Unveiling Basim's Mind: A Profound Dive into Assassin's Creed Mirage's Riveting Exploration of Mental Health

Noble, kind, determined, optimistic, compassionate, a mentor figure, mischievous, and selfless are not accurate descriptors of Basim in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. However, these are some of the words shared by Assassin's Creed Mirage narrative director Sarah Beaulieu and actor Lee Majdoub, who voices the English version of Basim in ACM. As players take on the role of Basim in Assassin's Creed Mirage, they will quickly notice the stark contrast between these two versions of the character.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that Basim in Assassin's Creed Mirage is a "hero" while Basim in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a "villain." Instead, it highlights the complexity of the character, as the former evolves into the latter. One of these complexities is Basim's struggle with mental health, which may be unexpected given the ninth-century Baghdad setting. However, the truth is that mental health has been a longstanding issue throughout history, despite it being more openly discussed and acknowledged today.

"It's a game about confronting past trauma," Beaulieu explained, emphasizing the enduring struggle Basim has faced with his Djinni over the years. The haunting presence of this entity has plagued him since his youth, relentlessly disrupting his sleep every night. Although Basim may not explicitly acknowledge his ongoing difficulties, those closest to him are well aware of his inner turmoil. The fact that he is willing to discuss it, despite the accompanying anxieties, serves as a powerful testament to the significance of prioritizing mental health.

However, as Beaulieu pointed out, this concept closely aligns with the writing principle of "show, don't tell." Beaulieu stated, "Simply having a character say, 'I'm afraid,' doesn't have a strong impact, correct?" The struggle experienced by Basim with the Djinni stems from Beaulieu's firsthand encounter with sleep paralysis in the real world.

The way we presented it in the narrative, set in ninth-century Baghdad with Basim's specific visions, is inspired by a deeply personal experience - sleep paralysis. When confronted with trauma, especially intense fears, how does one's body react, and how can we effectively depict this on screen? ... We must illustrate these moments, these precise instances of encountering the Djinni, while conveying a sense of helplessness and the inability to move as desired. This approach became apparent to me immediately.

Aside from his struggles with the Djinni, Basim yearns for a brighter future, not just for himself but also for his loved ones and the city of Baghdad. This inner spark propels him, as he believes he is destined for more than being a mere street thief. This integral aspect greatly influenced Majdoub's portrayal of Basim:

I aimed to convey this sense of hopefulness in his character since he begins as a street thief with the aspiration of becoming a Hidden One. His desire for a better life extends beyond himself to those he cares about. This is what motivates him - the longing to improve and the certainty that he is meant for greatness. It resonates with me, as it does with many of us, as we navigate our own struggles and search for our true identities and place in the world. Basim's journey embodies precisely that.

However, there are drawbacks to his ambition. In Assassin's Creed Mirage, Basim always prioritizes others over himself, which comes at a personal cost. While he endeavors to find his place in the world and his own identity in Hidden Ones, he still experiences feelings of loneliness. Basim is committed to doing whatever it takes for the Creed, but his arrogance and ambition mask a deep fear of failure, unresolved trauma, and a longing for validation that hinder his progress. Throughout his growth, Basim is influenced by various members of the Brotherhood, most notably his mentor Roshan, who was last seen in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. However, these influences are not always beneficial to him. According to Beaulieu, Basim grapples with a simple life question, particularly in this regard: "Is it possible to help others if you haven't learned to care for yourself?"

Basim's life trajectory in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a tragic one. Many players are familiar with his "ending," which stems from a place of goodness. However, the extinguishing of his internal light leads him down a dark path. Despite this tragedy, something significant emerges from it: relatability. Basim is not a character who flaunts his nobility, nor is the later version of him evil just for the sake of being evil. According to Beaulieu, the writer and performer, we all have fears, trauma, and identity struggles. It is hoped that players will connect with Basim on these levels as that was how he was crafted.

It will be intriguing to observe how Basim's tragic backstory, mental well-being, and traumatic experiences contribute to enhancing the player's relatability with the upcoming release of Assassin's Creed Mirage. Undoubtedly, Basim serves as a vehicle for addressing and commenting on the topic of mental health, regardless of the circumstances.

Assassin's Creed Mirage is set to launch on October 5th, available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. In addition, there are plans for an iPhone 15 Pro version, scheduled for early 2024.