Mirage is a throwback that about the only thing it’s missing is Shaun Hastings to narrate historic facts. It feels like a traditional AC experience with an amazingly explosive opening that’s fit for a movie. While this may be a shorter experience, there’s nothing wrong with that. Especially for the price tag. Let alone, Mirage is basically an expanded DLC that developed into its own game.
First off, I love the newer titles in the series. There’s something fun about the ham fisted way Eivor just turns the hidden blade into yet another weapon by putting it on upside down. Sure it’s a combat heavy title, but I’m glad to see that returning as an option in the new Shadows release.
Though Mirage is shorter, there still is a lot to do. Let alone a lot to explore. It’s perhaps silly, but I like the whole open world desert vibe. There’s something to be said about just trekking off into the unknown. After awhile you’ll be dashing around the map going from marker to marker, but there’s something to be said about just taking in the world around you. Though that’s been true since the beginning, I like just how vast and still interesting these newer releases have felt.
As noted above though, despite Shaun having not been in the series for awhile, and fans apparently wanting the franchise to get away from its dips into the modern world, I love the historical facts to be found. It’s nice that not only is the world interesting to look at, but Ubisoft wants to actually tell you about it as well. This has always been a nice treat in the games. You’re not just learning about the story and characters, but history as well. Despite the liberties the story may take.
The story line is well done and the missions well crafted. I haven’t really played a game in recent memory that makes me think of the stealth missions. They’re actually memorable and fun.
Overall if you’ve enjoyed AC in the past, and you like the old school style especially, it’s worthwhile to dive into this one. Let alone, it develops a character from Valhalla as well. This isn’t some silly side story to pass up, it’s an experience. I didn’t even really like Basim himself. But with that in mind, I still found this to be an enjoyable experience, and that’s saying something.
