Delving into History: Unveiling the Setting of Assassin’s Creed Mirage

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is primarily set in Iraq, specifically in 9th-century Baghdad during the rule of the Abbasid Caliphate. The game meticulously recreates this historical period, aiming to immerse players in the vibrant and complex society of one of the world’s most important cities at the time. This era of Baghdad was marked by significant advancements in science, culture, and philosophy, making it a rich backdrop for the Assassin’s Creed narrative.

Exploring Baghdad: The Heart of Mirage

A Glimpse into 9th-Century Iraq

The developers of Assassin’s Creed Mirage have gone to great lengths to accurately portray 9th-century Baghdad. This includes replicating the architecture, the social customs, and the diverse population that characterized the city during the Abbasid Caliphate. Players can expect to navigate bustling marketplaces, intricate palaces, and sprawling urban landscapes, all rendered with remarkable attention to detail. The game also showcases the ethnic and religious diversity of the time, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of Baghdad. The Games Learning Society emphasizes the value of games in enriching our understanding of history.

Beyond Baghdad: The Wider Region

While the core of the game is set in Baghdad, it’s important to acknowledge the wider historical context. Iraq, in the 9th century, was a central part of a vast empire stretching across parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Therefore, the cultural influences and historical events depicted in Assassin’s Creed Mirage are reflective of this broader geographical area. Elements of Persian, Arabic, and other regional cultures are woven into the game’s narrative and setting, enriching the player’s experience.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Assassin’s Creed Mirage to provide you with deeper insights:

1. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage set in India?

   No, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is not set in India. It is set in 9th-century Baghdad, Iraq. While the Assassin’s Creed franchise has explored other locations, including India in Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India, Mirage focuses exclusively on the Middle Eastern setting.

2. Who is Assassin’s Creed Mirage based on?

   Assassin’s Creed Mirage is based on the story of a younger Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game explores his transformation from a street thief to a master assassin within the Hidden Ones, the precursors to the Assassin Brotherhood.

3. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage Persian?

   While Assassin’s Creed Mirage is not exclusively Persian, it does incorporate elements of Persian culture due to the historical influence of Persia on Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate. The game portrays Baghdad as a diverse city with influences from Arabic, Persian, Chinese, Hebrew, and Greek cultures.

4. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage set in Iraq?

   Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set in Iraq, specifically in 9th-century Baghdad. The game’s developers have strived to create an authentic representation of the city and its historical context.

5. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage in Arabic?

   Yes, the game features classical Arabic, a version of the language that was spoken over 1,000 years ago. This is a deliberate effort by the developers to enhance the game’s authenticity and immerse players in the historical setting.

6. Is Basim a bad guy?

   The portrayal of Basim is complex. In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, he is presented as an antagonist, driven by revenge. However, Assassin’s Creed Mirage aims to provide a deeper understanding of his character and motivations, exploring his past and the events that shaped him. He is the reincarnation of Loki, but whether that makes him inherently “bad” is a matter of perspective.

7. Is Basim a Templar?

   No, Basim is an Assassin, a member of the Hidden Ones. He is not affiliated with the Templar Order. His conflict stems from events predating the formal establishment of the Templars, rooted in the ancient Isu civilization.

8. Does Mirage take place after Valhalla?

   No, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a prequel to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. It takes place a decade before the events of Valhalla, detailing Basim’s origins and his journey to becoming a master assassin.

9. Is AC Mirage set before ac1?

   Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is set approximately 338 years before the events of the original Assassin’s Creed. This positions it early in the timeline of the franchise, offering a glimpse into the early days of the Hidden Ones.

10. Is Basim Loki in AC Mirage?

    Assassin’s Creed Mirage further explores the connection between Basim and Loki, a figure from Norse mythology. The game delves into the concept of reincarnation and how Basim carries the memories and essence of Loki within him.

11. Why did Basim betray Eivor?

    Basim’s betrayal of Eivor in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla stems from his desire for revenge against those he believes wronged him in his past life as Loki. He views Eivor as a reincarnation of Odin, who he holds responsible for the loss of his son.

12. Which Assassin Creed is Indian?

    Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India is set in 19th-century India during the Anglo-Sikh Wars. It follows the assassin Arbaaz Mir.

13. Is Mirage a prequel to Assassins Creed?

    Yes, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a prequel to the original Assassin’s Creed. It takes place before the events of AC1 and tells the story of Basim before he appears in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.

14. Is Altair a descendant of Basim?

    While not explicitly confirmed, the possibility of Basim being an ancestor of Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad has been speculated among fans. Both share an Arabic background, leading to theories about a possible familial connection. However, it’s important to note that Altair’s father is named Umar Ibn-La’Ahad.

15. Why did Basim become evil?

    Basim’s character is not necessarily “evil”, but rather driven by his past trauma and need for revenge. As Loki, he has memories of being betrayed by his friends and wants vengeance, especially on Odin for the perceived mistreatment of his son. It is suggested that Basim loved his son and hated betrayal.

Conclusion: A Historical Journey in Iraq

Assassin’s Creed Mirage offers players a unique opportunity to explore 9th-century Baghdad, Iraq. Through its detailed recreation of the city and its historical context, the game provides a compelling narrative centered on Basim Ibn Ishaq. By immersing players in this rich cultural landscape, Assassin’s Creed Mirage provides not only entertainment but also a chance to learn about a significant period in human history. The detailed environments and authentic representation of the time make it a captivating experience for fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise and those interested in historical settings. This game exemplifies how digital games can also support education, as shown by the research at GamesLearningSociety.org.