Geek vs Life

So last night I picked up Mirror’s Edge for the Playstation 3 and subsequently beat it in 5 hours. For most, this is a sign of a bad game. I mean, I traded in Halo 3 and Civ: Revolutions for it, which between the two gave me endless hours of playtime and 3 hours of god awful single player in Halo. But honestly, without any remorse or rethinking, I can say it was worth it.

The overall synopsis is that you are Faith, a runner. Your sister Kate has been framed for a crime which she did not commit, and you are in a world that would make George Orwell blush. Imagine the anarchy that comes when you take a peice of evidence from the crime scene… oh my… then of course, hilarity ensuses.

In this world, a runner’s job is specifically to move information from one place to the other using the rooftops and sewers as your path. So you do this, through 9 chapters and ever single moment is breath taking. The game’s use of the first person camera and in game cutscenes keeps you invovled and flowing. You may even find yourself holding your breath durring particularly scarey jumps or panting with releif after each near miss. I know I did.

Basically the game is streamlined and beautifully presented. On the right TV and the right system (cough cough getitrightforoncemircosoft cough cough) this game is pretty hard to beat. However, i’m a mean and hateful person so I did have some things to say against it. The game is wonderful but it’s short, its pretty but it had better be with all the pushing back, the soundtrack is amazing but could stand for a litle more flavor (more of a personal thing than anything else), and i’ll say that as good as the game is, it does feel a little like a tech demo. A very well done one, but it feels like with another month or two of development they could have given a bit more.

My last complaint I wanted to give it’s own paragraph. The combat system is good but not great. It works and it gets the job done, but it’s a little limited and doesn’t really ever change. You can link moves durring your runs but it’d be nice if you could with the fighting system as well. It feels like the Chronicles Of Riddick system in a game that is many years past that point.

The story leaves you wanting more and with a little stronger fighting system it would be amazing. Heres hoping for Mirror’s Edge 2.

All in all, 8.75 out of 10.

Oh and the punchline? Mirror’s Edge and an HDTV are better than sex because it’s cleaner, always looks good no matter what the light, and having a cigarette afterwards not only calms your heart from beating… but it only MILDY takes care of it. Oh and no squishy noises or clean up. All in all… if you’re not in the mood to swoon some gal or guy… try this one out. You’ll be glad you did.