mirror's edge is a game i would love to see be released more. not just because its stylish, well designed and has immense soul, but because it takes a concept and becomes extremely good at that one concept. the fact that it has all of the previous elements helps significantly as well.
in fact, the presentation is probably what i'll remember most about this game. the game world, is absolutely stunning, with the variety of hues and the contrast of the primary colours and white being absolutely mesmorizing. because of this bold and eyecatching use of colour, it makes benign places like offices, construction sites and subway stations incredibly beautiful. even if the setting is dystopic, i still wanna be there. this is backed up a truly phenomenal score by Solar Fields - arguably one of the best ambient artists out there. his minimalist tones really aid the equally minimalist art style and they reinforce each other superbly.
the core gameplay of running, jumping, wallrunning, swinging and clambering is also equally fluid. while slightly clunky at times, it is incredibly satisfying to pull off, especially with different moves in combination. with a few tweaks (primarily to the distance and angle in which Faith grabs on to things from), it would be practically flawless. the beauty of the movement system is such that speedrunning this game is probably a delight. well, it would be unless...
the combat, on the other hand, has aged particularly poorly. it feels stiff, unresponsive at times and, worst of all, frustrating. in most cases running away from the cops is a more fun option, but being shot makes you slower so...yeah you become forced to fight them. its well thought out just not particularly well implemented. i haven't played much of catalyst yet, but that game solves a lot of the issues i had with it. takes away guns that you can use, and strives to make the melee the best it can
the story is also in a weird spot. its...fine. its not bad by any means, its just short, and not particularly compelling. i dont feel much affinity for many of the characters and the reveal at the end doesnt strike anything in me. but its completely serviceable and well acted (and i like the cutscenes! they add a nice vibe), so i have nothing to complain about.
a true classic
in fact, the presentation is probably what i'll remember most about this game. the game world, is absolutely stunning, with the variety of hues and the contrast of the primary colours and white being absolutely mesmorizing. because of this bold and eyecatching use of colour, it makes benign places like offices, construction sites and subway stations incredibly beautiful. even if the setting is dystopic, i still wanna be there. this is backed up a truly phenomenal score by Solar Fields - arguably one of the best ambient artists out there. his minimalist tones really aid the equally minimalist art style and they reinforce each other superbly.
the core gameplay of running, jumping, wallrunning, swinging and clambering is also equally fluid. while slightly clunky at times, it is incredibly satisfying to pull off, especially with different moves in combination. with a few tweaks (primarily to the distance and angle in which Faith grabs on to things from), it would be practically flawless. the beauty of the movement system is such that speedrunning this game is probably a delight. well, it would be unless...
the combat, on the other hand, has aged particularly poorly. it feels stiff, unresponsive at times and, worst of all, frustrating. in most cases running away from the cops is a more fun option, but being shot makes you slower so...yeah you become forced to fight them. its well thought out just not particularly well implemented. i haven't played much of catalyst yet, but that game solves a lot of the issues i had with it. takes away guns that you can use, and strives to make the melee the best it can
the story is also in a weird spot. its...fine. its not bad by any means, its just short, and not particularly compelling. i dont feel much affinity for many of the characters and the reveal at the end doesnt strike anything in me. but its completely serviceable and well acted (and i like the cutscenes! they add a nice vibe), so i have nothing to complain about.
a true classic