The newest installment of the "Assassin's Creed" action-adventure series, which is set in ninth-century Baghdad during the Abbasid Caliphate, was released on Thursday, and Iraqi gamers celebrated.

The game's hooded, stealthy protagonist must battle his way through an intricately detailed, allegedly inspired by historical sources, ancient labyrinth of alleyways, souks and rooftops.

In "Assassin's Creed Mirage," the 13th installment of the enormously successful franchise published by France-based Ubisoft, the main character, pickpocket turned master assassin Basim, speaks classical Arabic.

"We were waiting for a game that shows Arab and Islamic culture, the culture and history of Iraq and this region, which does not just consist of wars and terrorism," said one instant fan, Mohammed Bashir.

The 30-year-old graphic designer was amazed by the 3D representations of ancient Iraq and Baghdad while sitting in a Baghdad Internet cafe with other gamers.

The setting, which is stunning with turquoise mosaic domes, carpet vendors, and lush oasis towns, is the real star as the plot develops and Basim bloodily dispatches a long lineup of enemies.

"There's Iraqi music!" exclaimed one young man in the room, lit dimly by screens and fluorescent blue neon lights, where other players were absorbed in football and other video games.