Gamertell

A good way to think of Mirror’s Edge 2D is to think of a version of Mirror’s Edge that won’t make you motion sick. And is executed completely in 2D in your browser.

Borne Games’ EA endorsed version of the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC game is surprisingly faithful to the premise of the original game, even in the beta. The goal is to get information, found in the form of red icons, file folders and non-descript brown bags, and keep moving.

As I started my first run of Mirror’s Edge 2D, I couldn’t help comparing it to the early Sonic games. If anything, Mirror’s Edge 2D seems like a strategic version of Sonic the Hedgehog. You want to keep Faith moving - running, jumping, sliding - or else you could lose momentum required to propel her through the air, up buildings, along walls or under ledges. You also have to remember that gravity is in effect, and in many circumstances I needed to stop and think (counter intuitive, I know) to figure out how I was going to send her to gather those extra icons.

The game begins with Faith was standing in an office area waiting. I had her jump up towards the ceiling to begin her trek.

At first things seemed like they’d be easy. Faith seemed to move effortlessly through the air. The first few jumps were easy to make, and I had no idea keyboard controls could be so responsive. The only thing that threw me was that S was used to make her jump, not the Space bar. So for the first few seconds, I had issues where I’d unintentionally pause my game.

I didn’t really run into trouble until I found the wall. Faith can wall run, if you get up enough momentum and press up while running alongside a wall. Then, if you jump at just the right time, you can propel her to a higher platform she normally couldn’t reach. Its a skill that may be a bit tricky to acquire. It took me four tries to time it correctly. Once you learn it, you see how it could become helpful later on in the game. So I happily sent Faith on her way.

And watched Faith plummet back down to the rooftops below. Good thing she’s sturdy. What a trouper - dropped probably 50 virtual feet and got right back up again.

I was lulled into a false sense of security I suppose, and misjudged a jump. Three times. In a row.

Life’s too short to waste time on a few extra spoils. I sent Faith in the other direction. After some more tricky, mid-air jumps, I happened upon an unusual rooftop window that was bright red. I Faith over to it, watches the window shatter and saw her drop inside the building.

Now comes the trickiest part of all - obtaining evidence from a guarded room. Faith has to dodge bullets, grab a folder and run out of there. She’s not bullet-proof - if the guard hits her enough time she’ll fall, but she has infinite lives and is fast. All you have to do is keep track of how long it takes the guard to reload, make note of areas where bullets can’t reach and go for it.

There’s one other room with evidence like this hidden in the level, and it’s very easy to pass by if you’re not careful. So while you’re encouraged to speed through levels in Mirror’s Edge 2D, you also have to exercise a good amount of caution.

While only a beta, it feels very complete. Especially since you can create a user account, save your progress and continue playing at any time. Plus, there are three levels to explore. If you’re yearning for some old-school style action with bright visuals, you may want to stop by and try the Mirror’s Edge 2D beta.

Site [Mirror’s Edge 2D]

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