DAY 105 / GAME 105
Mirror's Edge
Mirror's Edge is one of the most unique FPS games ever made. Mostly because unlike other First Person Shooters, it doesn't focus on shooting at all. In fact, it's best if you avoid it completely. Mirror's Edge instead focuses on Parkour and the speed and finesse required to make it through a level. When I first saw this game during it's announcement, I was impressed by the beauty of it all, but I couldn't understand why they would present it in first-person instead of third-person where you could get a better idea of where you character is vs your terrain.
In the end though, Mirror's Edge worked out quite well. The first-person perspective gave the player a unique view on the world. One that is unobstructed by any unnecessary UI elements and instead presented itself as more first-person that the usual game. Standing still you look around at the beautiful landscape around you, crisp and in a sense minimalist. Leaving most elements rendered as white and highlighting platforming elements as red so that you can run through the world without thinking twice about where you should land or jump. You have a smart view of your limbs as you run and climb, or look down at your feet, so that you really get that VR sense of being without feeling so disconnected as so many other FPS games that present themselves as floating hands with a gun.
Mirror's Edge could have been a very terrible game, especially if it was released on an older generation of consoles. The fact that it is very smooth, allowing you to manage your jumps, flips and slides without cursing the system means that the games you're playing is a fun challenge and not a beautiful nightmarish hell. (Though, there are some parts, where you are forced into combat, which do feel this way, even if it's only for a short period.) The story is great and the game plays out quite well. There is enough of variety in the level design that you don't get bored and they generally did a good job keeping the focus on the platforming elements.
Mirror's Edge was a gorgeous game that is just stunning to look at. Everything is so crisp and well rendered with fantastic shadows and perfect lightning. It's the kind of game that begs you to stop and take screenshots. It's accompanied by an equally great soundtrack that matches the pacing of the levels, from it's slower puzzle moments to the faster action sequences. The game itself is a decent length and to top if off it has some speed-run levels so you can go back and hone your skills when you're done with the main story.
I'd love for DICE to finally make a sequel, it's been rumored for a long time. I believe this did more than well enough to call for one and I know it would be fantastic.
Mirror's Edge
In the end though, Mirror's Edge worked out quite well. The first-person perspective gave the player a unique view on the world. One that is unobstructed by any unnecessary UI elements and instead presented itself as more first-person that the usual game. Standing still you look around at the beautiful landscape around you, crisp and in a sense minimalist. Leaving most elements rendered as white and highlighting platforming elements as red so that you can run through the world without thinking twice about where you should land or jump. You have a smart view of your limbs as you run and climb, or look down at your feet, so that you really get that VR sense of being without feeling so disconnected as so many other FPS games that present themselves as floating hands with a gun.
Mirror's Edge could have been a very terrible game, especially if it was released on an older generation of consoles. The fact that it is very smooth, allowing you to manage your jumps, flips and slides without cursing the system means that the games you're playing is a fun challenge and not a beautiful nightmarish hell. (Though, there are some parts, where you are forced into combat, which do feel this way, even if it's only for a short period.) The story is great and the game plays out quite well. There is enough of variety in the level design that you don't get bored and they generally did a good job keeping the focus on the platforming elements.
Mirror's Edge was a gorgeous game that is just stunning to look at. Everything is so crisp and well rendered with fantastic shadows and perfect lightning. It's the kind of game that begs you to stop and take screenshots. It's accompanied by an equally great soundtrack that matches the pacing of the levels, from it's slower puzzle moments to the faster action sequences. The game itself is a decent length and to top if off it has some speed-run levels so you can go back and hone your skills when you're done with the main story.
I'd love for DICE to finally make a sequel, it's been rumored for a long time. I believe this did more than well enough to call for one and I know it would be fantastic.
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