Mirror's Edge lacks dynamic edge, needs more refining
Issue date: 12/7/08 Section: Business
Mirror's Edge
PS3/ Xbox 360
3.5/ 5
Mirror's Edge is a fresh new spin on what gamers are used to from a game of this genre. Its innovation may not be enough to some gamers to make it worth the currency exchange at local retailers.
Mirror's Edge takes place in alternate society where data flow and information is completely controlled by the government. Information is shared between members of the underground by using agents called runners.
Faith, the character players' control, is eventually contacted by her sister, Kate, who says it's urgent. Faith pursues Robert Pope, a mayoral candidate whom people felt would be able to bring about change to the government, but upon her arrival Pope is found dead in the company of Faith's sister.
With the framework of foul play set in place, Faith sets off to find the truth behind Pope's murder to clear her sister Kate's new found title of Public Enemy number one, as well as her own.
The game is definitely an experience, which is the high point, as well as its short coming. It is the first of its kind but can leave gamers feeling somewhat unsatisfied at the end.For starters, Mirrors Edge is not terribly long. Most will be more than capable of beating it in one afternoon.
The game has two basic modes of play, story mode and time trial, but that almost feels like enough. The time trial mode is somewhat addictive, leaving players craving to hone in on their skills, as they bound from rooftops and poles trying to beat scores from others posted on Playstation Network or Xbox Live.
This feature probably would have been a bit more interesting if players could race against a friend or over the net as opposed to just their times. Both the story mode and time trial are interesting to say the least and should be enough to keep players occupied for a period or two.
Mirror's Edge boasts some pretty breath taking graphics. It is not quite Metal Gear Solid 4, but has its own unique style the does an outstanding job giving the impression of a city ruled by an oppressive government.
The soundtrack in Mirror's Edge is on point delivering surreal music and the voice acting is also pretty solid as at no point do the characters sound cheesy or off base.
Gamer's are able to feel Faith's physical presence as she traverses the landscape which also adds to the appeal of the game.
Long falls, slides and running at a constant pace are highlighted by a progressive blur, giving a true sense of momentum.
Unfortunately after continuous play, things begin to become repetitive and there really is not a full sense of freedom with the places gamers can go and while there are several different ways to complete the chapter, there are not many.
Mirror's Edge can be frustrating as well. While its simplistic control scheme can be easily mastered, and is ultimately rewarding when chaining together movements to fly though the city it will often fail gamers.
In reality, the game is a great idea that just did not quite hit the mark. Those planning on buying the game might want to wait until the price drops down to 29.99 before taking this leap of faith.
David Houston•
PS3/ Xbox 360
3.5/ 5
Mirror's Edge is a fresh new spin on what gamers are used to from a game of this genre. Its innovation may not be enough to some gamers to make it worth the currency exchange at local retailers.
Mirror's Edge takes place in alternate society where data flow and information is completely controlled by the government. Information is shared between members of the underground by using agents called runners.
Faith, the character players' control, is eventually contacted by her sister, Kate, who says it's urgent. Faith pursues Robert Pope, a mayoral candidate whom people felt would be able to bring about change to the government, but upon her arrival Pope is found dead in the company of Faith's sister.
With the framework of foul play set in place, Faith sets off to find the truth behind Pope's murder to clear her sister Kate's new found title of Public Enemy number one, as well as her own.
The game is definitely an experience, which is the high point, as well as its short coming. It is the first of its kind but can leave gamers feeling somewhat unsatisfied at the end.For starters, Mirrors Edge is not terribly long. Most will be more than capable of beating it in one afternoon.
The game has two basic modes of play, story mode and time trial, but that almost feels like enough. The time trial mode is somewhat addictive, leaving players craving to hone in on their skills, as they bound from rooftops and poles trying to beat scores from others posted on Playstation Network or Xbox Live.
This feature probably would have been a bit more interesting if players could race against a friend or over the net as opposed to just their times. Both the story mode and time trial are interesting to say the least and should be enough to keep players occupied for a period or two.
Mirror's Edge boasts some pretty breath taking graphics. It is not quite Metal Gear Solid 4, but has its own unique style the does an outstanding job giving the impression of a city ruled by an oppressive government.
The soundtrack in Mirror's Edge is on point delivering surreal music and the voice acting is also pretty solid as at no point do the characters sound cheesy or off base.
Gamer's are able to feel Faith's physical presence as she traverses the landscape which also adds to the appeal of the game.
Long falls, slides and running at a constant pace are highlighted by a progressive blur, giving a true sense of momentum.
Unfortunately after continuous play, things begin to become repetitive and there really is not a full sense of freedom with the places gamers can go and while there are several different ways to complete the chapter, there are not many.
Mirror's Edge can be frustrating as well. While its simplistic control scheme can be easily mastered, and is ultimately rewarding when chaining together movements to fly though the city it will often fail gamers.
In reality, the game is a great idea that just did not quite hit the mark. Those planning on buying the game might want to wait until the price drops down to 29.99 before taking this leap of faith.
David Houston•
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Gillian Kerr
posted 3/04/09 @ 1:34 AM CST
Nice review! Thanks!
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