Hands-on: Mirror's Edge

You've all no doubt seen the original trailer for Mirror's Edge (and if not, where've you been?), which means you know the first part of this Mirror's Edge level pretty well. Looks easy, right? I thought so too, until I had my hands on the controls and I was plummeting to my death for the fifth time. Mirror's Edge looks incredibly stylish in the trailers, but it's easy to assume there's not much actual gameplay there. The reality is, this is one of the most intriguingly controlled games that you'll play this year.
The controls essentially boil down to two buttons and two analogue sticks; L1 is the "up" button, L2 is the "down" button and the sticks do exactly what you'd expect. This rather bizarre control set up takes some getting used to, but after a little while feels very fluid. Everything's context sensitive, so pushing L1 as you're running, standing, in mid-air or against a wall will result in different actions. Pressing L2 mid-jump, for example, will pull your legs up, allowing you to jump further. Pressing the same button just before you land after a long fall will preserve momentum by allowing you to execute a forward roll.
Gallery: Mirror's Edge
Preservation of momentum is vital in Mirror's Edge. It's the difference between missing a jump and wall-running straight over it. The best way to keep running is to take advantage of Faith's "Runner vision," which highlights potential paths in red. Again, this sounds like it might make the game too easy, but from what I experienced whilst playing the game at PAX, without Runner vision there would be a lot of trial and error. Without it there's no way of knowing for sure where to go next, which makes keeping up the momentum a difficult task.
The controls will take some getting used to, especially when it's hard to know whether you're supposed to be holding the up/down buttons or pressing them repeatedly. No doubt this will take longer than the 20 minute demo I played. Obviously the graphics are gorgeous, as you've seen from the trailers, though there was quite a bit of aliasing. This isn't a deal breaker, however, especially since Mirror's Edge shining gem is its unique gameplay. My major concern is whether the novelty will wear off. Can always-moving-forward style gameplay support an entire game? I'm hoping for some more exploratory areas, which are less about running away and more about using my acrobatic skills to reach difficult areas.

Having said that, it's clear that there are different ways of playing through the game. There's a point in the demo I played where you run into a room containing four cops, who pull out their guns and prepare to fire. I chose to run away, up the stairs and out onto the roof, not intending to get into a fight (there's a trophy for completing the game without firing a single shot, by the way). Alternatively, I could've picked off one and disarmed him, then picked up their gun and made short work of the others. Though DICE are keen to state that combat is a secondary part of the game.
Getting my hands on Mirror's Edge confirmed my suspicions, but it also surprised me. The game is going to be a lot tougher than I thought, but it's also going to be a lot more fun. All I want now is to see more of it. I feel like I know this cityscape level like the back of my hand. There's no firm release date, yet, but it's definitely near the top of my list for games to grab this holiday season.









Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Packfan @ Sep 15th 2008 4:08PM
Like SO many games this holiday season, this is a day one purchase for me.
frankym @ Sep 15th 2008 4:39PM
Yep. Day 1 purchase for me too!
Superbean @ Sep 15th 2008 4:15PM
man i eana play it real bad
Superbean @ Sep 15th 2008 4:19PM
I mean I want 2 play it real bad
Superbean @ Sep 15th 2008 4:20PM
I mean I want 2 play it real bad
kevin @ Sep 15th 2008 4:25PM
i eana play it too
Think Adrian @ Sep 16th 2008 7:27AM
I eana play it three!
Superbean @ Sep 15th 2008 4:16PM
man i eana play it real bad
farfisa @ Sep 15th 2008 11:47PM
You'd have to be ouna your mind if you didn't eana play this!
ChocoDK @ Sep 15th 2008 4:21PM
The game looks interesting but I think I will rent it. Although I must admit that it is rather original.
gtrace @ Sep 16th 2008 7:55AM
i think this game looks really cool but the concept worries me that it will be a short "heavely sword"-esque affair. Hopefully I am wrong but I am hoping for something with more substance.
Emyrs @ Sep 15th 2008 4:41PM
Im still not convinced.
"The game is going to be a lot tougher than I thought, but it's also going to be a lot more fun. All I want now is to see more of it. ..it's definitely near the top of my list for games to grab this holiday season."
thats almost the exact same thing people said about Assassin's Creed. while it was ok as a concept game, and beautiful to explore, it was down right monotonous.
I fear the same thing from Mirror's Edge. Wheres the game play? run, jump, run some more, kick a guy, run, tumble, jump...
and you know what, maybe its heresy at this point, but the graphics BUG ME. they are nice in their own respect, but everything is too clean. wheres the dirt and grime of a city rooftop? reminds me of some hypoallergenic utopia derived from A Brave New World, or some such nonsense.
No, maybe im alone, but i am not impressed with Mirror's Edge.
PSN: Puselva @ Sep 15th 2008 5:08PM
I haven't played Assassin's Creed yet, but that is a valid point. What you mentioned is one of the big reasons I haven't played it yet.
About the graphics--Maybe that's what they're going for? Doesn't the trailer talk about information being controlled and so forth, so maybe since the city is on lockdown they keep everything crisp and clean to maintain appearances? Don't know, just throwing that out there.
Anon @ Sep 15th 2008 5:23PM
Look , I'm trying right now not to smack you silly for that post.
The whole point of the city is that its MEANT to be unnaturally clean, hence the loss of the colour green symbolising that there is nothing natural about it.
Maybe you should check out what you're about to bash before you do and no I'm not a fanboy I'm not even going to buy this game...
Jack @ Sep 15th 2008 6:00PM
I once knew a game that was not too much different from,
"I fear the same thing from Mirror's Edge. Wheres the game play? run, jump, run some more, kick a guy, run, tumble, jump.."
Not too many games capture the similar pick up and run your ass off gameplay that I've hoped to find in a 3-D version of the concept.
It was called Super Mario Bros.
I for one look forward to this game. And the lack of BROWN TINT on everything only sweetens the deal. And yes, its supposed to be a distopia, which is why its so sterile.
PSN: Puselva @ Sep 15th 2008 4:42PM
I'm really looking forward to checking this game out whenever it drops. Looks very interesting and definitely original. The graphics are gorgeous, but not really sure about the depth and story. I can't say purchase vs. rent until I learn more about it...
Gervin @ Sep 15th 2008 4:46PM
I'm guessing I'd be bored with it by Day 2.
Mr_Tee_ @ Sep 15th 2008 4:57PM
The game looks awesome, ill have to keep an eye on this.
PSN:Mr_Tee_
maxpontiac @ Sep 15th 2008 5:02PM
Looks good, but I might hold off on this title for awhile.
scratch @ Sep 15th 2008 5:20PM
i am intrigued by this game. i like the theme/backstory (what I know of it) and the gameplay looks interesting. i was watching someone play at PAX (didnt want to wait in line for it) and it seemed a little awkward in the controls/animation? dunno if it disappears while playing it, and there is still time to smooth things out.
the one thing i lament about it is the world is a bit too clean. i could go for a little grime in there somewhere, just to make it feel a bit more real. but i'm still digging the look overall.
I am seriously considering getting it. i want to support new ideas, afterall.
John-Paul-Jones @ Sep 15th 2008 5:37PM
One question: Is the Xbox 360 controller pressure sensitive? I know that all of the PS3 buttons and joysticks are, but I was wondering if the 360 triggers and joysticks are the only ones that are pressure sensitive.
KiraXD @ Sep 15th 2008 6:34PM
the 360 contoller is pressure sensetive everything except the left and right bumper buttons.
Pointz @ Sep 15th 2008 6:50PM
Man this is gonna be a day 1 for me. Those that are still unconvinced i don't blame you because news IP's are a gamble for both gamers and developers. But come on...you can't tell me you don't eana play this.
Jakey @ Sep 15th 2008 6:52PM
Looks really good, although I hope they try to spice it up a bit during the game. I doubt well be running and jumping the whole game. I also don't think that those soldiers are enough either. I know I sound picky but I would get bored doing that the entire game. Maybe they'll have half-life type interactive puzzles? I might buy it.
Mr. Joe @ Sep 15th 2008 8:18PM
who doesn't eana play this?
duckhunt8 @ Sep 16th 2008 12:05PM
I'm highly skeptical of this game, and this hands-on didn't quite push me in either direction :S