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Assassin's Creed Mirage

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Mirage
Item: Assassin's Creed Mirage
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableOct 5, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperUbisoft Bordeaux

Overview

In the ninth century CE, Baghdad is at its height, leading the world in science, art, innovation, and commerce. Amid its bustling urban landscape, a conflicted young orphan with a tragic past must navigate the streets to survive. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, you are Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions, seeking answers and justice. After an act of deadly retribution, Basim flees Baghdad and joins an ancient organization – The Hidden Ones. As he learns their mysterious rituals and powerful tenets, he will hone his unique abilities, discover his true nature, and come to understand a new Creed – one that will change his fate in ways he never could have imagined.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage offers a nostalgic journey through 9th-century Baghdad as Basim Ibn Ishaq evolves from street thief to master assassin. Critics praise its accessibility for newcomers and unexpected narrative twists, yet many highlight significant flaws: a predictable, formulaic plot, bland character arcs, and excessive cutscenes that detract from immersion. While some appreciate the historical richness, the lack of a modern-day element leaves the stakes feeling low. Ultimately, the game falls short of delivering a compelling narrative, leaving players craving depth and intrigue.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

33%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Assassin's Creed Mirage has garnered some praise from critics for its focus on Basim Ibn Ishaq's journey from a street thief to a master assassin in 9th-century Baghdad. Many reviewers, such as PCGamesN and MGG, appreciated the game's accessibility for newcomers while also tapping into nostalgia for long-time fans of the franchise. Critics like Gamers Heroes noted that the narrative features unexpected twists and provides depth for veterans, while Metro GameCentral highlighted the historical richness and cultural significance of the setting. Additionally, some reviewers, including TrueAchievements, found the pacing and character development engaging, suggesting that the shorter runtime allowed for a more cohesive narrative experience. However, the majority of reviewers expressed significant concerns regarding the story's execution. Critics like Power Unlimited and Gamepressure criticized the narrative for being poorly executed and lacking depth, with excessive cutscenes that detract from the overall experience. Many noted that the plot felt predictable and formulaic, with several reviewers, including New Game Network and BaziCenter, describing the protagonist as bland and the character arcs as unexciting. The absence of a modern-day component was mentioned as a double-edged sword, with some seeing it as a positive while others felt it contributed to a lack of stakes and intrigue, as noted by critics like Easy Allies and Worth Playing. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Assassin's Creed Mirage attempts to return to the series' roots and offers some engaging elements, it ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. The story is often described as predictable, lacking in character development, and failing to provide meaningful surprises or depth, as highlighted by reviewers like Slant Magazine and Digitally Downloaded. Despite some positive aspects, such as its accessibility and nostalgic elements, the overwhelming sentiment suggests that the narrative may not resonate strongly with players, particularly those seeking a more intricate and engaging storyline.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage dives back into stealth roots and nostalgic gameplay, winning over some fans with its parkour and mission variety. However, critics blast its repetitiveness, outdated mechanics, and simplistic combat, leaving many feeling frustrated and underwhelmed. The game is a mixed bag—while it scratches that classic itch, it fails to innovate or excite, making the experience feel monotonous and uninspired.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

41%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Assassin's Creed Mirage has garnered a mix of appreciation for its return to the series' roots and its emphasis on stealth mechanics. Critics like CGMagazine and GameSkinny highlight the game's focus on stealth and strategic assassination, praising the fluidity of parkour mechanics and the multiple ways players can approach missions. The game successfully integrates classic elements such as eavesdropping and pickpocketing, which resonate well with long-time fans of the franchise. Additionally, some reviewers, such as Easy Allies and Hardcore Gamer, commend the streamlined experience that encourages players to engage in investigative gameplay, making the missions feel more immersive and rewarding. However, a significant number of critics express concerns about the gameplay's repetitiveness and lack of innovation. GameWatcher and Power Unlimited describe the mechanics as outdated, with a formulaic approach that fails to introduce new ideas or challenges. Many reviewers, including Worth Playing and Digital Chumps, note that the combat system feels simplistic and unengaging, often leading to frustration due to weak AI and predictable enemy behavior. The overall experience is criticized for being uninspired, with several critics pointing out that the gameplay loop can become monotonous over time, lacking the depth and excitement found in previous entries. The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Assassin's Creed Mirage successfully revives the franchise's stealth elements and provides a nostalgic experience, it ultimately falls short in delivering a fresh and engaging gameplay experience. Critics like BaziCenter and VideoGamer highlight the game's struggle to balance old and new mechanics, resulting in a gameplay experience that feels both familiar and lacking in challenge. Despite some positive remarks about the return to classic gameplay styles, the overwhelming sentiment indicates that the game may not fully satisfy players seeking innovation and depth in their gameplay experience.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage dazzles with its stunning and immersive depiction of 9th-century Baghdad, earning praise for its vibrant atmosphere and attention to historical detail. However, critics flag significant drawbacks including underwhelming graphics, performance issues, and outdated character models. While the game's breathtaking environments shine, technical shortcomings prevent it from fully meeting the high standards of its predecessors, making it a visually captivating yet flawed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

58%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Mirage have received considerable praise from various critics, particularly for their depiction of Baghdad. Reviewers like KeenGamer and Gaming Nexus highlight the stunning and immersive design of the city, emphasizing its vibrant atmosphere and historical accuracy. The environments are described as lively and detailed, with critics such as GamesHub and MGG noting the rich textures and impressive lighting effects that enhance the overall experience. The attention to detail in the recreation of 9th-century Baghdad has been commended by multiple sources, including PC Games and Gamereactor Finland, who appreciate the authenticity and the bustling life that fills the streets and markets. Despite the many positives, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of the game. Critics like Games.cz and IGN Italia note that the graphics feel underwhelming compared to modern standards, with issues such as lower detail levels and less dense crowds. Performance issues, particularly related to frame rates and optimization, have been a common concern, as highlighted by Destructoid and Eurogamer Poland. Additionally, some reviewers, including LaPS4 and GameMAG, criticize the character models and facial animations for lacking the quality expected from a contemporary title, suggesting that they appear outdated or cartoonish compared to the richly designed environments. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Assassin's Creed Mirage successfully captures the essence of Baghdad with its visually appealing environments, it falls short in certain technical aspects. The game is often described as a mixed bag, with beautiful cityscapes and immersive atmospheres overshadowed by performance issues and less impressive character designs. Critics like Game Informer and Digital Trends encapsulate this sentiment, praising the detailed world while acknowledging the graphical limitations that detract from the experience. Thus, while the game offers a captivating visual journey through a historically rich setting, it struggles to meet the high expectations set by previous entries in the franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage impresses with its atmospheric soundtrack and authentic Arabic voice track, praised for enhancing immersion and capturing the essence of 9th-century Baghdad. However, criticisms of wooden voice acting, synchronization issues, and poor sound design mar the experience, leaving a mixed reception. While standout performances shine, the overall execution suggests room for improvement in delivering a fully immersive audio experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Mirage have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, particularly for their atmospheric qualities and cultural authenticity. Many reviewers, such as Everyeye.it and XboxEra, commend the soundtrack for its ability to enhance the game's immersive experience, with references to classic themes from the series that resonate with long-time fans. Critics like KeenGamer and LaPS4 highlight the exceptional quality of the music composed by Brendan Angelides, noting that it effectively captures the essence of the game's 9th-century Baghdad setting. Additionally, the inclusion of a full Arabic voice track has been appreciated by critics like Digitally Downloaded, who emphasize how it adds authenticity to the historical context, while GamesHub points out that the lively Arabic-language voice track significantly enhances the game's atmosphere. However, the reviews also reveal significant concerns regarding the voice acting and sound design. Critics such as GameWatcher and Power Unlimited describe the voice acting as wooden and lacking emotional depth, which detracts from the overall experience. Synchronization issues, where characters' voices do not match their mouth movements, were noted by Windows Central and Games.cz, further undermining immersion. Additionally, some reviewers like God is a Geek and Gamepressure criticize the sound design for missing effects and poorly written dialogue, leading to a less engaging experience. This sentiment is echoed by Worth Playing, who mentions that the voice acting lacks the energy found in recent titles, leaving a mixed impression. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided opinion on the sound design and music of Assassin's Creed Mirage. While many praise the atmospheric and culturally relevant soundtrack, others express disappointment in the quality of voice acting and certain sound design elements. Critics like VG247 and Gamers Heroes highlight the standout performances, particularly from Shohreh Aghdashloo, which indicates that there are moments of excellence within the audio experience. However, the recurring complaints about voice acting and synchronization issues suggest that the game falls short of its potential in delivering a fully immersive audio experience. Thus, while the music and some aspects of sound design are celebrated, the overall execution leaves room for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage receives mixed reviews; standout performances, especially by Shohreh Aghdashloo, enhance the narrative, while many critics lament inconsistent quality, wooden delivery, and poor lip-syncing that hinder immersion. The game shines at times but ultimately struggles to maintain a high standard, leading to a divided opinion among players and reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage has garnered a mix of praise and criticism from various reviewers, with some highlighting standout performances that enhance the game's narrative. Critics such as Daily Star and WellPlayed commend the quality of the voice acting, particularly noting Shohreh Aghdashloo's portrayal of Roshan as a significant highlight that adds depth to her character. Other reviewers, like GamingTrend, emphasize the superb performances that effectively convey emotional nuances, while the inclusion of Arabic voiceovers is noted as a factor that adds authenticity to the immersive experience. Critics like Gamer Escape and Pure Xbox also recognize the strong performances of the main cast, contributing positively to the overall narrative. However, the negative aspects of the voice acting are prevalent in many reviews, with several critics describing it as inconsistent or lacking depth. CD-Action and Power Unlimited express disappointment, labeling the voice acting as subpar and reminiscent of older games, which detracts from immersion. GameWatcher and Gamepressure echo this sentiment, describing the voice acting as wooden and devoid of stronger emotions, leading to a lack of engagement with the story. Additionally, issues such as poor lip-syncing and flat writing are highlighted by critics like Windows Central and Stevivor, indicating that these flaws negatively impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided opinion on the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage. While some reviewers, like Metro GameCentral and Gamers Heroes, celebrate the quality of the performances, particularly from prominent actors, many others point out significant shortcomings that affect immersion and engagement. The presence of standout performances, especially from Shohreh Aghdashloo, serves as a silver lining amid the criticisms of wooden delivery and inconsistent quality. This dichotomy suggests that while the game features moments of strong voice acting, it ultimately struggles to maintain a consistently high standard across its cast, leaving a mixed impression on players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage showcases solid technical performance on PS5 and PC, with smooth gameplay and high frame rates. However, it is marred by persistent bugs, AI issues, and glitches across all platforms that detract from the experience. Critics note the game needs further refinement to fully capitalize on its potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

Positive Aspects of Technical Performance Across the various platforms, Assassin's Creed Mirage has garnered some positive feedback regarding its technical performance. On the PS5, several critics, including PlayStation Universe and Hey Poor Player, noted that the game runs smoothly with high frame rates, particularly in performance mode. Trusted Reviews highlighted the game's strong technical performance with options for different graphical modes, while CGMagazine praised the quick loading times and absence of major disruptions during gameplay. On the PC side, critics like Shacknews and Gfinity reported smooth performance at high settings, with no significant crashes or performance issues, indicating solid optimization. Xbox Series X users also experienced a generally stable performance, with ZTGD noting a steady 60fps in performance mode. Negative Aspects of Technical Performance Despite the positives, numerous critics pointed out various technical issues that marred the experience across all platforms. On the PS5, reviewers such as PlayStation LifeStyle and Slant Magazine highlighted control issues and broken AI, which detracted from the gameplay experience. Bugs and glitches were frequently mentioned, with Gameblog.fr and MeuPlayStation noting visual bugs and gameplay-affecting glitches. The Xbox Series X version also faced criticism, as Windows Central reported several bugs and crashes, particularly concerning NPC behavior. On PC, while some critics praised the performance, others like PCGamesN and Worth Playing pointed out issues such as infinite fall states and character warping, indicating that technical problems persist across platforms. Overall Consensus The overall consensus among critics suggests that while Assassin's Creed Mirage demonstrates a commendable level of technical performance, particularly on PS5 and PC, it is still plagued by notable issues that affect gameplay. Many reviewers agree that the game exhibits longstanding problems with AI and control mechanics, which have been present in previous titles within the franchise. Critics like Gamer.no and Eurogamer Poland acknowledged that despite stable frame rates and smooth performance in certain modes, the game suffers from bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. Ultimately, while the game shows promise in its technical execution, the persistent issues highlighted by multiple critics indicate that further refinement is needed to elevate the experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage has potential replay value with side quests, collectibles, and a New Game Plus mode, but critics largely agree its repetitive missions and lack of engaging content greatly diminish this appeal. Many find the game too linear and formulaic, leading to a consensus that it fails to offer compelling reasons for extensive replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

79%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

14%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Assassin's Creed Mirage, there are some notable positives that emerge. Several reviewers, such as Gaming Nexus and Carole Quintaine, highlight the game’s inclusion of side quests and collectibles, which can enhance replayability. Critics like Gamereactor UK mention the game’s customization options and skill trees, suggesting that these features provide players with varied strategies and approaches to missions, thereby encouraging multiple playthroughs. Additionally, Noisy Pixel points out the availability of a New Game Plus mode, which can further entice players to revisit the game after completing the main story. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics leans towards the negatives regarding replay value. Many reviews, including those from GRYOnline.pl and Movies Games and Tech, express disappointment in the repetitive nature of missions and the lack of engaging side content, which diminishes the incentive to replay. Critics such as IGN France and The Games Machine note that the game’s compact nature and limited side activities contribute to a feeling of emptiness, leading to a consensus that the game is not designed for extensive replayability. Furthermore, the absence of a New Game Plus mode at launch, as highlighted by GamePro Germany, is seen as a significant drawback that limits replay options. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Assassin's Creed Mirage offers some features that could enhance replay value, such as side quests and collectibles, the repetitive mission structure and lack of depth significantly undermine this potential. Critics like Digital Chumps and PlaySense emphasize the linear progression and formulaic side missions, which can deter players from revisiting the game. Ultimately, despite some positive aspects, many reviewers agree that the game does not provide a compelling reason for players to replay it extensively, making it a more linear experience compared to its predecessors.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

59%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

41%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment surrounding Assassin's Creed Mirage is notably mixed, with several critics highlighting its strengths, particularly in terms of nostalgia and a return to the series' roots. Critics like IGN France and Pocket-lint commend the game for its focus on stealth and core mechanics, which hark back to the earlier entries in the franchise. Many reviewers, including CGMagazine and Gamers Heroes, appreciate the engaging gameplay and the immersive world set in ninth-century Baghdad, suggesting that the game successfully captures the essence of what made the series popular in the first place. The game's shorter, more focused campaign is also seen as a positive by critics like Metro GameCentral and Gamereactor UK, who argue that it provides a digestible experience for players with limited time. However, the negatives of Assassin's Creed Mirage are equally pronounced, with numerous critics expressing disappointment in its lack of innovation and depth. Siliconera and CD-Action describe the game as a step backward for the franchise, criticizing it for failing to deliver the engaging storytelling and character development that fans have come to expect. Critics like GameWatcher and GRYOnline.pl highlight the repetitive gameplay and formulaic story, indicating that the game feels stale and lacks the excitement of its predecessors. Furthermore, several reviews, including those from Trusted Reviews and GameMAG, emphasize that while the game may appeal to long-time fans, it ultimately leaves much to be desired in terms of new content and features. The overall consensus among critics suggests that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a divisive entry in the series. While some reviewers, such as PC Invasion and VGC, find merit in its nostalgic approach and streamlined gameplay, many others, including TheGamer and GameWatcher, argue that it falls short of expectations, feeling dated and lacking in innovation. The game is seen as a commendable attempt to return to the franchise's roots, but it struggles with issues of depth and engagement, leaving fans divided. Ultimately, Assassin's Creed Mirage is characterized as a game that may satisfy some long-time fans while disappointing others who seek the evolution and complexity seen in more recent titles.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage receives mixed reviews, praised for its nostalgic return to stealth mechanics and immersive ninth-century Baghdad setting. Critics commend its shorter campaign for being digestible but lament its lack of innovation, depth, and engaging storytelling. While some long-time fans may appreciate the nod to the series' roots, many feel it falls short with repetitive gameplay, leaving a divided reception.

MONSTER

Reviews

259 reviews found

100

GameGrin

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer enjoyed Assassin's Creed Mirage despite its graphics and recommends it.

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Gaming Age

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a solid entry in the series that doesn't break new ground but offers a compelling story and gameplay experience.

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Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to the franchise's roots, delivering a satisfying stealth experience with a compelling story and immersive world.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is praised for returning to the series' roots with a focus on stealth, compelling narrative, and well-designed missions, making it a celebration of the franchise's 15 years.

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Hey Poor Player

PlayStation 5

Oct 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage successfully pays tribute to the series' roots with a focused stealth experience, despite some minor flaws in melee combat and wilderness exploration.

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TechRadar Gaming

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is praised as a fantastic return to form for the series, blending old and new mechanics while delivering a heartfelt story and engaging gameplay.

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Carole Quintaine

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is praised as a true return to form for the series, focusing on stealth and narrative, making it a rewarding experience for fans.

TRG

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a fantastic return to form for the series, blending old and new mechanics with a compelling story and setting.

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Noisy Pixel

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin’s Creed Mirage is an immersive and engaging game that offers nostalgic set pieces and unique experiences. It can be enjoyed as a standalone adventure, but longtime fans will appreciate the connections to previous plot points.

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Digitally Downloaded

PlayStation 5

Oct 13, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed: Mirage is seen as a return to form for the series, offering a more focused and engaging experience compared to recent entries. It simplifies the formula while providing a rich historical context, though narrative depth remains a concern.

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