Assassin's Creed Mirage delves into Basim's backstory before his involvement in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Departing from the action RPG format, it instead offers an action-adventure experience set in the Middle East. From its inception, the game has been touted as a heartfelt tribute to the early entries in the series, showcasing its strong ties to the originals.
In its entirety, Assassin's Creed Mirage truly feels like a follow-up to the 2007 classic, Assassin's Creed. This could be seen as both a positive and a negative aspect. On one hand, it successfully captures the essence of what made the original action-adventure games so captivating. On the other hand, at times it may feel like a relic of the late 2000s, straddling the line between homage and outdated design choices. Nonetheless, the enjoyable and nostalgic journey outweighs any drawbacks, ensuring an overall satisfying experience.
Assassin's Creed Mirage excels in its expansive sandbox, allowing players to freely explore both the interior and exterior of its walls. The city of Baghdad is divided into distinct districts: Abbasiyah, a cultural hub; Karkh, a bustling market district; Harbiyah, an industrial area; and the Round City at the center. Outside the city, players will discover the Wilderness, featuring sandy dunes that divide caravans, significant historical sites, and bandit camps. Much of the gameplay takes place on the rooftops of Baghdad, with minor changes between districts that still captivate players' attention. Additionally, the city feels vibrant and alive, thanks to interactions with crowds and a variety of diverse NPCs.