Short Review: the fact that I abandoned this game for Dishonored 1 and had a blast, understanding what a real stealth game is supposed to be, should tell you everything about this game.
Long review: Man, this game... I really wanted to like the new Assassin's Creed. I stepped away from the series due to its lack of stealth, which was its core element (plus the incredibly poorly written plots). So, upon the announcement of Assassin's Creed: Mirage, a game focused on stealth rather than combat, I was genuinely excited. The lower price indicated an attempt to offer a smaller title to capture attention.
Unfortunately, yet again, I recalled why Ubisoft games often have some of the worst stories. Assassin's Creed: Mirage immerses you in a character's tale, and then... things happen. You end up killing people with no attachment, no real connection (neither hate nor compassion for them—they're the most two-dimensional cardboard villains ever). I'm tired of repeating this, but the FIRST GAME OF THE SERIES was superior in every aspect of story (and if you ask me, gameplay too).
Assassin's Creed made me intensely curious about its world, the unfolding in the second, the past, and more. However, this latest iteration is just dull. The first game made me recall the name of every person I assassinated, their backgrounds, and the reasons why they were either bad or good under certain circumstances. But not now. Nowadays, Assassin's Creed simply showcases evil guys doing evil things for the sheer pleasure of being dark and edgy. Basim lacks charisma, lacks interest. The city becomes tedious to traverse, especially through areas patrolled by guards that inexplicably block only you, making travel between zones annoying.
The combat is some of the worst I've witnessed in a game. It's worth noting that the creators didn't intend to design a fighting mechanic that you're supposed to excel at. However, in multiple segments of the game, it somewhat forces you into combat, making it incredibly difficult for the player to avoid. Also, it's clunky. Very clunky controls, something I'm surprised about in 2023.
It's apparent that the foundation resembles a game more inclined towards 'let's fight,' akin to Valhalla, yet used in a stealth-based game that should be as precise as a clock. Please, just revisit (or experience for the first time) Dishonored 1 and 2.
Long review: Man, this game... I really wanted to like the new Assassin's Creed. I stepped away from the series due to its lack of stealth, which was its core element (plus the incredibly poorly written plots). So, upon the announcement of Assassin's Creed: Mirage, a game focused on stealth rather than combat, I was genuinely excited. The lower price indicated an attempt to offer a smaller title to capture attention.
Unfortunately, yet again, I recalled why Ubisoft games often have some of the worst stories. Assassin's Creed: Mirage immerses you in a character's tale, and then... things happen. You end up killing people with no attachment, no real connection (neither hate nor compassion for them—they're the most two-dimensional cardboard villains ever). I'm tired of repeating this, but the FIRST GAME OF THE SERIES was superior in every aspect of story (and if you ask me, gameplay too).
Assassin's Creed made me intensely curious about its world, the unfolding in the second, the past, and more. However, this latest iteration is just dull. The first game made me recall the name of every person I assassinated, their backgrounds, and the reasons why they were either bad or good under certain circumstances. But not now. Nowadays, Assassin's Creed simply showcases evil guys doing evil things for the sheer pleasure of being dark and edgy. Basim lacks charisma, lacks interest. The city becomes tedious to traverse, especially through areas patrolled by guards that inexplicably block only you, making travel between zones annoying.
The combat is some of the worst I've witnessed in a game. It's worth noting that the creators didn't intend to design a fighting mechanic that you're supposed to excel at. However, in multiple segments of the game, it somewhat forces you into combat, making it incredibly difficult for the player to avoid. Also, it's clunky. Very clunky controls, something I'm surprised about in 2023.
It's apparent that the foundation resembles a game more inclined towards 'let's fight,' akin to Valhalla, yet used in a stealth-based game that should be as precise as a clock. Please, just revisit (or experience for the first time) Dishonored 1 and 2.