Mirror's Edge Review

Mirror's Edge, developed by DICE, is a unique and innovate game. I can only describe it as a first-person platformer with FPS and fighting elements. The first thing that strikes you when playing the tutorial is the controls, LB handles all the upwards motions, LT handles all the downwards motions, and RT handles combat actions. The only face button used is Y, which is used to disarm opponents. By stringing together these buttons, you can wall jump, punch low, punch high, high kick, low kick, vault, slide under obstacles, and countless others. Another innovative feature in Mirror's Edge infrequently seen in other games is the ability to see your characters body. This gives you the feeling that you are actually running and dodging obstacles, instead of just being along for the ride.

The gameplay in Mirror's Edge is fun, although not without it's flaws. Most missions in the game task you with getting to a certain point by running on the roof tops and dodging cops. The game really shines when you are running at full speed and making quick decisions to help you avoid the cops. Unfortunately DICE frequently has portions of the game where you are forced to fight, and this really is not the strong point of the game. DICE also frequently has portions of Mirror's Edge where it is unclear where or what you are supposed to go or do, and these sections bring the high speed thrill ride to a screeching halt. If DICE had focused more on running through their brilliantly designed city and beautifully designed interior buildings instead of combat and puzzles Mirror's Edge would have fared much better.

The story in Mirror's Edge was interesting but ultimately failed to make me care. The story is told through animated cartoon style cutscenes which although looked good were the reason I couldn't care. It made the story to hard to take seriously. While I am not sure any other style would have fit very well either, the cartoons definitely didn't work well.

The graphics and audio of this game were definitely one of the best parts of this game. While on the rooftops everything is a stunning white highlighted by the red objects you can use to avoid obstacles. Once you get inside buildings though you are treated to colorful combinations that are aestethically pleasing. The graphics in Mirror's Edge are a great contrast to the graphics of many shooters with their combination of bland grays and blacks.

Mirror's Edge is a good game based off of a great concept that fell short of achieving all its potential. I would recommend buying it now for a good price but it definitely wasn't worth $60 due to its short campaign and frequent pace-killers.