Ubisoft has announced the next installment in the popular Assassin’s Creed franchise, titled Assassin’s Creed Mirage. The game will take players to the 9th century Baghdad, during the peak of the Islamic Golden Age, and follow the story of Basim, a street thief who becomes a master assassin.
A Return to the Roots of the Series
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a homage to the original game in the series, which was set in the 12th century during the Third Crusade. The game will focus more on stealth, parkour, and assassination, rather than the large-scale open world and combat of the recent titles. Players will have access to a variety of tools and weapons, such as throwing knives, blowdarts, smoke bombs, and traps, to help them navigate the bustling streets of Baghdad and eliminate their targets.
The game will also feature four unique districts of Baghdad, each with its own culture, architecture, and secrets. Players will be able to explore the Grand Mosque, the House of Wisdom, the Royal Palace, and the Bazaar, as well as other landmarks and historical sites. The game will also showcase the rich diversity and achievements of the Islamic civilization, such as its contributions to science, art, literature, and philosophy.
A New Perspective on Basim
Assassin’s Creed Mirage will star Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character who was first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla as a major antagonist. The game will reveal his backstory and motivations, as well as his connection to the ancient organization known as the Hidden Ones, which later evolved into the Assassin Brotherhood.
Basim will be mentored by Roshan, a master assassin played by Emmy Award-winning actress Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse, 24, House of Saddam). Roshan will guide Basim through his initiation into the Hidden Ones, and teach him the skills and values of an assassin. Basim will also encounter other historical figures and events, such as the Abbasid Caliphate, the Anarchy at Samarra, and the Zanj Rebellion.
A Free Next-Gen Upgrade
Assassin’s Creed Mirage will be released in spring 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game will offer a free next-gen upgrade for players who own the digital or disc version of the game on PS4 or Xbox One. This means that they will be able to enjoy the enhanced graphics, performance, and features of the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version without any additional cost.
The game will also have post-launch content, such as a bonus quest called “The Forty Thieves”, which is inspired by the famous tale from One Thousand and One Nights. The quest will be available as a preorder bonus or a special edition content. Other DLC missions and expansions are expected to be announced later.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is expected to be one of the highlights of the upcoming Ubisoft Forward 2023 stream, where more details and gameplay footage will be revealed.
