[Munkey Boy]

Mirror's Edge - a new IP from EA, but what did you make of it? Taken in by the design and creativity, or stunted by bugs and poor mechanics? Please vote in the poll and leave comments in this thread once you've played the game enough to judge.

[xox Godders xox]

Well if the first 2 votes are anything to go by this looks like a bit of a marmite game!

[cassius76]

Just Finished this now and can say, without a doubt, one of the best games I've ever played. This will go down in gaming history as a turning point in First Person games.

I've played no other game like it. My heart was in my mouth more times than I care to mention and the sense of achievement when I figured out how to get from the ground to 10 stories up with no guidance....

The art direction, music, ethereal, dreamlike almost and just damn cool.

Now I just have to try and beat that score on time trial one more time!

I'm praying they make a sequel.


I can't be the only one here that loves this game?

[MANGABOY]

Originally Posted by cassius76

Just Finished this now and can say, without a doubt, one of the best games I've ever played. This will go down in gaming history as a turning point in First Person games.

Hope your not referring to that world war 2 game

[cassius76]

Originally Posted by MANGABOY

Hope your not referring to that world war 2 game

good god no!!!!!!!!!!!

[Hillskill]

Im intrigued to hear what more people think. I actually enjoyed the demo in places but then having to repeat sections of the tutorial and then watching long animated sequences over and over annoyed me. But then I am the type of bloke to slate a game after 5 mins only to declare it the "Best Game Ever" soon after.
I loved the fact that when I just missed a jump and fell a great height I could actually feel a moment of panic, that hollow feeling in your chest that dips deep into your stomach (did you feel it reading that lol!) Does the game manage to keep moments like that fresh ?

Ask a mod to open a review thread for you. I often check there when I'm um'ing and ah'ing over game, I find them really useful.

[plazmoid]

I have also played this game and it really is a must-buy. The backgrounds change for each chapter of the game and you have to combine moves to get to out of reach places later in the game as things get more complicated. Also this game does not get old as even though you are doing similar things all the time it doesn't feel like it as you are surrounded with different tasks and challenges. It is very fast paced as well and you have to think at lightning pace as there is often several ways to get round obstacles. The AI could do with some work but this game is all about the running!!

[Hillskill]

What are the Achievements like to get ?

[noisecrime]

Originally Posted by Hillskill

What are the Achievements like to get ?

Pretty easy up to around 800, then you have the timetrials and speedruns, which will take some dedication not to mention skill/dexterity. There are several timetrials that I don't think i'll ever be able to 3 star ( there are 3 times to beat on time trial, beating each time will earn a star, get 20, 35 and 50 stars for achivements )

I'm actually surprised at the longevity of the game, often preferring to play it instead of GOW2 or COD5. I've played single player 3 times now.

First on 'normal' trying for the not to shoot anyone (Test of Faith) achivement, took about 6-7 hours, mainly due to getting stuck on dealing with the cops without shotting them on the later levels. In fact it got so frustrating that by level 7 I ditched the achievement hunt and just killed everyone I met

Second playthrough was on 'easy' to get 'Test of Faith' and perfect the routes I would take for 'hard'. Don't think that took longer than 2-3 hours.

Third playthrough was on 'hard', which by this time i'd completed most of the time trials, plus two previous playthroughs, so I was able to run past many cops. Again this probably took 2-3 hours, but was just as enjoyable as the first time I played.


As to the demo's annoying habit of 'replaying' the last section if you mess it up, thats the only time it happens (durign training) for understandable reasons. Elsewhere mess up and you'll go back to a checkpoint, which on the whole are well placed, but a few are very poor and there should be far more included.

Apart from when loading data, (this is a good candidate to install to harddrive to avoid mid level 'loading' pauses) everything else is skippable.

[MarkyPancake]

I like the demo and think I'll get this when it's cheap because I've got plenty of games to keep me busy at the moment.

[UKBOY]

For me it was just too dull to consider purchasing as a new release.

Now that the price has dropped for this and other items like Midnight Club, I might take a 2nd look.

[Hillskill]

Originally Posted by noisecrime

Pretty easy up to around 800, then you have the timetrials and speedruns, which will take some dedication not to mention skill/dexterity. There are several timetrials that I don't think i'll ever be able to 3 star ( there are 3 times to beat on time trial, beating each time will earn a star, get 20, 35 and 50 stars for achivements )

I'm actually surprised at the longevity of the game, often preferring to play it instead of GOW2 or COD5. I've played single player 3 times now.

First on 'normal' trying for the not to shoot anyone (Test of Faith) achivement, took about 6-7 hours, mainly due to getting stuck on dealing with the cops without shotting them on the later levels. In fact it got so frustrating that by level 7 I ditched the achievement hunt and just killed everyone I met

Second playthrough was on 'easy' to get 'Test of Faith' and perfect the routes I would take for 'hard'. Don't think that took longer than 2-3 hours.

Third playthrough was on 'hard', which by this time i'd completed most of the time trials, plus two previous playthroughs, so I was able to run past many cops. Again this probably took 2-3 hours, but was just as enjoyable as the first time I played.


As to the demo's annoying habit of 'replaying' the last section if you mess it up, thats the only time it happens (durign training) for understandable reasons. Elsewhere mess up and you'll go back to a checkpoint, which on the whole are well placed, but a few are very poor and there should be far more included.

Apart from when loading data, (this is a good candidate to install to harddrive to avoid mid level 'loading' pauses) everything else is skippable.

Top post, I am actually getting this off the back what you have said here. I will drop Munkey Boy a PM to get a review thread opened.

EDIT: Sent Guns a PM as he seems to be online at the mo

EDIT EDIT: seems they started one a couple of days ago Mirror's Edge - Xbox 360 reviews

[plazmoid]

I have played this game for a while now and have to say it is one of the most enjoyable games I have ever played. The idea of running and dodging obstacles is brilliant and the gameplay is excellent. A lot of fun to play and there are always different ways round obstacles. Very fast paced which just adds to the excitement.
This might be the first of its type but it won't be the last.
Superb!

[Munkey Boy]

I've merged the reviews thread with the thread in the games forum now. Please vote in the poll, more than 5 people must have played this!

[noisecrime]

Originally Posted by Hillskill

Top post, I am actually getting this off the back what you have said here.

Yikes, that puts some pressure on me and my quick reply

If I ever find the time i'll write up a comprehensive review of the game, although I stand by pretty much everything i've said here and in the preview thread.

[RenaultSport]

I got stuck on the demo trying to get off the roof with the police - sort of put me off a bit.

[noisecrime]

Originally Posted by RenaultSport

I got stuck on the demo trying to get off the roof with the police - sort of put me off a bit.

Which roof? The first time you encounter two cops? In which case you should be able to run pass them or knock them out with punches and kicks, or even steal ones gun. The route is pretty straight forward, you're natural instinct should take you the right way.

If the second time, then you have seen the helicopter?

[daveon]

If not for a couple of annoying sections which I felt where out of kilter with the rest of the game I would have given this a 10

For a relatively short game this has a lot of reply value with time trials and races.
There is a real sense of achievment when you work out puzzles, beat times and find new routes and the game does an excellent job of infusing tension into the game play.
You will find yourself willing Faith over jumps and the gut wrenching feeling when you fall a fraction short on your jump is a surprising experience when playing a first person game.

Challanging, fresh and well worth the money.

[gingin]

i voted very good.

totally different take on a video game. well done!

[formatc]

Played the demo twice and seriously considered buying this one but something at the back of mind was asking if I really wanted to jump from building to building for duration of the full game. If GOW2 and Fable2 weren't around I'd be playing Dead Space and only when that was completed I would consider Mirror's Edge.

[Hillskill]

I am currently competeting in the AVF Xmas Challenge. Its basically 30 days of playing bad games for easy Gamerpoints
I have had the mis-fortune over the past 14 days of playing some real stinkers for the sake of points and TBH I thought Mirrors Edge would continue this theme......how very wrong I was.
I first came across ME as demo on LIVE. I found it refreshingly original in style and was blown away by the art design. In this day an and age there really is no excuse for a game not looking its very best ! However despite these positives the tutorial annoyed me and gave me enough of a reason to NOT to rush and buy it upon its release.
After some positive reviews on here I took a wander down to my local Blockbuster to rent it (£5.95 for a week) The annoying tutorial was still there but I knew if I got past this the game soon becomes free flowing.
The controls are fairly straight forward considering how versatile the movement is and as I eluded to before the Gameworld is absolutely stunning. I liked to play it my projector just so I could really immerse myself in its amazin world. You know, had it been summer i might have even opened the patio doors and try and get a breeze kicking through.....just to re-inforce the feeling of standing on the edge of a skyscraper
As I was playing for points I opted to try beat the game without firing a gun and personally I highly recommend this approach. For some reason this seems to re-inforce the whole free-running theme....no to mention making it fiendishly hard in places !
The story was ok but was never really going to compete with the gameplay or overall beauiful look of the game. What really is important IMO though is the music and on the whole they have got it just right. Swirling ambient music accompanies early levels where you are free to bound form building to building in your own time. This is replaced by hard thumping dance music during chase and combat sequnces. For the last few hours of the game I decided to play the Prodigy "Music For the Jilted Generation" via the xbox thus replacing all game music......One word.....WOW......Almost like they were made for eachother.
Stringing together walljumps and grappling with enemys never looked and sounded so good. Controls are versatile but in no way over complicated and the set pieces are well executed and reinforce a fairly tame storyline. Which leads me nicely into what is not good about it. Well not alot, all in alll EA have played fairly safely here. Checkpoints are well laid out and the right level of difficulty has been used. Certain areas are fiendishly frustrating and will take a few fatal falls (And incredibly this game can give you the feeling of falling when you do miss a jump!) before they are finally cracked. My only real critiscm is that its all over too quckly. I managed to beat the game in a day (6-7 hours total gameplay) which may put some of you off. The Time trials look fun and will defintitely add some replay value, standing next to a game like Fallout or COD5 (you can get 50+ hours out of them) this simply isnt good value at full retail of £39.99 and is no wonder some stores are selling at £25. With this all in mind I recommend this be a rental unless you can pick it up cheap.

[oasismark]

Gonna rent it and get some prodigy music on that review mate

[Ico.]

My nearest Tesco has this for £19.99. I didn't like the demo much but might give it another go based on Hillskill's little review...

[Br1an_g]

19.99 from shopto as well

[Br1an_g]

ok, so had this game in the 360 for a couple of days now...and what can i say..

AWESOME....

this has to be my game of the year so far...its like the best combination of puzzle, racing, and FPS / stealth games all wrapped up in a sexy little package of gfx and music genius.

i have chosen not to fire any weapons as (like a previous post) it doesnt seem right to be firing guns. i do think it will be a totally different game if you chose to use weapons, more FPS than stealth and skill.

level design and continuity are top notch, and controls are easy once you get used to them. i was a little unsure after the demo, but it becomes second nature. the feel of the game is great, that sensation of speed and flow as you string moves together and finish it off by disarming a cop on a roof top..

the time trials make you look at the levels differently and its at this point that you realise the game is HUGE....there is the obvious route and the fast route..and you dont always see the fast one. sometime you get caught up in the frantic nature of running from the guys with the guns that you fail to search around you, but this all adds to the gameplay.

im about half way through story, done a few time trials and have to say, this will be a keeper that i wont sell or trade till i have completed it all.

10/10 from me..without a doubt. and at 19.99 from shopto..money well spent..

[UselessLuke]

Originally Posted by Br1an_g

level design and continuity are top notch, and controls are easy once you get used to them. i was a little unsure after the demo, but it becomes second nature. the feel of the game is great, that sensation of speed and flow as you string moves together and finish it off by disarming a cop on a roof top..

the time trials make you look at the levels differently and its at this point that you realise the game is HUGE....there is the obvious route and the fast route..and you dont always see the fast one. sometime you get caught up in the frantic nature of running from the guys with the guns that you fail to search around you, but this all adds to the gameplay.

I have to agree with you on these. The level design is just brilliant and the bright colours is a refreshing change from the other games out there that rely so heavily on dark and bleak landscapes.

I tried a few time trials a couple of nights ago and, like you, was shocked at how many more routes there are through every single level. The fact that every object in the game is interactable makes many different routes available. Possibly even ones the developers hadn't planned for. On my first few run throughs of a time trial I just stand around looking for things that I can jump off or grab onto. Genius game

I love the fact that you're encouraged to run away from the police instead of fight/shoot them. The only problem being that some of the police sections can get very hard given you don't have the time to linger around and find the best route to escape from them. I'm currently stuck on level 6 somewhere as I can't actually find the exit to the room because I keep getting shot lol

[Br1an_g]

Originally Posted by UselessLuke

I love the fact that you're encouraged to run away from the police instead of fight/shoot them. The only problem being that some of the police sections can get very hard given you don't have the time to linger around and find the best route to escape from them. I'm currently stuck on level 6 somewhere as I can't actually find the exit to the room because I keep getting shot lol

yeh, im stuck in the shopping mall on level 4 or 5?. same thing, i cant run and theres too many cops to tackle..

still loving trying though.. i will find the optimum route for escape soon..

[UselessLuke]

Originally Posted by Br1an_g

yeh, im stuck in the shopping mall on level 4 or 5?. same thing, i cant run and theres too many cops to tackle..

still loving trying though.. i will find the optimum route for escape soon..

I know the one you mean. I struggled on that one too. You'll find your way I can give some hints if you get stuck for too long. Catch up with me and tell me how to get past where I'm stuck!

[chrislad]

It's a Good game, I think. I thought the story was alright, the game was quite easy and short, with only one or two tricky parts, and for the most part, despite the illusion of open-ness, it was quite linear.

But, that said, I enjoyed the game while it lasted. I don't have the urge to actually do the time trials, as I didn't love the game that much. I paid 30e for it, and I felt that was good value for what I got out of it. I don't think it sold particularly well, which is disappointing, mainly from the EA viewpoint - 3.5 million copies of a rehash (Madden 09) - 150k sales for a new IP that would have required more developement and cash.

[nicklone86]

I voted 7, good. The early stages of this game are phenomenal. The large outdoor environments really represent the great feeling of free running. This doesn't transfer well into the later levels, many of which are based indoors. The game eventually become clumsy and frustrating as it progesses and it's more of a relief when it's over. The series has huge potential, however the combat sytem needs tightening up and the collision detection needs a bit of work to make the experience more consistant.

I am having large amounts of fun with the time trial mode and felt an awesome sense of achievement when I finished the game without firing a weapon. Though while this is immensly frustrating in 2 or 3 places the 80 gamerpoints are a nice reward. If the game was as intense and exciting as it is between the prologue and the end of the subway level, this could easily have been a 9 but the flaws are highlighted in the later levels which drags the score down. Visually the game is beautiful with a unique art style which is nicely complemented by the immersive audio and soundtrack, though the voice acting is a little off. The main game can be finished in about 5-7 hours though the replay value is very good with multiple difficulty settings, hidden extras, speed runs and time trials adding vast amount of lifespan into the game.

I picked this up for £15 from Tesco and thought it was well worth that price! I recommed a rental or a cheap purchase becuase the experience is deliciously old-school and refreshing when compared with the stuff we're used too nowadays. I look forward to seeing an improved upon sequal.