7.50

Systems: Playstation 3, Xbox 360 (Played on both for this review)

ESRB Content Rating: Teen

Release Date: 2008

I first heard about Mirror's Edge through a commercial. Something that most gamers have probably never experienced because they (and now, I) have sites to leak out new games. The commercial was advertising this strong, powerful women jumping off buildings and landing on different ones. Almost like a jungle gym in the school yard. She was on mirror's edge. Jumping, running, kicking, balancing, anything seems easy to her.

At the time of 2008, I wasn't much of a gamer. I really didn't have an interest in it as I do now. The only connection to me gaming was through my brother. We would go to the local Target and usually pick out a video game. This time it was Mirror's Edge. It was actually my mother's choice because my brother was trying to get some game she disapproved of (but now she is a gamer herself and asked me if she would like Dead Space 2, go figure). I don't remember much of it but she then saw the cover of Mirror's Edge. She asked us about the "mirror game" and I was the first one to chime in on the suggestion, while my brother was still trying to get his game.

After my brother gave up, we (by we, I mean I) decided to get Mirror's Edge. After just playing five minutes of the game play, I was hooked. I couldn't think of anything else then solving the in-game puzzles. I left chatting through email with my friends and went off playing Mirror's Edge.

Now three years later, I am still fascinated with the game and what I believe, one of the reasons for me writing this today. But less on my story and more on this fantastic yet still flawed game.

The main character, Faith starts out in a training area or what it looks to be a advanced yet almost plain city. I am directed to practice, since apparently I have be away or out of line. This is were you learn the controls for the game. Instead of what you would first think, to jump isn't the X or A button but your left button or L1. The games controls soon become like a second nature and I was jumping and perfecting stunts in no time.

But the main challenge is the in-game puzzles that have left me going to Youtube many times. The game (if on the appropriate setting) will highlight the "puzzle pieces" in red, while it seems like the rest of the world takes on a bland look. This means if a pipe is needed to solve a puzzle, it will be a recognizable red. The rest of the environment is forgettable and at it's best towards the end of the game with the involvement of a glass skyscraper.

With the almost bland graphics, the cut scenes add an artistic look with an amine style. But for me, I would much rather like graphics to add some more realism. The story starts with an introduction to how this city lives. You soon find out that the whole system of the city is corrupted. No privacy, no communication, and no freedom. Your sister, Kate is being framed for killing the mayoral candidate, who was promising change for the city. You as a runner, have the original job of being a messenger but you will use your abilities for helping your sister. The next is basically going after bad guys and looking out for an assassin who seems to be wearing a white fencing outfit.

Throughout the game (if you played it as much as I have), you will see this "secret" assassin running around, arriving at places before you. Keep that this in mind because after you fight this assassin, you will know why you had such a hard time.

One of my favorites abilities in this game is the option for a gun or not. Since Faith can do super human stunts, she is also a great fighter. You have the option to pick up a gun or to have real fun, just start blasting out combo moves and make your enemies unconscious. This is actually a great stress reliever. After a long day, just boot up some Mirror's Edge and start kicking ass.

The end of the game is somewhat easy and is the biggest let down in the game. After doing repeats of stunts, you would think that the end would challenge you to do more. But after a while the game seems to mash into the same level for every level. Although it does have mix in environments, you can only take soo much jumping and balancing. The ending didn't satisfy me much. I don't want to give too much away but the ending ends in a "Oh, cool...I guess."

After many replays with this game, I have come to forget the flaws that it does have. And although it is one of my favorite games, I do have to look at it critically for review. The game is fresh but old at the same time. Once you play more of the game, you basically are doing the same thing over again to finish it. The ending is predictable and doesn't leave you in shock. The game is great but doesn't deserve blockbuster status but maybe a little more recognition. I am still looking out for a sequel that may change or innovate what I listed in this review but for now on, I will leave the Mirror's Edge story at a medium score.

Check out my blog, All About Jane.