In the world of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Basim Ibn Is’haq takes center stage as the protagonist, a character that embodies the essence of the long-running stealth-action series in a refreshing way.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage is a unique blend of all that made the series great, drawing inspiration from classic Assassin’s Creed elements while steering clear of the more recent open-world RPG direction. It’s akin to a greatest-hits collection that revisits the franchise’s core principles.
This amalgamation extends to the game’s protagonist, Basim Ibn Is’haq, who was first introduced in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. In Mirage, Basim evolves into a captivating, slightly unconventional, yet intricately crafted character. He embodies the values and principles that have been central to Assassin’s Creed since its inception.
To be candid, expectations for Basim’s character were not particularly high based on his appearances in Valhalla. His storyline in that game was a convoluted mix of Norse Gods and high sci-fi concepts related to the Isu, the pre-human civilization in the Assassin’s Creed lore. However, Mirage takes a different approach.
The game keeps the Isu narrative to a minimum, focusing on Basim as the central character. In Mirage, Basim emerges as a young man struggling through life as a street thief. His journey leads him to an investigation for the Hidden Ones (the early Assassin Brotherhood) and a quest to discover his true identity.
As the game unfolds, Basim’s character becomes increasingly clear. What stands out is his willingness to serve and help those around him. In many ways, he resonates with Bayek, one of the most underappreciated protagonists in the series. This is evident in Basim’s interactions with street children and his compassionate nature. Much like Bayek, Basim is kind, even without an official title as a protector of the people.
What’s surprising is Basim’s sense of adventure, wit, and humor in Mirage, a significant departure from his earlier incarnation in Valhalla. He offers off-the-cuff remarks, displaying a desire to use makeup for disguises and injecting moments of levity amidst the game’s action.
With Mirage’s emphasis on stealth mechanics, Basim proves to be one of the most adept assassins in the series. His quiet cunning aligns with the likes of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, showcasing a promising evolution of the character.
The main story in Mirage unfolds as a grand investigation, with Basim meticulously uncovering targets and clues, reminiscent of the original Assassin’s Creed. This facet is a thoughtful homage to Altaïr Ibn-La?Ahad, the protagonist of the first game in the series.
Basim’s unique identity also shines through his background as a street thief and the son of an astronomer. His deep interest in science, recitation of poetry, and romance for knowledge set him apart. Poetry plays a significant role in one of Mirage’s main assassinations, highlighting Basim’s distinct approach.
While Mirage’s relatively smaller scale leaves us wanting more from Basim, it’s unlikely that he will be the main protagonist in the next Assassin’s Creed games. The series has moved toward an open-world RPG formula. Nonetheless, Basim’s character development is a testament to Ubisoft Bordeaux’s skill in creating a memorable and intricate protagonist, drawing from the series’ rich history while crafting something uniquely his own.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage may be a love letter to the series’ past, but it also marks a promising chapter for Basim. Whether we’ll see more of him in future games remains uncertain, but his presence in Mirage has certainly left a lasting impression, defying expectations and showcasing the potential for even more engaging narratives in the Assassin’s Creed universe.
