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CRITIK

Assassin's Creed Mirage

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

2023

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

AvailableOct 5, 2023

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

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

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Assassin's Creed Mirage are quite varied. Some critics, such as Dexerto and COGconnected, praise the story for being engaging, with Dexerto even calling it one of the best in recent Assassin's Creed history. They highlight the presence of mysteries and a well-paced narrative as strengths of the story. Additionally, GameWatcher appreciates the serious and intriguing narrative that explores political upheaval and Basim's desire to liberate his people. VG247 also commends the story for its thematic elements, unexpected twists, and the protagonist's self-discovery and examination of justice and revenge. These positive opinions indicate that the story of Assassin's Creed Mirage manages to captivate and immerse players with its engaging plot and thematic depth. However, there are also critics who express some negative aspects of the story. Press Start Australia mentions that while the plot of Assassin's Creed Mirage is engaging, it loses steam halfway through and fails to move the overarching story forward or tease what's to come. Siliconera criticizes the story for centering on an unlikeable character and feeling unnecessary and inconsequential. They also highlight the lack of impact from character deaths and twists. The Guardian criticizes the game's morality, as players can rob people despite being an assassin, and describes the story as well-trodden and lacking originality. These negative opinions suggest that the story of Assassin's Creed Mirage may suffer from pacing issues, lack of substance, and a lack of originality. Overall, the critics' opinions on the story of Assassin's Creed Mirage are mixed. While some critics praise the engaging and well-paced narrative, others criticize it for losing steam, lacking depth, and feeling unnecessary. The positive opinions from critics like Dexerto, COGconnected, and VG247 indicate that the story manages to deliver an immersive and captivating experience with its mysteries, thematic elements, and self-discovery of the protagonist. However, the negative opinions from critics like Press Start Australia, Siliconera, and The Guardian suggest that the story may suffer from pacing issues, lack of substance, and a lack of originality. Ultimately, players may find enjoyment in the story of Assassin's Creed Mirage, but it may not reach the heights of the best narratives in the series.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Assassin's Creed Mirage's story. Some laud its engaging plot, mysteries, and thematic depth, while others criticize its pacing issues, lack of substance, and unoriginality. Positive reviews highlight its immersive experience, while negative feedback points to a loss of steam and unlikeable characters. Overall, opinions vary, with some praising its strengths and others pointing out its flaws.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

45%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Mirage, it becomes evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to be considered. The positive aspects of the gameplay include the emphasis on stealth, the satisfaction derived from the Assassin's Focus technique, and the inclusion of various tools and skill point systems. Critics such as NME, Easy Allies, and GameSkinny highlight the multiple ways to approach assassination missions and the fun and rewarding stealth mechanics. The inclusion of parkour, combat, and mission structure that captures the essence of being an assassin, as mentioned by COGconnected, further adds to the positive aspects of the gameplay. On the other hand, there are some negative aspects that reviewers have pointed out. The combat in Mirage is often described as lackluster, with Dexerto, Game Informer, and TheGamer mentioning its stiffness and awkwardness. Tailing missions are also criticized for being tedious and frustrating, as noted by Press Start Australia. Some reviewers, such as GameWatcher and Siliconera, mention clunky control schemes and occasional minor glitches as negative aspects of the gameplay. Additionally, GameStar highlights a lack of innovation in Assassin's Creed Mirage. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Mirage offers a satisfying gameplay experience with a strong emphasis on stealth. The game successfully balances mechanics from the entire franchise, celebrating its rich history, as pointed out by COGconnected. The return to a more subtle and classic stealth-based gameplay is refreshing, as mentioned by Push Square and TheSixthAxis. However, there are some areas where improvements could be made, such as combat mechanics and control schemes. Despite these criticisms, the positive aspects of the gameplay, including the multiple ways to approach missions and the inclusion of various tools and skill point systems, contribute to a generally positive reception of Assassin's Creed Mirage's gameplay.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Assassin's Creed Mirage gameplay receives mixed reviews: praised for stealth emphasis, Assassin's Focus, and diverse tools, but criticized for lackluster combat, tedious tailing missions, and control issues. Reviewers appreciate the classic stealth approach but call for improvements in combat mechanics. Overall, while Mirage celebrates the franchise's history, some areas could use refinement for a more polished experience.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its graphics and visual design. Critics praised the game for its stunning details, beautiful vistas, and well-designed city of Baghdad. Dexerto, COGconnected, Easy Allies, and Impulsegamer all highlighted the impressive visuals and highly-detailed environments. The world of Mirage was described as lush, atmospheric, and alive, with vibrant colors and accurate depictions of famous buildings. The diverse districts of Baghdad, each visually and structurally different, added depth to the game world, as noted by Gamereactor UK. The visuals were also commended for their respect for Baghdad's history, as mentioned by VG247. However, there were a few criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Mirage. Some critics, such as GameGrin and TheGamer, felt that the graphics were lacking and felt dated. GameGrin specifically mentioned disappointment with the graphics on PlayStation 5, comparing them to those of PlayStation 4. Metro GameCentral pointed out noticeable rough edges in facial animation and animal animations. The facial capture was also mentioned as an area that could be improved by Pocket-lint. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Mirage's graphics and visual design are very good. The majority of the critics praised the game for its impressive visuals, stunning art design, and attention to detail. The world of Baghdad was described as visually and structurally diverse, with a well-designed city and distinct districts. The game successfully brought the setting of Baghdad to life, with accurate depictions of famous buildings and a vibrant atmosphere. Despite some minor criticisms regarding dated graphics and rough animations, the positive opinions of the critics outweighed the negatives, making Assassin's Creed Mirage a visually impressive game.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Assassin's Creed Mirage wows critics with stunning graphics and detailed design of Baghdad, earning high praise for its lush visuals and vibrant atmosphere. While some critics found the graphics lacking and dated, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the game's impressive visuals, attention to detail, and immersive world-building.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

86%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

In terms of the Sound Design and Music of Assassin's Creed Mirage, the majority of the critics have expressed positive opinions. XboxEra and ZTGD both praise the music, considering it of high quality and impressive, respectively. XboxEra even goes as far as stating that it is one of their favorites. Game Informer also mentions the presence of lyrical musical melodies that enhance the rooftop experience, further emphasizing the positive impact of the music. Impulsegamer adds to this positivity by highlighting the score's ability to create a mystical sense of grandeur through powerful strings and Middle Eastern chants. These positive remarks indicate that the music in Assassin's Creed Mirage is a standout feature, immersing players into the game world. However, there are a few critics who have expressed some negative opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music. GameWatcher criticizes the voice acting, describing it as wooden, which detracts from the overall experience. They also mention that the writing is bad in parts, and the voice acting amplifies the dullness of the game. This negative feedback suggests that while the music may be strong, there are certain aspects of the sound design, such as the voice acting and writing, that could have been improved upon to enhance the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side when it comes to the Sound Design and Music of Assassin's Creed Mirage. The praise for the music is consistent, with critics like XboxEra and ZTGD highlighting its quality and impact on immersion. Additionally, Impulsegamer's mention of the top-tier voice acting and the score being the best since the second game further supports the positive sentiment. However, the negative feedback from GameWatcher regarding the voice acting and writing should not be ignored, as it suggests room for improvement in these areas. Despite this criticism, the overall impression is that the Sound Design and Music of Assassin's Creed Mirage are strong and contribute positively to the game's experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics mostly love the music in Assassin's Creed Mirage, praising its quality and immersive impact. However, some criticize the voice acting and writing for being wooden and dull. Overall, the game's sound design and music receive positive feedback, with room for improvement in certain areas.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

22%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage are quite varied. Several critics, such as XboxEra and VG247, praise the voice acting, considering it to be stellar and superb respectively. They highlight the strong performances of the cast, with special mention going to Shohreh Aghdashloo, who stands out as a mentor and delivers a potential award-winning performance. ZTGD and Metro GameCentral also express positive views, commending the impressive voice acting and singling out Shohreh Aghdashloo's contribution. These critics emphasize the effectiveness of the voice acting in conveying emotions and bringing the characters to life. On the other hand, there are critics who hold a more negative opinion of the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage. GameWatcher and TheGamer criticize the voice-acting, with GameWatcher describing it as wooden and amplifying the dullness of the game. TheGamer specifically mentions that the voice acting is wasted on flat and perfunctory writing. Pocket-lint also points out a flaw in the facial animations, stating that while the voice acting is clear and effective in conveying emotions, the visual representation falls short. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage has both positive and negative aspects. The positive feedback highlights the stellar performances, particularly by Shohreh Aghdashloo, and the effective conveyance of emotions. However, the negative feedback focuses on issues such as wooden delivery, wasted potential due to weak writing, and shortcomings in facial animations. Despite these mixed opinions, the majority of critics acknowledge the strength of the voice acting in the game, with some even suggesting potential awards for the performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Mirage. Some praise it as stellar, singling out Shohreh Aghdashloo's standout performance. Others criticize it as wooden and hampered by weak writing. Despite mixed opinions, most agree on the effective conveyance of emotions, with potential award-worthy performances.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

18%

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

In terms of technical performance on the Xbox Series X, the majority of critics had positive experiences with Assassin's Creed Mirage. Dexerto commends the game for its smooth experience without any stutters, crashes, or glitches. ZTGD also praises the game, specifically mentioning that it runs at a steady 60fps in performance mode. However, NME and XboxEra point out some issues. NME mentions that some animations and characters look rough, while XboxEra notes control issues and pathing problems for both the player character and NPCs, as well as a hard crash on PC. Despite these minor negatives, the overall sentiment for the Xbox Series X platform leans towards positive, with smooth performance and minimal technical issues. On the PS5 platform, the critics' opinions regarding technical performance are more varied. COGconnected describes occasional odd and infrequent performance issues, while GameGrin mentions minor glitches and instances of people getting stuck. GameSpew and Metro GameCentral both note occasional bugs, but also highlight the game's overall polish compared to its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Pocket-lint and Push Square highlight smooth gameplay and quick loading times, but mention occasional control glitches and screen tearing in busy areas. Siliconera points out issues with certain mechanics, such as climbing and assassinations, which may be attributed to a pre-release build. Slant Magazine and TheGamer express more negative experiences, with Slant Magazine describing frustratingly broken AI and TheGamer referring to the game as incredibly buggy. The Sixth Axis mentions various issues, including trailing missions, eavesdropping not always working, occasional parkour frustrations, and annoyances with resource requirements and barred doors. VGC also notices animation bugs in crowded areas. Overall, the opinions on the PS5 platform are mixed, with a range of technical issues reported, but also some positive aspects of smooth gameplay and minor glitches. Taking into account the opinions of the critics across both platforms, the overall consensus regarding the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Mirage is somewhat mixed. While there are positive aspects, such as the smooth experience on the Xbox Series X and the buttery smooth 60fps on the PS5 mentioned by Push Square, there are also notable negatives. Issues like rough animations, control problems, occasional bugs, and AI frustrations are mentioned by multiple critics. However, it is important to note that some critics also highlight that certain issues may be related to pre-release builds or infrequent occurrences. Overall, the technical performance of Assassin's Creed Mirage seems to have room for improvement, with a range of experiences reported by the critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics had mostly positive experiences with Assassin's Creed Mirage on Xbox Series X, praising its smooth performance. However, some noted rough animations and control issues. On PS5, opinions varied with reports of glitches and mixed gameplay experiences. Overall, Assassin's Creed Mirage's technical performance receives a mixed review, with room for improvement highlighted by multiple critics.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

69%

Negative (0-49)

19%

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Replay Value of Assassin's Creed Mirage, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Several critics, such as NME and XboxEra, highlight the optional activities and valuable hours of gameplay that offer additional playtime. These aspects contribute positively to the game's replay value, as players can engage in different activities and explore the game world in subsequent playthroughs. Additionally, Easy Allies and Noisy Pixel mention the presence of collectibles and side missions that extend the gameplay experience, further enhancing the game's replayability. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. Press Start Australia and GameWatcher criticize the lack of new ideas and the feeling of the game being a rehashed version of previous entries, which may deter players from replaying the game. Slant Magazine also mentions the limited freedom and discovery in the assassination missions, which can diminish the incentive to replay the game. Furthermore, GameStar emphasizes that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a short game lacking extra content, which may affect its replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some reviewers, such as Game Informer and GameGrin, appreciate the more focused and curated experience that Mirage offers, others, like GameWatcher and Press Start Australia, express disappointment in the lack of new ideas and limited replay value. However, the majority of critics acknowledge the presence of optional activities, collectibles, and side missions that contribute positively to the game's replayability. The reduced game length, as mentioned by Gamereactor UK and Post Arcade, may also appeal to players with limited time, although the specific impact on replay value is not explicitly mentioned. Ultimately, players seeking a shorter yet enjoyable experience with additional playtime options may find Assassin's Creed Mirage to have satisfactory replay value.

TL;DR

replay value

Assassin's Creed Mirage offers a mix of positive and negative aspects for replay value according to critics. While some praise the optional activities and collectibles adding playtime, others criticize the lack of new ideas and limited freedom in missions. Overall, the consensus is mixed, but players looking for a shorter yet engaging experience with additional playtime options may find satisfaction in Assassin's Creed Mirage's replay value.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

58%

Mixed (50-79)

41%

Negative (0-49)

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage has received a range of opinions from critics, with many highlighting its positive aspects. Dexerto praises the game as a brilliant homage to the franchise, with only a few flaws in combat. Press Start Australia commends the simplified formula and satisfying stealth experience, while COGconnected considers it a return to form for the series, with diverse gameplay and a compelling story. GameSkinny and GameSpew also appreciate the game as a step in the right direction, with GameSpew noting that it successfully pays homage to the series' roots. These positive reviews highlight the game's strong focus on stealth, compelling story, and enjoyable gameplay experience. However, there are also critics who point out some negatives in Assassin's Creed Mirage. GameWatcher criticizes the game for failing to deliver a fresh experience and lacking innovation, describing it as dull and repetitive. Siliconera expresses disappointment, stating that the game is a step backwards in almost every sense and one of their least favorite entries in the series. TheGamer goes even further, calling it a weak entry with failed ideas and decade-old flaws, feeling dated and not improving upon its predecessors. Slant Magazine also criticizes the game, stating that it should have been more than a dim illusion of what the series has already done. These negative reviews highlight the lack of innovation, repetitive gameplay, and dated design as the main drawbacks of Assassin's Creed Mirage. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a return to form for the series, with a focus on stealth and a more streamlined experience. Many critics appreciate the game's homage to the franchise's roots, its satisfying gameplay, and compelling story. The positive reviews from critics like NME, XboxEra, and Guardian highlight the game's successful return to the series' roots and its ability to provide an enjoyable experience for both old and new fans. However, there are also critics who express disappointment in the lack of innovation and repetitive gameplay, as seen in the reviews from GameWatcher and TheGamer. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment suggests that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a solid entry in the series that captures the essence of the franchise and offers an engaging experience, particularly for fans of the stealth-focused gameplay and the series' lore.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Mirage receives mixed reviews, with some praising its strong focus on stealth and compelling story, while others criticize its lack of innovation and repetitive gameplay. Overall, the game is seen as a return to form for the series, offering an enjoyable experience for fans of stealth and the franchise's lore.

CRITIK

Reviews

250 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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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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COGconnected

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 form for the series, with a focus on stealth and a smaller, tight-knit world. The gameplay is diverse and the story is compelling, making it the best release in years.

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Post Arcade (National Post)

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage serves as an excellent stopgap, providing an entertaining and edifying historical adventure. It is recommended for those looking for a smaller-scale Assassin's Creed experience.

Impulsegamer

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a focused and exciting entry that takes the series back to basics, cutting out the bloat of recent entries.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

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 with a well-told story, enjoyable gameplay, beautiful graphics, incredible soundtrack, and some technical issues. It is recommended for Assassin's Creed fans.

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VG247

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

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

The game is praised as focused and fantastic, showcasing Ubisoft's ability to deliver a satisfying experience without relying on RPG elements. It is described as a representation of Ubisoft's future and legacy.

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Twinfinite

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage is a focused and revitalizing entry in the series. It brings back the essence of the original game with a modern twist and without the bloat of recent entries. It proves that Ubisoft can create a compelling Assassin's Creed game without an expansive open-world.

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GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Oct 4, 2023

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

Assassin's Creed Mirage is likely to be loved by long-time Assassin's Creed fans who fondly remember the early entries of the series. It pays homage to the series' roots while successfully standing on its own two feet.

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