Summary
TheAssassin’s Creedfranchise has had two very distinct phases in its life. The first of these phases began in 2007 with the very firstAssassin’s Creedgame, and lasted up until 2015 with the release ofAssassin’s Creed Syndicate. This era saw a natural progression of the same general mechanics and gameplay formula, a formula that’s since been dubbed the “classicAssassin’s Creedformula.” Then, in 2017,Assassin’s Creed Originswas released as a game more focused on action-RPG elements, and one that began the franchise’s second phase. But with the release ofAssassin’s Creed Mirageearlier this year, a potential third phase might be on the horizon.
ThoughAssassin’s Creed Valhallareceived a pretty solid critical reception, it acted as the turning point for many long-timeACfans. Sprawling hundred-hour epic action RPGs just aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, and getting three of those in a row only served to push fans of the originalACformula away. But in an attempt to bring them back on its side, Ubisoft releasedAssassin’s Creed Mirage. And whileMiragewas a step in the right direction, it still doesn’t quite hold up to the original Ezio trilogy.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Doesn’t Hold a Candle to The Ezio Trilogy
Ezio’s Assassin’s Creed Trilogy Still Holds Up
Released between 2009 and 2011, theAssassin’s CreedEzio trilogydefinitely looks a bit rough around the edges today, but it still holds up in so many ways.Assassin’s Creed 2is often cited as one of the best entries in franchise history, and while nostalgia does play a major role in that, it’s certainly strong. Improving on its predecessor’s formula in every way,Assassin’s Creed 2offers better combat mechanics and more fluid and complex parkour.Assassin’s Creed Brotherhoodthen continues to improve upon that, andRevelationsdoes the exact same, offering a gameplay experience that genuinely holds up very well over a decade later.
Another major highlight of the Ezio trilogy is its story and characters.Assassin’s Creed 2’s storymay be simple, but its high personal stakes and its enticing journey of revenge are enthralling from start to finish.Brotherhood’s story gets a tad more convoluted, but it still has plenty of personal drama to keep players engaged, andRevelationsis no different. Ezio himself is also easily one of, if not the best, characters in the franchise, with an iconic performance by Roger Craig Smith carrying some real emotional weight but also levity when it’s needed.
TheAssassin’s CreedEzio trilogy is undeniably showing its age in terms of visuals and some earlyAC2mechanics, but generally speaking, the vast majority of its gameplay formula still holds up surprisingly well today. The series also has the benefit of being a trilogy, giving players a natural and rewarding sense of progression as they complete each game in the saga consecutively, both in terms of refined mechanics and a continued story.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage Took Too Many Steps Backward
From the very beginning, Ubisoft made it explicitly clear thatAssassin’s Creed Miragewas going to be an entry that revisited the classicACformula, acting as a celebration of the series' 15th anniversary. For years fans had been asking for areturn to basics forAssassin’s Creed, andMiragegave them exactly that, though it may have taken too many steps backward in the process.
Assassin’s Creed Miragefeatures some of the weaker story and character elements in the series, with there being very few personal stakes at play throughout the game, and more important moments feeling a little rushed. Gameplay-wise,Assassin’s Creed Miragealso fell a little short. In an attempt to merge the classic formula with the new,AC Miragedelivered a half-baked combat system, and some heavily stripped-back parkour.Assassin’s Creed Miragefeels like the 2007 original, but that doesn’t feel all that great in 2023, and by comparison, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Ezio trilogy.
Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
WHERE TO PLAY
Play as a cunning young street thief seeking answers in this majestic Middle Eastern open world. Experience the home of the original Assassins in this exciting new narrative-driven, open world adventure. 15 years since the first Assassin’s Creed redefined adventure, experience the franchises' trademark parkour and stealth like never before - in Assasin’s Creed Mirage. In this smaller scale, back to basics Assassin’s caper, you play Basim, a young street thief seeking answers. Roam the richly-detailed, reactive and vibrant streets of 9th century Baghdad, uncovering the mysteries of the past as you fight to secure your future. Stalk the shadows. Become the ultimate assassin.
