This innovative Parcour action adventure game is a refreshing change and enjoyable experience despite being a little on the short side.
Story
You play as Faith who is a Runner living in an oppressive society and earns a living by being a rooftop courier transporting sensitive information. Faith's sister is a cop who has been framed for a murder she didn't commit and so it is Faith's goal to pursue the people behind the murder and to clear her sister's name. This pretty much sums up the story of Mirrors Edge and shows that simple story lines are't necessarily a bad thing. However the way the developers have chosen to tell the story is quite peculiar by sometimes showing cut scenes from the game engine and then occasionally having artistic 2D minimalist style animation sequences. The latter looks nice but feels a bit disconnected from the game as it is a completely different art style. That said, the cut scenes serve their purpose well and keep you interested.
Game Play
Mirror's Edge will have you jumping off rooftops, running through train tunnels and sliding down drain pipes to get to your destination. The trick is to try and maintain momentum as you run along walls, slide under obstacles and slam through doors so that you get from point A to point B as efficiently as possible. Maintaining your flow through the environment feels very satisfying and the first person perspective immerses you into the game. You would have naturally thought this type of game wouldn't work in first person view but I wouldn't have it any other way. The levels within the game are fairly linear and the use of "runner vision" allows you to see where to go next by highlighting objects in red. This can be switched off for more experienced players.
The combat isn't a strong point and seems like it was designed to break up the free running game play. The gun play feels awkward and cumbersome but I get the sense that this is the way it was designed so that you can't just shoot your way through the game. You can also use hand to hand combat and utilise flying kicks and punches and can disarm enemies by timing button presses. Being chased by swat teams and helicopters is extremely thrilling as you constantly feel on the edge. The story mode is fairly short but there is also a time trial to keep you busy.
Presentation
The city as a whole looks beautifully clean, white and utopian and the frequent bloom adds to the realism. Everything seems minimalist so the game doesn't appear to churn out the polygons but the lighting is exceptional. I can only speak for the PC version because that's what I played but it is definately one of the most realistic looking games I have seen. The art style is unique and very easy on the eyes and adds to the whole utopian atmosphere. The ambient music is fitting and makes for one of the most immersive games on the market.
Mirrors Edge is one of the most immersive and refreshing titles I've played in a long time but if you are looking for a first person shooter then this is not for you. If you are looking for a platformer like no other then do not hesitate to buy this game.
8/10
