Reviewed: September 20, 2010
Reviewed by: Jason Flick

Publisher
Electronic Arts

Developer
Electronic Arts

Released: September 2, 2010
Genre: Action
Players: 1

9
9
9
9
9.5

Game Info:

  • 100 MB Download
  • Facebook Integration

    App Store Price: $4.99

    		•  I remember when I saw the first trailer for Mirror’s Edge some time ago. It was one of those moments where I just had to stop and say, “That’s a game I want to play.” After a painful wait, it was finally released and lived up to my expectations and then some. It was unique, daring and drop dead gorgeous. Around the time of its release, there was a simple 2D side scrolling flash version created by EA and Borne Games. This version in its own right was enjoyable and eventually leads to an official Mirror’s Edge release from EA for the iPad for those fortunate enough to own one.

    Finally iPhone users can get in on the action with the release of Mirror’s Edge for the iPhone. I’m sure many of you out there are wondering what took EA so long to release it for the iPhone just as much as I did. I can finally see why. The iPhone 4’s A4 processor and Retina Display make Mirror’s Edge one of the main reasons to own an iPhone 4. I was a huge fan of the PC version and I’m in heaven now that I can have Mirror’s Edge wherever I am.

    For those who have experienced the iPad version the overall presentation is the same just on a smaller screen. For those new to the world of Mirror's Edge the story follows the highly agile runner Faith. In the government ran disuptopian city in which you are a part of you serve as a means to deliver and transport items that are of the personal and secret nature that this iron fist ruled city does not approve of.

    The controls are remarkably simple and the input sensitivity is pretty accurate. The first couple levels show you the ropes that will have you jumping, sliding and wall jumping like a pro in no time. All moves are executed by swiping in one of the four cardinal directions as well as the occasional tap to stop Faith. Mirror's Edge for the iPhone faithfully captures all the moves from the PC and console versions. To aid you in your adventure there are checkpoints throughout each level. If you die, and you probably will, these checkpoints come in real handy. The only small snag is that if you happen to fall and survive any earlier checkpoint you encounter will be activated and you will start there instead of your furthest achieved one.

    While Faith is the main character and your avatar to this exciting world, the environment is the real star. Like the 3D version, the levels are designed to be as fluent as possible allowing for that same breakneck parkour feel that I personally fell in love with in the first level. The 14 levels and their complexities get progressively harder throughout your experience. I was particularly impressed with some of the indoor levels in this version because of their design and the developer’s ingenious ways of hiding the runner bags in these levels.

    Throughout each level there are set number of hidden red runner bags. Some of them are out in the open and rather easy to find while others require a bit of an adventurous searching. One thing that is noteworthy is that if you do suffer any fatal fall after collecting a bag you will have to get it again. Like the original version you can go back and get the bags you missed.

    Mirror's Edge for the iPhone also rewards you for finding the bags, and completing various objectives such as falling 1000 meters or defeating other runners. Your earn badges for completing the objectives and these in turn unlock wallpapers for your phone.

    As I mentioned above, it's no wonder Mirror's Edge was delayed for so long. The level of detail brought to life by the iPhone's Retina Display is absolutely stunning. Each level, be it the dark underground or shining rooftops, is gorgeous. Faith's character model looks great and her animations are really fluid as well. This helps with the overall flow of the whole presentation. I also like the scrolling elevator panel that helps progress the story.

    To accompany the fantastic visuals, EA delivers the same great audio presentation that made the original such a memorable experience. The sound effects such as gunfire and zip line sliding sound really crisp and vibrant. The best part however is that much of Mirror's Edge's iconic music returns in full force including some of the remixes that it spawned.

    For those seeking a bit more of a challenge you can try your hand at the Speed Runs and come out on top of the leaderboards. The game is also integrated with Facebook so you can let your friends and other players know where you stand in the world.

    Mirror's Edge for the iPhone offers the player a gorgeous and addictive experience for just under $5 dollars. Every time I picked it up I didn't want to stop. I could play this game over and over again. The music is enjoyable, the story is good and the parkour action has never been more thrilling. This is a must own for any iPhone user, especially if you have an iPhone 4.