Summary
As the latest installment in the belovedAssassin’s Creedfranchise,Assassin’s Creed Miragetook the series back to its roots with its scaled-back world, narrative-driven gameplay, and renewed emphasis on the stealth mechanics the series was built on. Along with that renewed emphasis on stealth came a controversial new skill calledAssassin’s Focus, which Basim used to quickly assassinate multiple enemies in succession. The skill has since served as one of the primary means by which players pull off some of their most skillful assassinations in the game. However, due to the controversy surrounding the skill, its return to the series may be questionable, albeit not entirely improbable.
While Developer Ubisoft has yet to confirm a release date for its upcoming Japan-themed title, codenamedAssassin’s Creed Red, it has nonetheless earned the anticipation of diehardAssassin’s Creedfans. Not much has been disclosed about the game at this point, including any new Assassin skills that may be added. However, an argument remains in favor ofAssassin’s Creed Mirage’s divisive Assassin’s Focus ability making a return, especially when consideringAssassin’s Creed Red’s setting and the characters that are likely to inhabit it.
AC Mirage’s Assassin’s Focus Has a Rightful Place in AC Red
Early Criticism of the Assassin’s Focus Ability Couldn’t Keep It Down
Assassin’s Creed Mirage’s Assassin’s Focus ability was arguably one of the most controversial Assassin skills of any in the series, as it at first seemed to defy the laws of physics, leaving many onlookers with a furrowed brow at their first glimpse of the ability. Essentially, it allowed Basim Ibn Ishaq, the game’s protagonist, to chain up to five kills together by slowing time and rapidly moving between each enemy. Much of the criticism aimed at it came from fans of Monolith Productions’Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor, as the Assassin’s Focus skill seemed to function nearly identically toTalion’s Shadow Strike Chain ability.
Other Assassin’s Focus critics stated that the ability seemed a bit unrealistic for Basim, and therefore didn’t have a place in the world ofAssassin’s Creed. In response, Ubisoft issued a statement regarding the ability, saying that it was Basim’s skill and efficiency that justified theAssassin’s Focus ability’s presence inAssassin’s Creed. Basim was apparently such a skilled Assassin that the Animus, which processes the actions of each game’s protagonist via memories, couldn’t keep up with his movement, which is what led to time slowing down and Basim’s body glitching in and out of transparency as though he had become some sort of specter. Many fans have accepted this justification at this point, and have since grown to thoroughly enjoy the ability.
Assassin’s Focus Belongs in Assassin’s Creed Red
With the criticism of Assassin’s Focus now largely silenced, it is arguably one of the series' best abilities, and among the list offeatures that should return inAssassin’s Creed Red. Firstly,Assassin’s Creed Red’s setting in feudal Japan is a perfect opportunity for the true potential of Assassin’s Focus to be showcased.
In a way, it is very similar toGhost of Tsushima’s Standoff Streak ability, which allowsGhost’s protagonist, Jin Sakai, to chain together up to five kills during a standoff. AsGhost of Tsushimawas also set in feudal Japan and there was very little criticism aimed at any of its abilities, Assassin’s Focus would similarly find a decent home inAssassin’s Creed Red.
Lastly, the Assassin’s Focus ability has allowed players to come up with highly creative ways of defeating their foes, and the evidence is all over YouTube and other social media platforms. AlthoughAssassin’s Creed Miragewas released back in October 2023, players are still using the ability to pull off some of the most skilled Assassin kills the series has ever seen, so they would undoubtedly welcome its return inAssassin’s Creed Red. The hope is that Ubisoft will take note of this and continue implementing it infutureAssassin’s Creedinstallments.
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.
