Videogame Review: ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’

Given how many games feature Arabs as stereotyped enemies and the Middle East as dangerous territory, it’s refreshing to see a title that gives both proper representation. Though it includes some gory interludes, “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” (Ubisoft) is also educational insofar as it explores – and celebrates – the Golden Age of Islam.

The period in question, traditionally dated from the eighth to the 13th century, saw remarkable advances in mathematics, the natural and social sciences as well as in engineering. “Mirage” drops players into the Baghdad of the AD 800s during the rule of the Abbasid Caliphate.

First introduced in 2020’s “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla,” the returning protagonist, Basim ibn Is’haq (voice of Lee Majdoub), is a complex character. A street thief who is nonetheless also an idealist, he has a past shrouded in mystery.

With the caliphate in the grip of a brief period of unrest known today as the Anarchy at Samarra, Basim joins the Hidden Ones, aka the Assassins, to fight for peace and liberty. At the same time, however, he’s preoccupied with learning more about his background and the visions he’s been experiencing since childhood.

Basim and his comrades work to thwart the corrupting influence of the Order of the Ancients, a group that seeks to bring about their version of peace through control and oppression. Gamers familiar with the historic Knights Templar and the more mythical Illuminati – as well as with the conspiracy theories that surround both – will recognize the cultural inspiration for the Ancients.

While there are graphic images of battle, the settings allow gamers to minimize, though not entirely eliminate, them. Additionally, the dialogue occasionally lapses into vulgarity, though this is rare enough that “Mirage” may possibly be acceptable for older adolescents.

Although this stealth adventure’s positive portrayal of medieval Islam is welcome, there may be understandable concern about an anti-Christian bias in the narrative. Overall, however, the depiction of the Christians who make up the ranks of the Ancients is balanced.

Admittedly, the Order is full of crooked characters who do not uphold the teachings of the church. Yet Basim also encounters many devout adherents of the faith.

“Mirage” is the first title in the series to feature Arabic dubbing, albeit in the form that language would have taken during the Middle Ages rather than according to its contemporary usage. An in-game educational database is also made available to players, exploring Abbasid-era history, culture and art.

Playable on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series and Windows.

The game contains combat violence with mostly optional blood effects, nonscriptural religious concepts and fleeting rough language. The OSV News classification is A-III — adults. The Entertainment Software Rating Board rating is M — Mature.

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