Assassin's Creed Mirage: From DLC Pitch to Standalone Title

Assassin's Creed is a long-running franchise that has taken players to various settings throughout history. From ancient Egypt to the American Revolution, the franchise has explored different time periods and locations. One of the most requested settings from fans has been a return to the Middle East, where the franchise began.

Ubisoft Bordeaux initially pitched the idea of a DLC for Assassin's Creed Valhalla that would take players back to the Middle East. However, the idea only lasted a few weeks before it was turned into a standalone game called Assassin's Creed Mirage. During an interview with Game Informer, the creative director of Assassin's Creed Mirage, Stephane Boudon, revealed that the decision to turn the DLC into a standalone game was made because they felt that the idea had the potential to be more than just a DLC.

The game takes place in 9th-century Baghdad, where players get to see Basim Ibn Ishaq again and explore the IP's initial roots. The game's story follows a new protagonist named Aliyah, who is a member of the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization to the Assassins. Aliyah is tasked with investigating a series of murders that are plaguing the city. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the city and its people.

One of the reasons why the idea was given the green light might have been due to the game's smaller scope than recent Assassin's Creed installments. This allowed the development cycle to be a bit easier for Ubisoft Bordeaux, and players will get a smaller game overall. However, this doesn't mean that the game won't be as immersive as previous titles in the franchise. In fact, Ubisoft has promised that the game will offer a unique experience that fans of the franchise will love.

Assassin's Creed Mirage introduces new gameplay mechanics to the franchise. One of the most significant additions is the ability to climb and parkour on buildings in a 2D perspective. This mechanic is inspired by classic Prince of Persia games, which were developed by Ubisoft Montreal. The game also features a new combat system that is more focused on timing and precision. The game's world is also smaller than recent Assassin's Creed titles, but it is more densely packed with activities and side quests.

The game's story is also more focused than recent Assassin's Creed titles. The game's creative director has stated that the story is more linear and narrative-driven than recent titles. This is a departure from the open-world formula that the franchise has been known for. However, this doesn't mean that the game won't have any player choice. The game will still allow players to make decisions that will affect the story's outcome.

Assassin's Creed Mirage also features a new protagonist, Aliyah. She is a strong and independent character who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is a member of the Hidden Ones, the precursor organization to the Assassins. This organization is dedicated to protecting the people from tyranny and oppression. Aliyah is tasked with investigating a series of murders that are plaguing the city. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to tear apart the city and its people.

The game's setting in 9th-century Baghdad is also significant. The city was the center of the Islamic Golden Age, which was a period of cultural, economic, and scientific growth in the Islamic world. The game's developers have stated that they want to showcase the beauty and diversity of the city during this period. The game's world is also inspired by Islamic art and architecture, which gives the game a unique visual style.

Overall, the decision to turn the DLC into a standalone game was a smart move by Ubisoft. Fans of the franchise have been clamoring for a game set in the Middle East for years, and Assassin's Creed Mirage is set to deliver on that front. The game's smaller scope allows for a more focused and immersive experience, while the new gameplay mechanics and combat system add to the franchise's already impressive gameplay. The game's story and protagonist are also significant departures from recent titles, which will keep the franchise fresh and exciting for both new and old fans.