Assassin's Creed Mirage returns successfully to its roots, but sometimes, nostalgia can be misleading. This installment in the long-running series was released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC and will be coming to iPhone 15 Pro in 2024.

The game is set in Baghdad towards the end of the 9th century and lets players play as a familiar face, Basim. He appeared in Assassin's Creed Valhalla as an experienced assassin with a double agenda and appears in Mirage as a young street rat taking odd jobs until an event triggers his induction into the Hidden Ones.

Ubisoft seems to have created the most confusing introduction in the series. The game starts off fast-paced with names and locations being thrown at you, but when it finally finds its footing, it's very much based on the foundation of previous games like Valhalla, Odyssey, and Origins, but without the extra baggage.

The game focuses on being an assassin again, with each target needing to be tracked and unmasked before you can strike. This detective work is more developed than in previous games, although it's still not overly complex.

However, Assassin's Creed Mirage has a quick pace which can make some killings feel interchangeable. There are exciting missions, like a lengthy venture in a large bazaar that really showcases the best of Mirage. However, other missions can feel routine and the targets themselves feel interchangeable with little character development. The narrative of the game is also thin.

Assassin's Creed Mirage does add something to your general knowledge with brief lessons on buildings, the city, and local cultures. The game is visually stunning, with the vibrant spices and carpets in the stalls contrasting with the sandy screen, creating a warm, almost dreamy ambiance.

Overall, while the game features some nostalgia and fun, it lacks depth. With the introduction of new elements and focusing more on stealth and the essence of being an assassin, the game is enjoyable even though it doesn't bring anything new to the series. Gamers' experiences might vary, as some found Mirage enjoyable compared to other installations like Valhalla, while others noted different scores in reviews.