Highlights
Assassin's Creed Mirage marks a significant departure from the recent gameplay formula, reinvigorating disinterested fans by returning to the old format.
Players must unlearn their gameplay habits from Assassin's Creed's RPG games in order to effectively transition back to the old gameplay style. In Mirage, the focus on stealth and parkour routes provides a classic AC experience, demanding players to adopt a different approach. Fans of recent RPG titles will need to memorize escape routes and remember that combat should be a last resort once more.
The highly anticipated Assassin's Creed Mirage distinguishes itself from other upcoming projects in the franchise. This release marks a major departure from the familiar gameplay formula of previous AC games, revitalizing the interest of fans who may have grown disinterested.
Although the return to the traditional gameplay style in Assassin's Creed Mirage is exhilarating, it does come with a few minor challenges. Specifically, fans may find themselves needing to adjust and let go of gameplay habits developed from Mirage's predecessors. This is one downside of the extensive range of experiences that the IP offers.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s Move Away From the RPG Formula
The Assassin’s Creed franchise recently embraced a bold and controversial innovation by adopting a completely new gameplay structure. Unlike its older counterparts characterized by intricately designed central cities, the more recent entries such as Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla have embraced expansive open-world environments.
This shift was primarily intended to enhance the RPG elements of the franchise, placing a strong emphasis on immersive exploration, intricate skill progression, distinctive equipment, and deeper non-player character interactions. By venturing into much larger landscapes than ever before, this ambitious gameplay approach allows for a truly immersive experience, effectively distinguishing the modern Assassin’s Creed from its traditional roots.
Many fans welcomed these changes as a sensible switch-up of what had become a tired formula, yet there are, of course, segments of equally passionate fans who vocalize their preference for the original titles.
Habits That Assassin’s Creed Mirage Players Will Need to Forget
This innovative role-playing game approach will continue for Assassin's Creed, with the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed Red set in Japan as another mainline RPG project. However, Ubisoft aims to diversify this approach, as seen in Mirage, which offers an experience more in line with the classic Assassin's Creed feel.Due to the implementation of the RPG formula in the last three mainline AC entries, it is highly probable that numerous fans have adopted certain gameplay practices that are unsuitable for Mirage. These habits, ranging from general exploration to combat techniques, can have significant repercussions if not discarded.
Mirage players must break the habit of disregarding dedicated parkour routes in urban areas. In the past, knowing these routes was crucial for quick escapes and efficient travel. However, the introduction of larger game worlds and mounted transportation made this skill less important. Ubisoft emphasizes that Mirage will bring back classic parkour, necessitating the memorization of optimal routes to become a master of evasion.
Moreover, Mirage is expected to offer less aggressive and extravagant combat compared to Valhalla and Odyssey. In recent Assassin's Creed titles, players could deviate from stealth-based gameplay by engaging in direct, head-on combat thanks to in-game abilities. However, Mirage will focus on a young Basim's ascent within the Hidden Ones, requiring a return to stealth as the primary means of facing enemies. While Mirage may share certain storytelling elements with its RPG predecessors, it is evident that gameplay will demand a significant shift in approach for fans accustomed to the more recent RPG titles.
Assassin's Creed Mirage releases October 5 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.