Unlocking the Secrets: Exploring the Riveting Transformation of Basim in Assassin's Creed Mirage

In the Ezio trilogy, fans witness the growth of a young man into a Master Assassin tied to the destinies of Altair and Desmond. Assassin's Creed 3 showcases the development of Connor throughout his life and delves even further into his family history in Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag. While it is not uncommon for the games or supplementary materials to provide fans with deeper insights into certain characters, it is atypical for the franchise to move backward in terms of a character's storyline. However, after observing Basim's fate in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, players have the opportunity to journey back in time and assume the role of Basim in Assassin's Creed Mirage.

As a result, there are essentially two distinct versions of Basim, shaped by these events. Although the Assassin's Creed Mirage team was not necessarily restricted by the events of AC Valhalla, the two games are intricately connected. In a recent interview with narrative director Sarah Beaulieu and actor Lee Majdoub (the voice behind Basim in Assassin's Creed Mirage), Game Rant discussed these different iterations of the character, his challenges with mental health, and more. The following transcript has been edited for clarity and conciseness.

Q: How did you handle the complexities of Basim's character while writing and performing?

Beaulieu: When approaching the writing process, we took into consideration the shifts between Basim's portrayal in Valhalla and Mirage. In Valhalla, Basim is depicted as a quiet character with limited dialogue. This served as a starting point for us to delve into his backstory and explore the events leading up to his current state in Mirage. Ultimately, we viewed his journey as a tragic one.

It is imperative to note that this story lacks humor and gradually leads him towards his inevitable fate. Our knowledge from Valhalla reveals a rather unfavorable perception. Consequently, the process of writing Basim revolved around constructing the character's flaws, fears, sources of inspiration, and everything in between. Moreover, the challenge was to seamlessly intertwine his life as a Hidden One with his life as an individual burdened by profound issues. This intricate narrative journey connects this version of Basim to the Basim we encounter in Valhalla. Undoubtedly, it is a tale centered around a profoundly complex and tragic character, reminiscent of Shakespearean drama.

Majdoub: Regarding the approach to performance, there were numerous conversations with Sara and the team from the beginning. Being a long-time fan of Assassin's Creed, I have always been captivated by the storyline of the assassins in each game. What intrigued me about Basim was that if you have played Valhalla, you already have some knowledge about his later life. So, when they informed me that we were going to delve into Basim's earlier years, it became incredibly fascinating.

As a performer and a lover of narratives, my aim was to create something distinct. How could we showcase the journey of a character who starts at point A and eventually reaches point B, considering what we already know from Valhalla? What's remarkable is that it also works beautifully for those who haven't played Valhalla or are unfamiliar with Basim's story. Even if you have never played Assassin's Creed, it can still be enjoyed as a standalone narrative. For me, it was about adding depth to Basim and, once again, tragedy is perhaps the most fitting description.

I aimed to bring a sense of lightness to him because he starts as a street thief and aspires to be a Hidden One. His aspiration is to have a better life for himself and his loved ones. That's his driving force; he simply wants to improve and believes he is destined for more. Personally, like many of us, I believe grappling with our identity and finding our place in the world is a significant challenge. And Basim's story embodies exactly that.

Beaulieu: This game centers around the theme of identity. It was one of the main foundations of both the game and its storyline.

Majdoub: Absolutely! It was incredibly satisfying to contribute to that aspect.

Beaulieu: Yes, precisely. You touched upon a crucial point – shedding light on Basim's character. Due to Valhalla, many players had viewed Basim as the villain, someone they didn't want to play because he was portrayed as a bad person. He wasn't portrayed as a good character.

At the onset of the game, we faced a challenge in infusing this sense of buoyancy into the character. However, I believe we successfully accomplished it. He possesses depth and complexity, yet remains a commendable personality.

Q: Indeed, there exist two distinct iterations of Basim - the one encountered in Mirage and the one observed in Valhalla. How was the experience of working in reverse? Typically, character progression in Assassin's Creed games follows a chronological order.

Majdoub: Personally, Sarah, I found it liberating as an actor to not be confined by the portrayal of Basim in Valhalla.

Beaulieu: Absolutely.

Majdoub: It was a liberating experience. Instead of focusing solely on the narrative of Mirage and Valhalla, we really explored how this character evolves to become the vessel. This allowed for a great deal of creative freedom. Personally, I found it fascinating not to be confined to the specific mannerisms, speech patterns, and demeanor of the previous character, as he is an entirely different individual.

Beaulieu: The last scene in Mirage, which was one of the earliest scenes I wrote, had significant importance in Basim's writing. It served as a crucial point in determining the character's ultimate development in the game. This scene allowed us to establish the right direction from the beginning, ensuring that Basim's evolution always led towards that particular moment.

Our intention was to present a different narrative. While we acknowledged Basim from Valhalla, we chose to keep him in the background. After all, Basim is not solely defined by that particular role, right?

Majdoub: Yeah, we get to do what Basim becomes, I think that's really freeing. We can do the beginnings and show the light before the dark.

Beaulieu: Yeah, that's a good way to word it.

Q: Right, Basim is essentially two separate characters. Another important aspect of Basim that you mentioned is his deep fear, and the Djinni scene I witnessed felt straight out of a horror game. How does tapping into that inner fear impact every aspect of Basim?

Majdoub: I believe it adds an additional layer to his character. As an actor, I thrive on playing multidimensional characters because it gives me more to work with. I think that fear really shapes Basim. He is constantly caught in a struggle between trying to live a fearless life while hiding his tormenting nightmares behind a smiling facade.

I also perceive a parallel in this aspect. Could this possibly be a reflection on his mental well-being? Is he experiencing anxiety?

We are increasingly discussing this topic in our daily lives. I found it fascinating that we explored it in Mirage, set in ninth-century Baghdad, through a male character who is also willing to openly discuss his fears and concerns. He is apprehensive about being judged, unsure of its implications, and is simply endeavoring to do what we all do - giving his best effort.

Beaulieu: Indeed, Roshan is constantly striving to do his best despite the challenges and responsibilities he has.

Majdoub: Yeah Roshan is like a classic parent who's just like get over it, shove it down, don't talk about your emotions.

Beaulieu: Ever.

Majdoub: That's how you handle it, right?

Beaulieu: Our approach to the narrative, set in ninth-century Baghdad and focusing on his unique visions, is inspired by a personal experience - sleep paralysis. When confronted with trauma, and particularly the fears associated with it, how does the body respond? How can we effectively convey this on screen? Simply having a character state their fear is not impactful enough. Instead, we must depict these moments of encountering the Djinni, where the character is paralyzed by fear and unable to take action. This concept became evident to me immediately, and we successfully incorporated sleep paralysis into our storytelling. Yes, the game explores the theme of trauma.

Majdoub: Indeed. This game definitely revolves around the theme of trauma.

Q: It didn't occur to me to relate it to mental health. I should have. Basim seems quite upfront about it as well, doesn't he? While we usually discourage discussing it, Basim simply acknowledges it as another troubling dream.

Majdoub: Yeah, I find it challenging to deal with my anxiety and constantly navigate my identity and purpose in the world. It's amazing to portray a character who shares those struggles and is on a similar journey of self-discovery.

Moreover, utilizing personal experiences like sleep paralysis enhances storytelling and adds depth to the narrative. The beauty of video games is that players can immerse themselves in the story and personally experience it through their avatar.

The main goal was to establish a strong connection between the player and Basim on multiple levels. Everyone experiences fears, trauma, and personal struggles, including identity issues, which are immensely significant. My sincere hope is that players will genuinely relate to Basim's character, as he was carefully crafted, scripted, and brought to life with that intention.

Majdoub: Connecting with the audience is crucial to me as an actor. Regardless of whether they feel animosity or affection towards the character, I strive to deliver a compelling performance. My primary goal is to captivate them, as I genuinely adore this character and greatly appreciate Ubisoft's contribution. It's truly wonderful.

Beaulieu: We absolutely admire your portrayal.

Q: Changing gears a little bit, what would you say was the most important thing to Basim in life before joining the Hidden Ones?

Beaulieu: Joining the Hidden Ones [laughs].

Majdoub: I think it's the pursuit of a better life for him and his loved ones.

Beaulieu: Exactly, yes. That would be a good way to put it, yeah.

Majdoub: The exploration of Mirage's protagonist revolves around the question of what lengths he is willing to go to in order to create a better future for himself and his loved ones.

Beaulieu: Additionally, he is driven by a strong desire for justice. This aspect aligns with his assassin nature, but he also endeavors to make positive contributions to society through his actions.

Majdoub: I think he's a weirdly noble character, trying to seek like the noble within himself.

Beaulieu: Yes, but with a lot of weaknesses - he's working on it.

Majdoub: I think that's great though. You don't want a character who is just like, 'I'm Noble!'

You've got to have a little bit of that light in the dark, right?

Majdoub: The light in the dark, yes. And that works for the Assassins' code as well.

Beaulieu: Yeah, it does. That's a good line. You have to keep it.

Q: Indeed, I perceive a certain dignity in him, evident through his interactions with the community, particularly with the locals and children. Though not insignificant, these subtle nuances undoubtedly distinguish him. It is difficult to imagine the Basim of Valhalla engaging in such cordial exchanges with children. Therefore, what do these minute yet significant details, embodying nobility, contribute to his character?

Beaulieu: Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that the presence of the children at the beginning of the game serves a purpose in your experience.

The relationship between Basim, the children, and the community is crucial. While Basim may be a street thief, he is not alone. There are several people around him, including characters you have already encountered. Each character helps to shape Basim's development. For instance, he is influenced by the street thieves, the children, and a character named Dervis who leads the children. Basim's growth is influenced by these individuals at the start of the game, and things will progress from there.

Majdoub: Seeing that was incredibly cool because it introduced a whole new perspective on Basim for me. He's not just a member of a group of thieves, but he acts as a caring older brother figure to the younger kids. It quickly became clear to me who he truly is.

He's constantly torn between his own desires and the selfless needs of those around him. He's on a quest to find the right balance, understanding his purpose while also considering the needs of the kids, his friends, and himself.

Beaulieu: The dilemma of desires versus necessities.

Majdoub: This aspect greatly defines the character. We witness his selflessness, even though he may be misunderstood or have flaws. Many of his choices stem from his selfless nature.

Beaulieu: Yes, even though he's a little bit cocky at the beginning of the game.

Majdoub: It's a cover, you know? He's a young kid, he's like 'I got it. I got it.' I know what I'm doing.

Beaulieu: He's a bit cheeky like that, yeah.

Majdoub: I thought I knew everything when I was in my 20s, and now I'm like, 'Oh, I know nothing.'

Q: That cockiness could be a cover for his mental health and his anxiety too, right?

Beaulieu acknowledges that there is an ongoing conflict within him. On one hand, he is committed to his duties as a Hidden One, which involve pursuing justice and protecting the well-being of others. On the other hand, he also desires to gain self-awareness and comprehend the changes occurring within himself. This internal struggle has persisted for a considerable period, and Beaulieu recognizes the necessity to confront it. Ultimately, he is faced with the dilemma of making choices: should he prioritize his own needs or focus on benefiting others? Furthermore, Beaulieu contemplates whether it is even feasible to actively help others if he neglects the importance of self-care.

Majdoub: It's interesting that you mention that. I've also had to learn that lesson in my own life. You can only extend so much care to others if you neglect your own well-being and ignore your own needs. The more you understand yourself and prioritize self-care, the more authentically you can care for others.

Yeah, I believe that's his dilemma too - what should take precedence? Should I focus on my own needs, or fulfill the expectations placed on me by others?

Beaulieu: Exactly. In the game, Roshan and Nehal support Basim, who is his best friend. However, they have different perspectives on what Basim should do. Roshan is focused on the goals of the Hidden Ones, emphasizing that it's not about the individual but the greater cause. Meanwhile, Nehal doesn't trust anyone except herself, promoting self-reliance. These contrasting views have a significant impact on Basim's character development as he grapples with inner conflicts, and unfortunately, others don't provide much support.

Majdoub: That's definitely true [laughs].

Q: Basim forms numerous strong connections with both the locals and the Hidden Ones during his time at AC Mirage. Of course, one cannot overlook his bond with Roshan, which is clearly significant. Additionally, I found Basim's rapport with Nur to be remarkably endearing despite its quick development. Would you mind shedding some light on Basim's relationships with the Hidden Ones and other characters?

Beaulieu: Yeah, there are many of them. Nehal, Nur, and Roshan are significant figures. The Hidden One Bureaus also have people worth meeting. During AC Mirage, our aim was for Basim to encounter numerous Hidden Ones, primarily in Alamut, with additional Bureaus in Baghdad. Each of them showcases a unique aspect of the Hidden Ones and holds their own distinct character.

We also have Fuladh, who appears in one of the trailers. You can observe his behavior and hear him speak. Within the Hidden Ones, we have both wise individuals and mischievous, proud members. Basim's character was constructed in parallel with theirs, but he tends to be more of a solitary type. Despite being part of the Hidden Ones, players will sense that he remains rather reserved in Alamut, confiding mostly in Roshan and not the others.

This is how we collaborated with Basim to create the Hidden Ones, revealing his loneliness within a community.

Majdoub: It's similar to any kind of dynamic, whether it's within a family or among friends. There are those individuals you admire and seek guidance from, those who possess more knowledge than you do. Yet, there is also a sense of resentment, where you struggle to accept their superiority. Additionally, there are younger individuals who rise with you, creating a sense of camaraderie mixed with competition.

It's intriguing how Basim, a member of the Hidden Ones, embodies both the qualities of a loner and someone who seeks acceptance among others.

Majdoub: Again, it's that question of where's my place? I think it's also the struggle of being introverted and trying to be extroverted, the balance of that.

[END]

Assassin's Creed Mirage releases October 5 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. An iPhone 15 Pro port is slated for early 2024.