I JUST POOPED A LITTLE!!!

Developer: Digital Illuisons CE (DICE) Publisher: EA Release Date: November 11th, 2008

It’s really no big secret that I’m not a huge fan of EA these days – they buy up too many of my favorite game companies. Leave the little guys alone for shit’s sake.

Anyways.

I always thought that the danger of a more generic, uninspired view of making games would become more prevalent as more games fell under the umbrella of one company. I believe that still. But Mirror’s Edge is one of the few titles that make me think that EA could still move a couple genres forward if they felt like it.

Check it out.

Ever see the James Bond flick Casino Royale with Daniel Craig? Remember that part where he’s chasing that guy and they’re both just leaping everywhere like crazed monkeys? That’s called Parkour. And that’s what the inspiration is behind this game.

Parkour is known as ‘the art of movement’. Using just your bodies and natural agility to get from on place to the next. It has had many forms over the years but french stuntman David Belle has developed it to its modern form. Well done, David. Good shit.

The Parkour in this game is controlled mainly by using your shoulder buttons. They are responsive and intuitive, but still take some getting used to (the speed of the game makes it easier oddly enough). This take on movement is largely based on timing. But not the annoying ‘button icon’ kind of timing you find as a secondary add-on to most games. The kind of timing that make you realise that other games sense of timing sucks – big time. Hard to explain. But hey, I’m trying.

So there you are, leaping around the tops of buildings using your own running momentum to carry you across roofs, under pipes, up walls and to do some pretty damn cool springboard maneuvers to get you from one place to another. The first section has you delivering a package which is as intense as I’ve ever seen a package delivery. The next has you running from/fighting/disarming the police.

Because the story is set in the near future. And the cops naturally hate you. Because perhaps you’re some sort of futuristic douchebag? Didn’t get that far in the story. Sorry.

The beauty of all this is the first-person view. And the outstanding graphics (ooo, leaping hot chicks everywhere). Now from what I’ve played so far the games seems to have guns. But not a great will to actually use them (one main move has you dismantling the cops weapons). So this isn’t really a FPS. It’s more of a FP-awesomeness? You really just have to see it for yourself. I mean, this is right up my alley. But even if it isn’t yours, check it out. You may very well end up purchasing it (or at the very least find it really, really interesting).

So that’s what I’ve got for now. The multiplayer races were not accessible without an EA pre-purchase code so haven’t tried that yet. But of course sounds very cool. I’ll do a little add-on to this regarding the races if I can. But for now download this demo ASAP.

I never say this but I commend EA for putting out such an interesting and well executed (so far) product.

Dicks…

Durka!!