Free running, shame that it wasn't just that

 Mirrors Edge that was released back in 2008 has enjoyed huge popularity for being a new and innovative game. Developed by Swedish Dice who are more known for their Battlefield games. Mirrors Edge must the first ever proper freerunner simulator. Game uses the same formula as Portal. Takes a known 1st person formula and uses this to create a unique platform/puzzle game twist to it. There are occasions where Faith, the lead character, can use a weapon but biggest difference here being the fact that game can be finished without firing a shot. Most of the game takes place in rooftops where a invisible path must be followed while running and climbing over obstacles.

Graphically game looks both good and bad. The game-play visuals especially on the roof tops look really good. Game uses lot's white color which gives a distinguished feel. The indoor progression outside the fancy office buildings are most done in narrow hallways and ventilation shafts which of course are nothing spectacular visually. This I can live with if it hadn't been the slightly disappointing cut-scene presentation. These are done with a 2D anime style with a modern look. Strange thing here is that despite having the same stylish look as the over world the characters and surroundings don't feel as polished as the main game. In fact Killer 7 had better looking cut scenes. In Mirrors Edge the characters feel unnatural and blocky.

Voice-acting follows the same unpolished feel. Dialogue feels too forced on most characters. Music in general is good. Electronic ambiance that sets a futuristic mood which ramps up on intensity when more action sequence starts.

Story follows Faith who is courier -runner that discovers her sister being framed for a murder. World is based on a totalitarian city where everything is monitored and couriers such as Faith are needed to relay message between the revolutionary groups. This Big Brother setting is very interesting and I wish they had explored more of that. Shame that the plot was made so simple. Game is broken down to 8 chapters with separated start and end chapter. Which all can be finished in relatively short time, <10h.  

Mirrors Edge generally is quite challenging game. The jumping and climbing require accurate touch. Biggest problem being the melee combat. Faith has good set of moves to take down the "blues" easily but without targeting it is way too easy to miss enemies. Strange decision seeing how this pacifist feel is enforced. Game has three difficulty levels, from Easy where the combat is made easy and MacGyver approach is easily doable. After the game is finished with Normal difficulty Hard is unlocked. On hard difficulty the red objects pointing to correct direction is removed as well as the enemies giving more grief. Game also has a number of time trial missions as well as challenging achievements and hidden items. Enough to keep one busy after the relatively short main story.

There is much that leaves to be desired here. Length and the plot falls short and while the freerunning is fun but it feels limited and its ruined buy the clunky battle mechanism.. Despite the modest review I mostly enjoyed the game. Maybe we will see Assasins Creed 1->2 kind of improvement on next Mirrors Edge?