Mirror's Edge is a new IP created by EA DICE. Massive props to EA (can't believe I said that) for attempting to be innovative and try something new in a world that loves to stick to the working formula for a guaranteed dollar, pound, etc. Mirror's Edge is a first person action game that combines parkour with platforming elements. This is a new spin on the first person genre as normally you're aiming down a gun barrel and picking off multiple enemies. The game discourages the use of weapons as you'll be handicapped by being less mobile (if carrying a weapon) and places most of it's emphasis on running, performing insane acrobatic maneuvers and using you're momentum to platform along an impressive skyline and other environments.
The main protagonist is Faith, a runner (futuristic courier) that is determined to solve a crime involving her sister who was wrongfully framed for a murder. Without getting to deep into the plot, you'll use all your acrobatic talents to solve said crime and determine who is the main culprit behind this act and their reasoning for committing it in the first place. The story, although it has some high points, isn't too engaging as you'll be eagerly be waiting for the next level to load. The cutscenes are uninspired as they're delivered in a cartoon format similar to those Esurance commercials (lol):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFYKHiWg-cE
The gameplay mechanics are easy to get used to, however, gameplay elements can get very frustrating at times as you'll be encouraged to perform a task multiple times in a trial and error fashion before you succeed. As stated before, combat is discouraged and if you find yourself in a combat situation with more than one enemy, you're almost assured to see a game over/death screen. The audio is average and the graphics are top notch! In a world that emphasizes dull, dark, gritty games, Mirror's Edge is quite the opposite as the vivrant landscapes and environments can be blinding (especially on the rooftops) and just feels alive.
Mirror's Edge is relatively short and can be completed in under 10 hours. The game does offer several speed trial modes, which extends it's replay value, however, troubling gameplay mechanics and elements may discourage the average gamer from attempting these courses and may give up on them after a period of time.
Although Mirror's Edge is ambitious and a welcomed change up from the norm, it does contain several flaws. This is expected in a new IP that is attempting to create a new genre and I'm anxiously awaiting to see the direction that EA DICE takes the series in. If you're looking to pass the weekend and want a change up from the normal first person shooter, give Mirror's Edge a rent. If you're a hardcore fan that loves speed runs, then you may want to consider adding this title to you're game collection.
Final Score: 7.3
The main protagonist is Faith, a runner (futuristic courier) that is determined to solve a crime involving her sister who was wrongfully framed for a murder. Without getting to deep into the plot, you'll use all your acrobatic talents to solve said crime and determine who is the main culprit behind this act and their reasoning for committing it in the first place. The story, although it has some high points, isn't too engaging as you'll be eagerly be waiting for the next level to load. The cutscenes are uninspired as they're delivered in a cartoon format similar to those Esurance commercials (lol):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFYKHiWg-cE
The gameplay mechanics are easy to get used to, however, gameplay elements can get very frustrating at times as you'll be encouraged to perform a task multiple times in a trial and error fashion before you succeed. As stated before, combat is discouraged and if you find yourself in a combat situation with more than one enemy, you're almost assured to see a game over/death screen. The audio is average and the graphics are top notch! In a world that emphasizes dull, dark, gritty games, Mirror's Edge is quite the opposite as the vivrant landscapes and environments can be blinding (especially on the rooftops) and just feels alive.
Mirror's Edge is relatively short and can be completed in under 10 hours. The game does offer several speed trial modes, which extends it's replay value, however, troubling gameplay mechanics and elements may discourage the average gamer from attempting these courses and may give up on them after a period of time.
Although Mirror's Edge is ambitious and a welcomed change up from the norm, it does contain several flaws. This is expected in a new IP that is attempting to create a new genre and I'm anxiously awaiting to see the direction that EA DICE takes the series in. If you're looking to pass the weekend and want a change up from the normal first person shooter, give Mirror's Edge a rent. If you're a hardcore fan that loves speed runs, then you may want to consider adding this title to you're game collection.
Final Score: 7.3