This Week in Assassin’s Creed Virtual Photography: 23rd to 29th October

Welcome to the weekly virtual photography roundup hosted by Aaron Young from The AC Partnership Program.

Every week I will be picking our top 5 favourite Assassin’s Creed shots and showcasing them on The Ones Who Came Before website, in order to promote virtual photography and talented content creators within the community.  

Aaron is a keen virtual photographer and loves to post his journeys through Assassin’s Creed on Twitter.

Keep an eye on the site as more weekly shots are added, we are looking for captures across all Assassin’s Creed games. Tag your photos to the #TOWCBWeeklyCapture for a chance to be featured.

This week’s theme: Basim

Close up

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @G_Assassin90

“You now follow in the eagle’s path”

Stepping out into Baghdad for the first time in the initiate robes has a special feeling. It has been too long since we have played as a full Assassin protecting their city. The Initiate outfit is arguably the best one in the game, and Basim will always be remembered for wearing it. This close up capture of our protector is beautiful. I like that it was taken at night, with what looks like a torch adding saturation to his face. The cold of the night allows the blue on the hood to stand out, and the details on the hood are flawless. Basim may not have many facial expressions but this soft look suits him at the beginning of the game.

Link to set:

Moonlight

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @FrameHoldPhotos

“Basim, what happen here?”

Crossing the desert at night under the moonlight has a magical feel to it. Assassin’s Creed Mirage balances the city missions with the wilderness ones very well. I like that Ubisoft allowed us to explore these more baron places, as it mixes up the gameplay. This incredible shot of Basim under the moonlight is gorgeous. Often night shots in Assassin’s Creed games can be difficult but here you can see so many details. The moonlight reflecting off of the hood is elegant, whilst the shadows across his body are very mischievous. The lighting and composition is so good, and really makes for a perfect Basim portrait.

Who is Next?

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @Jedicentinel

“Are you aware this women works for the order?”

The Assassin’s are all about writing wrongs and delivering justice. In Assassin’s Creed Mirage, it is Basim’s purpose to rid Baghdad of those who wish to harm it. That being said I love how there are pros and cons to both the Hidden Ones and the Order's beliefs. Here we see Basim right after what looks like an Assassination. I like that we can see the target on the floor with the blade just in front of her. The guard behind is readying his horn to call for reinforcements. We all know this to be futile as Basim is poised ready to attack. I love this stance in the game and it has been captured so well here.

Valhalla

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @Cll3ar

“I am always at peace. And never alone”

After playing as Basim in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, I think the Valhalla version of the character is more interesting. That being said I have really enjoyed witnessing the character development for him and I wish Ubisoft would explore more characters in this way. I love this shot for the contrast of colours. The Valhalla outfit looks stunning against the clear backdrop and the greenery. Nice use of depth of field to highlight Basim in the centre. The outfit is definitely a step up from Valhalla and helps to bridge the two games. The Gladiator hand movement is a subtle icing on the cake.

Reflection

Game: Assassin’s Creed Mirage

VP Artist: @belegarsson115

“We have drifted apart”

When I think of Basim there is one word that springs to mind, mysterious. His whole time in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is shrouded in mystery. Yet for the most part, our time with him in Mirage is also a cryptic affair. Basim is a compelling character and I have enjoyed my time exploring his origins. This shot sums up Basim’s life, you can see he is conflicted here and in pain. The black background serves the shot well by highlighting his expression. The lighting is on point allowing you to only see one side of his face. Basim only wants you to see one side of him and this shot illustrates that beautifully.

Link to set:

The Ones Who Came Before Photo of the Week

Judge: @BasimIbnIshaq_

''The choice of a black and white portrait was obvious to me. I particularly like this photographic method. I find that black and white photography highlights more details in a shot than colour, this is true for both real life and virtual photography. This black and white portrait of Basim, I notice the details and subtlety that the photographer Belegarsson transmitted. I completely feel Basim’s emotions and this play of light on his face is just beautiful. The grip angle is excellent too. This portrait of Basim has a big place in my heart.''

And that sums it up for this week’s Assassin’s Creed virtual photography recap list!

Thank you for checking out this week’s photo collection. This would not be possible without the virtual photographers out there so a huge thanks to them. Until next week keep those shots coming in!