Baghdad, during this period, was a major center of learning and innovation, attracting scholars from across the known world. Ubisoft has worked diligently with historians and experts in Islamic art and architecture to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of their virtual recreation.

Mirage divides Baghdad into four distinct districts:

• The Round City: The historical heart of Baghdad, the Round City was the original walled capital of the Abbasid Caliphate, known for its impressive architecture and strategic design.

• Karkh: A bustling commercial district, Karkh was a hub of trade and activity, filled with markets, merchants, and diverse inhabitants.

• Abassiyah (with its House of Wisdom): This district houses the iconic House of Wisdom, a renowned library and translation center that played a crucial role in preserving and disseminating knowledge during the Golden Age.

• Harbiyah: A sprawling district known for its residential areas and military presence.

Beyond Baghdad itself, the game also includes smaller settlements like Anbar, offering players a glimpse into the surrounding countryside and adding to the overall sense of place. The game’s narrative and gameplay are interwoven with the historical and cultural context of Baghdad, providing a unique and educational experience for players.

The Anarchy at Samarra: A Time of Turmoil

While Assassin’s Creed Mirage celebrates the Golden Age, it also acknowledges the underlying tensions and political instability that characterized the Anarchy at Samarra. This period of internal conflict within the Abbasid Caliphate is used to create a compelling narrative backdrop for the game, providing opportunities for intrigue, espionage, and action.

The Anarchy at Samarra was marked by power struggles, assassinations, and the rise of powerful military factions. These events provide the perfect context for an Assassin’s Creed story, where players take on the role of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a street thief who becomes a master assassin. The political climate of the time allows for complex missions and moral dilemmas, forcing players to navigate a treacherous web of alliances and betrayals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Assassin’s Creed Mirage:

1. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage truly set in Baghdad, Iraq?

   Yes, the primary setting of Assassin’s Creed Mirage is 9th-century Baghdad, the capital of modern-day Iraq, during the Abbasid Caliphate.

2. Does the game feature Arabic audio and text?

   Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is one of the few AAA video games to offer full Arabic audio and text, enhancing immersion in the game’s setting. The audio uses Classical Arabic, the prominent language of the Golden Age of Baghdad.

3. Who is the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   The protagonist is Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game explores his origins and transformation into a master assassin. Is Basim a good guy? It’s a complicated question, and Mirage sheds light on his evolution.

4. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage an open-world game?

   Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is an open-world game, but it’s smaller in scale compared to recent installments like Odyssey and Valhalla. This allows for a more focused and detailed recreation of Baghdad.

5. What historical period does Assassin’s Creed Mirage take place in?

   The game is set during the Islamic Golden Age and the Anarchy at Samarra, a period of instability within the Abbasid Caliphate.

6. What are the main districts of Baghdad featured in the game?

   The game features four main districts: the Round City, Karkh, Abassiyah (with its House of Wisdom), and Harbiyah.

7. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage related to other games in the series?

   Yes, it’s the thirteenth major installment in the Assassin’s Creed series and serves as a prequel of sorts to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, explaining Basim’s backstory.

8. What kind of gameplay can players expect in Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   Mirage focuses on stealth, parkour, and close-quarters combat, reminiscent of the earlier Assassin’s Creed games.

9. Did Ubisoft consult with historians for Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

   Yes, Ubisoft worked with experts in Islamic art and architecture to ensure the historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity of the game.

10. Will there be a Japanese Assassin’s Creed?

    Yes, Assassin’s Creed: Codename Red will be set in feudal Japan and is currently in development.

11. Why did Ubisoft choose Baghdad as the setting for Assassin’s Creed Mirage?

    Baghdad was chosen to showcase the Islamic Golden Age, a period of significant cultural and intellectual achievements. Ubisoft aimed to highlight the contributions of Arab culture and history.

12. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage the newest game in the Assassin’s Creed series?

    As of 2023, yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the newest released game in the series. Other titles are in development. What is the newest Assassin Creed 2024? It may well be Assassin’s Creed Codename Red, set in Japan.

13. Is it safe to travel to Iraq in real life?

    The U.S. Department of State currently advises against travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, and civil unrest. Always consult official travel advisories before considering travel.

14. Which Assassin’s Creed is in the Middle East?

    Several Assassin’s Creed games have featured regions within the Middle East. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is explicitly set in Baghdad, Iraq. Assassin’s Creed Origins features Egypt.

15. Does Assassin’s Creed Mirage focus on Islam?

    Assassin’s Creed Mirage focuses on the Abbasid Caliphate which was an Islamic empire, and reflects an important part of Islamic History. It offers a portrayal of Arab culture and the Golden Age of Islam through its setting, characters, and narrative.

Conclusion: A Historical Journey to Baghdad

Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers players a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore the vibrant city of Baghdad during its Golden Age. By meticulously recreating the historical and cultural context of the era, Ubisoft has created a compelling and immersive experience that is both entertaining and educational. The game’s focus on stealth gameplay and its smaller, more intimate setting mark a return to the series’ roots, while its celebration of Arab culture and history sets it apart from previous installments. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Assassin’s Creed franchise or a newcomer looking for a historical adventure, Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers a journey worth taking. For more on the intersection of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.