[/caption]Mirror’s Edge is one of the very few games that rapidly gained huge numbers of fans over diverse platforms – iPad being its latest strike. Since its release back in 2008 Mirror’s Edge claimed appreciation from critics, and it became one of handful games introduced by Electronic Arts that were honored to be launched with the release of iPad. The crisp graphics and highly innovative controls truly utilize iPad’s processor and multi touch screen.
Features
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="384" caption="Stunning visuals, Photo Courtesy of Apple, Inc."]
[/caption]Mirror’s Edge being a 2D side-scrolling interface now marries with the 3D world just for the platform of iPad while maintaining its fundamental identity. The lead female character Faith still primarily jumps and runs in the 2D side-scrolling medium but the buildings, rooftops and the infrastructure reflect remarkable 3D apocalyptic world. Mirror’s Edge central character, Faith, has to combat with the authorities (usually with people carrying guns) to attain her goals.
There is no doubt that Electronic Arts sound and visual team did a fantastic job to bring forth the modern face of the gaming. Our favorite pick of the visuals is the superbly implemented Bullet-Mode slow motion sequences (inspiration from blockbuster movie The Matrix, eh?) where things slow down when the character takes a high jump or beats a gunman.
Modern multi-player features are not present in this version so gamers Mirror’s Edge is a disappointment when it comes to online multiplayer option or the usual local networks via Wi-Fi/BlueTooth.
Controls
This is one of those departments where Mirror’s Edge is in the leading position. Enough research is conducted by the EA experts to come up with highly intuitive controls. The character will move in the direction of your swipe and you suddenly feel that old Play Station controller is from some Stone Age.
You swipe to the right, Faith moves to right, you swipe to the left it obediently moves to left. An upward swipe results in a quick jump while if you swipe down she slides. You can even swipe upward while you are in the air to enjoy a long jump. The same skills that are used for navigation are equally effective to get rid of the enemies.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="336" caption="Combats without a gun, Photo Courtesy of Apple, Inc."]
[/caption]GamePlay
Mirror’s Edge main focus is on combating with the enemy but a lot attention is given to the navigation – very rare for an action-packed game. As you jump towards a building or an enemy, special effects of slow-motion combat replace the fast-paced happenings of the game. You can start with the tutorials, as 2 levels are dedicated for the initial training.
The story continues by introducing Faith’s story in highly unimaginative text messages. You have to collect bags that contain essential messages, if you miss a particular bag then you can always replay the same level.
The game is strictly designed as a single player story mode although split-screen multiplayer is available. Our character doesn’t carry any weapon and combats with the gunmen with super quick slides. The game comes with only 14 levels in total – one of the major disappointments. Some users have reported to complete all the levels within two hours which is no good news for EA developers and marketers.
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="384" caption="Split-Screen Multiplayer, Photo Courtesy of Apple, Inc."]
[/caption]However even if you complete all the levels still the game offers novelty by offering split-screen multiplayer mode where you can play with your friends on the same screen. You can collect badges which are apparently hidden throughout the game.
Speed Run is another option to complete the unlocked levels in the fastest time. One of the interesting features is the character’s ghost based on your previous fastest time and the ghost competes with you throughout the level in Speed Run. You can upload your record to the online server and can download anyone’s ghost to compete with – very innovative to say the least.
Price
Mirror’s Edge like many other EA’s games costs lot more than it deserves – a staggering amount of $12.99 for 14 levels. However it still ranks as one of the most loved iPad games available on the iTunes for its futuristic implementation of controls and stunning HD visuals.
Verdict
[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="336" caption="3D Apocalyptic world, Photo Courtesy of Apple, Inc."]
[/caption]Mirror’s Edge is a combination of pathetic story told through unimaginative text messages, combating the enemies without any gun, very few numbers of levels but packed with eye-catching visuals and innovative controls. iPad is in its early days and very few games are in market from the big vendors. Electronic Arts did a superb job in the visuals and we expect future updates to include options that are identity of modern games including online multiplayer. You can get Mirror’s Edge from here.
[rating: 4/5]
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