Iraqi Gamers Delighted as New “Assassin’s Creed” Game Puts Baghdad in the Spotlight
Baghdad, Iraq – In a moment of celebration for Iraqi gamers, the latest addition to the “Assassin’s Creed” series was released on Thursday. Titled “Assassin’s Creed Mirage,” the game is set in ninth century Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate.
Developed by France-based Ubisoft, the game takes players on a thrilling adventure through ancient Baghdad, complete with meticulously designed alleyways, souks, and rooftops based on historical sources. The protagonist, Basim, starts as a pickpocket and evolves into a master assassin, who speaks classical Arabic throughout the game.
Declaring their joy at finally seeing a game that highlights Arab and Islamic culture, Mohammed Bashir, a 30-year-old graphic designer and avid gamer, expressed his excitement. Sitting in a Baghdad internet cafe alongside fellow gaming enthusiasts, Bashir marveled at the game’s 3D renditions of ancient Iraq and Baghdad.
The game not only showcases stunning visuals but also incorporates elements of Iraqi music, adding to the immersive experience. As players navigate through the story, confronting adversaries and experiencing Basim’s journey, the game beautifully captures the architectural splendor of ancient Iraq, complete with turquoise mosaic domes, carpet sellers, and lush oasis towns.
Prior to its release, “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” received a glowing review from Saudi Arabia’s Khaled Almutairi, a popular YouTube content creator with over two million subscribers. Almutairi commended the game for its authentic Arab and Islamic environment, which includes the Muslim call to prayer and the phrase “salam alaykum” (Peace be upon you) within the gameplay. His only criticism was the subpar lip synchronization in Arabic.
For Bashir, the game stirs mixed emotions. Growing up amidst Iraq’s tumultuous history of conflict and chaos, he appreciated the opportunity to witness an artistic depiction of the country’s ancient marvels. He commended the game designers for resurrecting a lost city, as the Abbasid Caliphate left no trace after Baghdad was plundered by Mongol forces in 1258. However, given Baghdad’s past struggles, it is also a bittersweet experience.
In recent years, Iraq has faced a series of wars, including the US-led invasion in 2003, the subsequent sectarian conflicts, and the rise of the Islamic State. While video games set in Iraq have predominantly focused on tactical shooters, such as “Six Days in Fallujah,” the release of “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” offers a fresh perspective on the origins of Baghdad. Haider Jaafar, head of the Iraqi Federation of Electronic Sports, believes the game will reach millions of people worldwide and present a positive image of the city.
Additionally, Jaafar hopes the release will promote the gaming sector and fan base within Iraq. Often met with surprise from international audiences, Iraq’s gaming infrastructure is relatively unknown. Mustafa Mahmud, a student and IT support at a cybercafe, eagerly awaited the release of “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” as he had played all previous editions set in different eras and locations, including France, Greece, and Egypt. Mahmud echoes the sentiment of many gamers, stating, “We were excited to see Iraq.”
The launch of “Assassin’s Creed Mirage” marks a significant milestone for Iraqi gamers and offers a captivating glimpse into the history and culture of Baghdad. As players embark on this virtual adventure, they are immersed in a world that celebrates the vibrant heritage of Iraq, offering a refreshing departure from the narrative of war and terrorism that often dominates discussions about the region.
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