The Latest Leap of Faith: Unveiling the Newest Assassin’s Creed

The newest installment in the sprawling Assassin’s Creed universe is Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which was released on October 5, 2023. This title marks a return to the series’ roots, emphasizing stealth, parkour, and a more focused narrative experience compared to the sprawling open-world RPGs that defined the recent entries.

A Step Back to Basics: What Makes Mirage Different?

For many, the Assassin’s Creed franchise had evolved significantly over the years, drifting away from its original formula. While the massive open worlds of Odyssey and Valhalla offered hundreds of hours of gameplay, some players longed for the tighter, more linear experiences of the earlier games. Ubisoft listened.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is designed as a love letter to those fans. It’s set in 9th-century Baghdad and follows the story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. The game focuses on:

• Stealth Gameplay: Emphasis is placed on social stealth, blending into crowds, and utilizing tools to remain unseen.
• Parkour Traversal: The acrobatic movement system is refined, allowing for smoother and more fluid navigation of the city’s rooftops and alleyways.
• Focused Narrative: The story is more compact and character-driven, offering a streamlined experience compared to the sprawling epics of recent games.
• Traditional Assassin Tools and Weapons: Players have access to a classic arsenal of tools like smoke bombs, throwing knives, and of course, the hidden blade.

Mirage aims to recapture the essence of the early Assassin’s Creed games while still incorporating some of the modern enhancements the series has developed. It’s a deliberate attempt to bridge the gap between the old and the new, offering a familiar yet fresh experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Exploring the World of Mirage: Baghdad and Beyond

Baghdad serves as the primary setting for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, offering a vibrant and detailed recreation of the 9th-century city. The developers meticulously researched historical texts and architectural designs to create an authentic and immersive environment.

While Baghdad is the main focus, the game also features surrounding areas and wilderness, offering a diverse range of environments to explore. The open-world structure is smaller and more condensed compared to Valhalla and Odyssey, encouraging exploration and discovery within a more manageable space.

The world design emphasizes verticality, with plenty of opportunities for parkour and strategic vantage points for planning assassinations. The environment itself becomes a tool, allowing players to use the city’s architecture to their advantage.

Beyond Mirage: The Future of Assassin’s Creed

While Mirage represents the newest release, the Assassin’s Creed franchise is showing no signs of slowing down. Ubisoft has already announced several future projects, indicating a continued commitment to the series.

Assassin’s Creed Red

Reportedly planned as a “blockbuster” release in 2024, Assassin’s Creed Red will take players to feudal Japan, a highly anticipated setting that fans have been requesting for years. This game is expected to be a large-scale open-world RPG in the vein of Odyssey and Valhalla.

Assassin’s Creed Hexe

Assassin’s Creed Hexe is shrouded in mystery, but early reports suggest it will explore a darker and more supernatural side of the Assassin’s Creed universe, possibly delving into witch trials and folklore. This game is rumored to be a departure from the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula.

Assassin’s Creed Infinity

Described as a “platform” or “hub,” Assassin’s Creed Infinity is designed to connect different Assassin’s Creed games and experiences together. This ambitious project aims to create a unified platform where players can access various historical settings and storylines within a single ecosystem. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how such platforms can enrich educational gaming experiences.

Assassin’s Creed: A Legacy of Gaming

From its humble beginnings in 2007, Assassin’s Creed has evolved into one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in gaming history. With its blend of historical settings, compelling narratives, and engaging gameplay, the series has captivated millions of players worldwide. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, demonstrating Ubisoft’s commitment to innovating while staying true to the core values that made the franchise a phenomenon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you understand more about the Assassin’s Creed series and its latest installment:

1. What platforms is Assassin’s Creed Mirage available on? Assassin’s Creed Mirage is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
2. Is Assassin’s Creed Mirage open world? Yes, but it is more focused than previous entries. The size and scope are closer to Assassin’s Creed Unity than Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
3. Is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla the newest AC game? No, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was released in 2020. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the newest title, released in 2023.
4. What is the storyline of Assassin’s Creed Mirage? Assassin’s Creed Mirage follows the story of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, as he rises through the ranks of the Hidden Ones (the precursors to the Assassins) in 9th-century Baghdad.
5. In what order should I play the Assassin’s Creed games? While you can play them in any order, playing in order of release is recommended for story continuity. A popular starting point is the Ezio Collection (Assassin’s Creed II, Brotherhood, Revelations).
6. What are the new Assassin’s Creed games coming up? Upcoming Assassin’s Creed games include Assassin’s Creed Red (set in feudal Japan), Assassin’s Creed Hexe (exploring a darker theme), and Assassin’s Creed Infinity (a platform connecting different games).
7. What is Assassin’s Creed Infinity? Assassin’s Creed Infinity is a live service platform designed to connect multiple Assassin’s Creed games and experiences. It is designed to be an ever evolving hub for future titles.
8. Which Assassin’s Creed is considered the best? The “best” Assassin’s Creed is subjective, but Assassin’s Creed II is often cited as a fan favorite due to its compelling story and iconic protagonist.
9. Is it worth buying Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? Yes, Valhalla is considered to be a very good game with strong mechanics and a vast world.
10. What is the longest Assassin’s Creed game? Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the longest main entry in the series based on average playtime.
11. Who is considered the strongest assassin in Assassin’s Creed? Ezio Auditore da Firenze is widely regarded as the strongest and most iconic assassin in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
12. Which Assassin’s Creed game is free? Ubisoft periodically offers free weekends or promotions for various Assassin’s Creed titles. Keep an eye on their official channels for announcements.
13. How many more Assassin’s Creed games are planned? Ubisoft has publicly announced multiple Assassin’s Creed games in development, including Red, Hexe, and Infinity, with more likely to follow.
14. Will there be an Assassin’s Creed game set during World War II? There are no confirmed plans for a World War II Assassin’s Creed game, but the concept has been explored in fan-made videos and discussions.
15. Who betrayed Soma in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? Galinn betrayed Soma in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.