When it came to fresh gameplay last year, Mirror’s Edge definitely delivered.  The game was by-far one of the most innovative for these sorts of games for all of 2008.  I actually started the game back when it came out but I had a lot of trouble finishing it.

I finally beat the game tonight, after a lot of work and frustration.

In the game you are a “Runner,” a human on-the-run across the rooftops who uses their surrounding to scale and leap puzzling terrain.  The game is fairly fast-paced and rewarding, especially for good playing and control execution.  The overall art style and realism is phenomenal, and for the most part everything was deliciously perfect.

But there was something that really irked me about the game and that was the overwhelming amount of “Elue” encounters, which are essentially run-ins with the authorities.  They are armed, you are not.  You disarm them and you get guns too.  Use those guns to take out other guys.  

Generally I like shooting things but something about these run-ins really punctuates the fun of running, sliding, and jumping across vast terrain.  It also adds this very trial-and-error style to gaming which is frustrating as hell.  I was stuck on that damn van level for about 3 hours, just for this tiny little section of gameplay that should have taken 5 minutes to pass.  I couldn’t get past all the guns firing at me, as much as they were shooting and shooting and shooting while I was unarmed.  The game got put down for two months because I was so frustrated.

When I returned to the game I spent a few minutes watching videos and talking to fellow gamers about how to beat it and finally did, and once again the game was back on track.

So what I am feeling here is that there were a few missteps here, but overall the game definitely drove a great direction for a future title.  There is so much more that can be improved upon, which is astounding for a game that already has so much.  With a polished, perfect title I am sure this series will easily become my favourite. 

While I was frustrated to the point of hatred, I am even more ready for a sequel now.  Let’s see what EA can deliver next.

Would I recommend it?  Of course, with a wee bit of caution.  If anything you need try this game out at least once, get a hold of the controls, and really sink your teeth into a few running puzzles.  It won’t disappoint.