Mirror's Edge (Xbox 360) Review
Posted by John De Large on 01.09.2009
EA: We've got a hot chick running for her life, doing death defying stunts in top tier graphics! How could it fail? Plus, a second opinion from Ramon Aranda.
Back in 1996, the N64 was considered to have revolutionary graphics. Back then, I wondered how good graphics would get and if it would come at the cost of gameplay. I even remember thinking that one day gamer-kind would have a realistic looking game that would consist of nothing more than buying groceries at a supermarket.
While Mirror's Edge certainly has nothing to do with a supermarket, it has most definitely sacrificed gameplay for the sake of graphics, just like another big name title. A trend? I hope not.
Mirror's Edge, this is What I Hate -- sorry, wrong column.
Title: Mirror's Edge
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: EA DICE (Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment)
Type: First Person Action
Players: 1
Rated T for Teen
GRAPHICS
The graphics are top of the line, high res, all-that-and-a-bag-of-chips. This is the best thing about Mirror's Edge by far. There is absolutely no pixelation or anything that looks drawn on, everything looks real.
Warning: This is an actual screenshot.
The perspective blurs, focuses and shakes relevant to the player's experience. Gone is the experience of just looking over the player's shoulder, you actually feel like you're the main character, Faith. You can look down and see your legs and feet, you can see your hands and legs when you do a breakfall, your eyes strain against the sunlight and even your vision gets darker in proportion to your health.
Here's something I find strange though: in addition to every rooftop being devoid of bird poo and litter, every area is spotless. Even the sewers and construction areas are cleaned to pass an inspection from Gunnery Sergeant Hartman.
Even this guy thought it was too clean!
The only real complaint that I have is that everything is polished, chromed, mirrored, reflected. When you're playing in a daytime environment it's like having a flashlight stuffed into your eye sockets.
The cutscenes look nice too, although they remind me of those little Esurance commercials. Maybe both are done by the same people? Esurance promotes environmentally friendly insurance and Mirror's Edge promotes free speech, both have hippie-esque influence/agendas, it's not a stretch to assume they might be in cahoots.
Faith's job prior to Mirror's Edge?
SOUND
Now we get to talk about the things I didn't like. One of the things I absolutely didn't like was the soundtrack. Constant M-tiss, M-tiss beats and electro-synth riffs polluted my ears as I ran and jumped from rooftop to rooftop. The music should be fast and tense, but it shouldn't sound like the mix tape you find in some Euro-trash's Lamborghini. Why wasn't there an option to put on your own music using the user playlist? Y'know, kind of like running with your iPod on? That could've been awesome.
Also, because I'm in a rather cranky mood, I feel the need to pick on other parts of the game's sound.
The voice actors range in quality from generic at best to unmotivated and dry at worst. Since EA DICE saved a bundle on voice overs, I guess I know how they were able to afford all of those shiny graphics.
About the only voice actor who sounds like they give a damn is the guy barking orders at you from some unseen headset. There's interesting logic somewhere in there, I suppose. EA DICE wanted the person who constantly talks the player to sound the most involved. I would've preferred if Faith hadn't sounded so.... sub-dued. If you ask me, Faith sounds like she swallowed a handful of barbiturates prior to deciding to vault from one unstable structure to the next. Maybe if she had sounded at all worried for her well being while getting shot at, I could've liked her. Instead, what I got was a main character who always sounded like she was too cool to emote.
GAMEPLAY
I can use a few words to describe the gameplay in Mirror's Edge. "Frustrating," would be the most accurate of all these words, while "disappointing," would also be another good word and "flawed," would be a not-so-distant third.
In Mirror's Edge you can disarm an enemy and take his weapon from him, because all free runners know some kind of martial arts. While the loading screens feature silhouettes of Faith disabling her enemies from a sweet third person perspective, all you'll ever see is Faith reaching for the enemy and bopping 'em on the head. Maybe we could've gotten some of those sweet Steven Seagal-esque sequences from a third person view, instead of whacking the back of someone's head with all of the force of Steven Seagal's grandmother?
Also, good luck finding just one guard by his lonesome to disarm, guards usually tend to travel in large packs like velociraptors or giggling sorority girls. Even if you get a guard by himself, you have to time when you press the Y button just right, otherwise instead of getting their weapon, you get a rifle butt to the head. A quick indicator telling me when to press Y would've been nice.
Supposing you secure a weapon, be careful when and where you fire it. For instance, a shotgun must absolutely be used at point blank range to do ANY damage. Most weapons won't work well over long distances, but that won't stop the cops from plugging you full of holes from a mile away with a pea shooter. There's also no ammo indicator to let you know how many bullets you have left, so you better look like counting bullets and somehow using your telepathic superpower to know ahead of time how many bullets a gun is going to have.
Speaking of the HUD, or lack thereof, where is the life bar? Since you can get shot (and trust me you WILL get shot) why is there no health indicator? As you get shot, Faith's sight gets grayer, blurrier and dimmer, which is cool, but when her vision returns to normal, does her health go back up with it? Does she have some sort of magical body which can expel bullets with the mind's command? There's no med-kits, so she isn't receiving first aid treatment, so I can only assume Faith has the same healing powers as Master Chief, even though she's only wearing a tank top, some ninja socks and the latest Aeropostale cargo pants.
There's also the collision detection to gripe about. Many times have I tried to jump a gap, grab a ledge, run across a wall for it backfire or for me to miss completely. The runner's vision (which makes your targeted landing red) doesn't help much in trying to jump over or run across your obstacles, chances are you're going to miss your mark (usually a small pipe or air conditioner) over and over again.
What's more is that you usually don't have time to get your bearings, not with 8 police officers and an armored helicopter firing submachine guns at you in perfect synchronicity. In this situation, you're going to panic and miss your jumps often, if not every time. An auto locking/auto ledge seeking feature for the more excitable, panicked gamer could've helped out here.
EDIT: It appears I'm not giving you guys enough to complain about/argue about so here's another gripe of mine. The game gets repetitive fast. There's only so many times I can run, jump, swing, springboard, etcetera before it becomes the same old thing and the extraordinary becomes mundane. Yeah, all of these action sequences are cool, but after a few hours (let alone 6 to 8 hours, the game's estimated length) you're going to want a change of scenery and activity.
Also, I'm not griping about the game being too hard, I'm griping about the reward here, or lack thereof. Yeah, I could get better at disarming my enemies, but why should I? I can't make the most of their guns, I'm better off doing what I usually do, slide kicking their crotch and punching 'em out or avoiding the clusters of troops.
I could get better at making split decisions and not dying, but why? I'm not fond of the characters, story or running and jumping for my life, so advancing the game would just make me watch/play something I don't want to see.
Also, here's a thought. For those of you who prefer HUD-less gameplay and me who like HUD's, how about a toggle on/off option. Everybody wins!
FUN FACTOR AND LASTING APPEAL
There's no middle ground with this game, either you're going to think it's the tits or you're going to want your $60 back. That said, if you liked it, you'll play it once in a while when you miss playing it. If not, you trade it in like I did and get an awful awful game that you're willing to give a second chance.
I guess if you like the game there's also time trial mode to be played. You can always try and beat the boards in under a set time, but I never liked stuff that and I don't really know anyone who gets down like that. If you REALLY like this game, then DLC and new maps should be on their way soon for you to run on time trial to your hearts content.
The 411
Good graphics does not a good game make. I'm sure that's how Yoda would've put it. I'm also sure even Yoda would agree with me on having that having a life bar, ammo count, auto lock on and some in game third person cutaways for the high anxiety moments would've improved the gaming experience.
=========================================================================== 2ND OPINION - Ramon Aranda
I think John was spot on about the graphics. The game is absolutely beautiful and was my personal nomination for best looking game of 2008. Sure fans point to MSG4 or Gears 2 but to me, something colorful and lifelike, not to mention clean looking is what I like best. Sure there were some problems as mentioned about the combat, which to me was probably the weakest part of the game. Yeah, you could fire away weapons but that wasn't the point. You truly do want to use your combat skills to get through the game but it definitely seems a bit flawed. I see John's point about the health bar but I'm all for HUD-less displays. I would much rather have a clean screen that allows me to be drawn into the game then have to worry about health bars and inventory. Just let me play, I say. The music for me was great in that not only do I like it but I felt it fit the game's style. The game won't last too long as John says but the time trials are a ton of fun and being able to download ghosts and with the challenge of trying to best the times of the best of the best, it'll keep you coming back even if only in short bursts. The story is pretty interesting and again, it's unique. No nazi's or princesses needing saving. The cutscenes which turn into a comic-style animation is also a nice touch.
The game might not be for everyone, but the things it does right are worthy of praise and I think EA should be applauded for giving a new IP a shot (along with Dead Space). I feel this is a game that can certainly be built upon and I think a sequel could work out very well. If EA tweaks the combat and also keeps us from dying so frequently, I think we could have a solid follow up. Fans may be split on the game but for those who have yet to play it, Mirror's Edge deserves a playthrough. In this era of constant FPS games, it's refreshing to see a first person action/adventure and to me, it's deserving of the critical praise it has gotten by various other publications.
RAMON'S SCORE: 8.5
Graphics
10.0
I'd give this an 11 if I could. This game has beautifully rendered scenery and excellent cutscenes that will make your mouth water.
Gameplay
3.0
Dodgy collision detection and weird combat mechanics will leave you confused and frustrated.
Sound
5.0
Obnoxious techno music and ho hum voice actors made me scramble for the mute button.
Lasting Appeal
2.0
What lasting appeal? Even if you like it, you can beat it in a day and then all you've got are time trial runs.
Fun Factor
5.0
Either you'll love it or you'll hate it, it's a 50/50 crapshoot.
Asides from the combat (in which the main point is to avoid it), your complaints are laughably bad and a complete stretch at that. OH NOEZ!! BIRDS DONT CRAP ON TEH ROOF!!!1
Congratulations. You hated the game because you wanted to hate it.
Posted By: Pwnage (Guest) on January 09, 2009 at 04:34 AM
Personally, I love this game no matter how much it gets trashed in media. It's probably in my top 3 for 2008. So I'm going to respond to John's criticisms one at a time.
1) "The only real complaint that I have is that everything is polished, chromed, mirrored, reflected. When you're playing in a daytime environment it's like having a flashlight stuffed into your eye sockets."
That's the art style they were going for. The first word in the title is Mirror for a reason. It's supposed to be a very sterile environment.
2) "Even if you get a guard by himself, you have to time when you press the Y button just right, otherwise instead of getting their weapon, you get a rifle butt to the head. A quick indicator telling me when to press Y would've been nice."
There is an indicator. Their guns glow red while they're vulnerable.
3) "Supposing you secure a weapon, be careful when and where you fire it. For instance, a shotgun must absolutely be used at point blank range to do ANY damage. Most weapons won't work well over long distances, but that won't stop the cops from plugging you full of holes from a mile away with a pea shooter. There's also no ammo indicator to let you know how many bullets you have left"
The main point of the game is too AVOID getting into combat and AVOID the use of guns. The thrill that comes from this game is being chased by over whelming odds. You're not supposed to be able to mow everything down that moves. If you want a game like that, play an FPS. This game is not an FPS. It's a first person platformer.
4) "Speaking of the HUD, or lack thereof, where is the life bar?"
Like you said, the life bar is displayed by the desaturating of the game's colors. And yes Faith can recover health. So what? It's a game.
5) "There's also the collision detection to gripe about. Many times have I tried to jump a gap, grab a ledge, run across a wall for it backfire or for me to miss completely. "
I hate to say it, but it sounds like you don't have the attention span to get better.
6) "What's more is that you usually don't have time to get your bearings, not with 8 police officers and an armored helicopter firing submachine guns at you in perfect synchronicity. In this situation, you're going to panic and miss your jumps often, if not every time."
Once again, the thrill of this game is being chased by overwhelming odds. It's supposed to throw you off kilter.
In summation, my understanding of all the negative reviews of this game were that it was too hard for most people these days are used to super easy games that spoon feed everything to you. The people bashing this game would not survived gaming back in the 2D era.
Posted By: MattL (Registered) on January 09, 2009 at 09:27 AM
FF8 is a great game and the only PS1 title i have left.
Posted By: setobakura (Guest) on January 09, 2009 at 11:54 AM
i couldn't stand this piece of shit game you were just sayin what we were all thinkin peace g00d review mang
Posted By: Guest#3474 (Guest) on January 09, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Wow, John. It seems to me that you gave the game a bad review because it was too hard for ya. I'm going to jump on Matt L's bandwagon here and also breakdown your criticisms.
1) "The only real complaint that I have is that everything is polished, chromed, mirrored, reflected. When you're playing in a daytime environment it's like having a flashlight stuffed into your eye sockets."
Well, it's like Matt said, its the art style they were going for. Also, in a dystopia-type world in which Mirror's Edge is in, it is believable that the "powers that be" would have an effect on the city. Creating a sterile city, free from debris and such.
2) "Even if you get a guard by himself, you have to time when you press the Y button just right, otherwise instead of getting their weapon, you get a rifle butt to the head. A quick indicator telling me when to press Y would've been nice."
If you would paying attention enough, you would have seen the indicator. The gun glows run. Sorry that you can only comprehend a big sign that screams "PRESS X!"
3) "Supposing you secure a weapon, be careful when and where you fire it. For instance, a shotgun must absolutely be used at point blank range to do ANY damage. Most weapons won't work well over long distances, but that won't stop the cops from plugging you full of holes from a mile away with a pea shooter. There's also no ammo indicator to let you know how many bullets you have left"
Well, I will agree on the damage fact, the point of the game is not to run in and blast everything away. If you want that, go play halo or any other FPS.
4) "Speaking of the HUD, or lack thereof, where is the life bar?"
In a game driven by panic and split decisions, having a HUD would only cause a distraction. When everything is slowing down and turning gray, it doesn't take a genius to know you're dying.
5) "There's also the collision detection to gripe about. Many times have I tried to jump a gap, grab a ledge, run across a wall for it backfire or for me to miss completely. "
Again, the game is driven by panic. You have to be on your toes.
6) "What's more is that you usually don't have time to get your bearings, not with 8 police officers and an armored helicopter firing submachine guns at you in perfect synchronicity. In this situation, you're going to panic and miss your jumps often, if not every time.
Also as well, you are playing a game that is DRIVEN by PANIC and SPLIT DECISIONS. If a bunch of guys running after you to put the hurt on you, would you actually have time to plot out your route? My magic 8-ball says, no.
In all seriousness John, I believe that you have been spoiled by every FPS out there. M.E. is NOT a FPS. You need to realize that even though a game maybe hard or not have a HUD, doesn't make it a bad one.
Posted By: Mr. Mack (Guest) on January 09, 2009 at 02:03 PM
Mack, Matt and Pwnage, thanks for reading and writing.
Seto, I'm ready to give FF8 a second chance.
Posted By: John De Large (Registered) on January 09, 2009 at 03:03 PM
i have to say, as much as i love the What I Hate About... column, the review by John is terrible and gives me the impression he didn't actually play the game much.
2 things stood out on that.
"A quick indicator telling me when to press Y would've been nice."
There is an indicator. The gun changes colour to red. That's your subtle indicator there.
"An auto locking/auto ledge seeking feature for the more excitable, panicked gamer could've helped out here."
There is a auto ledge seeking of sort's. On the PS3 version, at least, if you click one of the thumbsticks, it changes perspective to the path you should be heading, thus stopping you from getting lost.
I'm not a huge fan of the game and would overall give it about a 7, however, complaining about things that are in the game, but you apparently did not bother to figure out how to do, is nobody's fault but your own.
Very bad and inaccurate review.
Posted By: Cryotek (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 09:09 AM
Cryotek, this just wasn't my game. Everyone keeps mentioning the red flash, but I never noticed it. I hope you'll still continue to check out What I Hate About You.
Posted By: John De Large (Registered) on January 10, 2009 at 01:03 PM
i can understand it not being your type of game. It is a very niche product that will probably not find it's own audience until the sequel.
And yes, i will continue to read What I Hate Bout. One review does not stop a column from being entertaining to read.
Posted By: Cryotek (Guest) on January 10, 2009 at 01:57 PM
It's ok John, despite of our disagreements with Mirror's Edge, I'll still read your columns. Put it this way, at least they are not absurd like Jake Chamber's "Jeff Hardy should go to UFC" column.
Posted By: Mr. Mack (Guest) on January 11, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Sorry, on the topic of FFVIII...
I gave it a 2nd chance..a 3rd chance..and even a 4th chance- nothing will change the fact that this is the most boring pile of crap Square has ever churned out.
Posted By: Ultra Gepetto (Guest) on January 13, 2009 at 04:28 PM
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