Mirror's Edge Preview
A Look Into EA DICE's Brand New First-Person Action Game
Digital Illusions Creative Entertainment (DICE) has primarily been known for the acclaimed Battlefield series and is without a doubt, no newcomer to the first-person genre. Since E3 2008, DICE has shown off their new title bringing anticipation to the gaming world. With the demo now available, Mirror's Edge shows why it could be the best original title of 2008.
The Setting
From what the previews have displayed, Mirror's Edge takes place in a large metropolis that has become restrictive of freedom and information and reflects a totalitarian-like government. As a result of this change, a group of people known as runners are hired to transport information across the city. Runners leap and bound from the rooftops around the edge of the city passing packages of information on to their clients. Players are placed in the role of one of the runners, Faith, who life changes after her sister is framed and the police start suddenly assaulting the runners.
Once players load up the demo, the view of the city will be the first thing to be admired. DICE has clearly taken the time to design a large and shiny city with a modern artistic architecture, similar to most large cities in Asia. Parts of the inside of buildings were a bit underwhelming, but it's just the demo and few rooms were shown.
True First Person
While some will label Mirror's Edge this way, calling it a first-person shooter would be inaccurate. The demo dealt with virtually no shooting, and while it's not impossible to use guns, the game implies they will not be needed often and that players will be disarming weapons instead of using them. The game's hand-to-hand combat is still violent, but appears to emphasize that running and incapacitating the enemy is better than killing them.
The biggest aspect of the game is the way first person is viewed. Every FPS game either has a floating gun with no visual feel or only tries to mimic it by slightly moving the arms around. Mirror's Edge moves exactly like a real person would in reality, whether it comes to somersaults, jumping, or sliding. The effect is dizzying at first, but it is by far the game's key feature and may be used to judge future first person titles.
Short, but Sweet Demo
The demo only shows a training level and a brief beginning level, but the potential Mirror's Edge has could give it the "edge" above other titles this year. It remains to be seen whether or not DICE can keep the rest of the levels fresh and original and if the game's replay stands up. Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will get the answer to this question on November 13.
Box art
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The city is awfully shiny
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