Mirror's Edge wasn't perfect, but it was so original and pleasant that it remains one of my favourite games. Oddly, it was possibly too idiosyncratic to ever be an enormous hit, and as a result nobody ever expected a sequel. And yet... Mirror's Edge Catalyst exists. I've only spent a couple of hours with the game, but here are my thoughts thus far.
Also, in honour of Catalyst, concealed within this review-in-progress is a very specially cat-o-list.
Also, in honour of Catalyst, concealed within this review-in-progress is a very specially cat-o-list.
I wish games wouldn't start with a non-interactive opening. Why do so many of them begin with such a whimper?
In this instance, Faith - her from the previous game - is being released from prison.
And even when you've crept out of prison - as slowly as possible - you still have to endure a conversation with some guy lurking up a cranny, which feels like it drags on for half an hour.
In this instance, Faith - her from the previous game - is being released from prison.
And even when you've crept out of prison - as slowly as possible - you still have to endure a conversation with some guy lurking up a cranny, which feels like it drags on for half an hour.
After that, it's into a fairly lengthy training section. Biggest surprise: there's a new "Runner Vision" thing, which is basically a parkour satnav. It makes life easier, but you'll be encouraged to find your own shortcuts.
That training section leads into a number of training sections dressed up as missions. There are a LOT of different controls to remember in Mirror's Edge Catalyst. Far more than its predecessor: new combat moves, new clambering moves...
And given that the basic controls in Mirror's Edge Catalyst are different to most first-person games... well, it's a lot to juggle in your brain at once. I hope it's going to get easier.
And given that the basic controls in Mirror's Edge Catalyst are different to most first-person games... well, it's a lot to juggle in your brain at once. I hope it's going to get easier.
Doesn't look like there's going to be any shooting in this game. You can't pick up guns, because they're biometrically-linked to their owners, or something. It's all about the melee and the running away. Hand-to-hand fighting has been given quite the overhaul.
And talking of the running... on the PS4 at least, I've had massive issues with my thumb sliding off the left analogue stick. The game demands smooth movement, chaining climbs, slides, and wall runs together.
And as many of the missions are on a timer, you don't ever want to stop. Except... my thumb kept sliding off the stick. This far into the game, it's a major problem.
Also, I've got concerns that there aren't enough different types of missions. The pace never seems to vary.
And as many of the missions are on a timer, you don't ever want to stop. Except... my thumb kept sliding off the stick. This far into the game, it's a major problem.
Also, I've got concerns that there aren't enough different types of missions. The pace never seems to vary.
So, unlike Mirror's Edge, Catalyst is set in an open-world. Not a bad idea... but I seem to be spending quite a lot of time being forced back along the same route to return to my base, or to visit some mysterious bird man who hangs out on a roof.
The timer missions seem to be very unforgiving. Which is a shame, as some bloke just informed me that they make up the bulk of the gameplay.
Perhaps they'll get easier as I upgrade my character, and develop new skills. Although... new skills = even more controls to remember. It seems to pull against the instinctive flow of the original.
Perhaps they'll get easier as I upgrade my character, and develop new skills. Although... new skills = even more controls to remember. It seems to pull against the instinctive flow of the original.
The online component is called "Social Play". It doesn't look like there's any direct multiplayer - instead, you can set your own Time Trial runs for other players to try out... or try out ones that they've set. It's kind of like Mario Maker, for parkour. Mario Markour.
In terms of aesthetics, it's as gorgeous and idiosyncratic as its predecessor: basically an after-hours Apple Store expanded to fill a whole city. It's an empty, sterile world... but it feels like a stylistic choice.
In terms of the characters and story... it's all a little bit try-hard and forgettable. Routine anti-corporate, people's uprising stuff. Everyone wears a hoodie.
In terms of the characters and story... it's all a little bit try-hard and forgettable. Routine anti-corporate, people's uprising stuff. Everyone wears a hoodie.
When it works, Catalyst thus far appears to offer the same euphoric highs as Mirror's Edge. Few games offer a rush as palpable as stringing together a chain of moves which catapult you from rooftop to rooftop, taking down a bunch of security guards en route.
For the moment, I'm reserving judgement. I fear they've spoiled the simplicity of the original by overloading it, and just adding more, more, more in every area. Also, the open world pulls away from the sublime focus of Mirror's Edge.
But I might be wrong. It's early days, brah. I'll keep you posted.
But I might be wrong. It's early days, brah. I'll keep you posted.
FROM THE ARCHIVE:
- REVIEW-IN-PROGRESS: OVERWATCH (PS4, XBOX ONE, PC)
- REVIEW-IN-PROGRESS: HAVE A LOOK AT THESE SHITTING BABIES WHILE I TELL YOU WHAT I THINK OF THE PS4 VERSION OF 'TOM CLANCY'S THE DIVISION' THUS FAR
- CAN YOU MAKE IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH THIS REVIEW-IN-PROGRESS OF UNCHARTED 4 WHILE THESE MONKEYS SHOUT THE C-WORD AT YOU?
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