Mirror's Edge Catalyst was launched on June 7 and the initial reactions from gaming experts have been submitted.
In this latest review roundup, we'll be dissecting the game's core strengths and weaknesses according to eight categories: Characters, Plot, Open-world Mechanics, Movement, Combat, Multiplayer Functionality, Performance and Graphics, and Overall Gameplay.
Characters
Most of the focus in reviews had a few things to say about the game's NPCs, even Faith, which point out the lacking amount of depth and character that players can sympathize with. The current world is filled with "paper-thin characters," as Scott Butterworth from GameSpot comments, and are "completely unlikable" which makes character development "nonexistent," Ryan McCaffrey from IGN writes.
"... many of these do serious damage to the game's sense of authenticity, as mannequin-like quest givers stand in place 24 hours a day, giving out nonsensical requests about delivering parcels within arbitrary time limits," notes David Jenkins from MetroUK.
"There are a handful of relatably human character moments buried in there ... but a lot of the potential is deadened by some perfunctory vocal performances and often awkward animation," writes Kyle Orland from Ars Technica.
The cutscenes, albeit "rapid ... that doesn't give any of [the NPCs] a chance to breathe or really develop as anything outside of hackneyed plot devices," writes Orland, are still "absolutely beautiful, well-acted and the art direction and photography are dramatically better than many films I've seen in genre," comments Todd Kenreck from Forbes.
Plot
Overall, Mirror's Edge Catalyst's core strength relies on its capabilities as a dedicated platformer through its intelligent use of parkour animations and seemingly fresh and thrilling first-person perspective.
That alone, however, is not enough to hide the glaring weaknesses in its other parts.
"Mirror's Edge is a great idea that, while well implemented in most aspects, never pushes itself far enough to become the classic you feel it should be," explains Jenkins.
"Yes, certain portions of the game are deeply unimpressive, but I rarely (if ever) found them frustrating, painful, or unavoidable, which allowed me to overlook those elements and enjoy the unique pleasures Catalyst provides," says Butterworth.
Mirror's Edge Catalyst scores a 75 out of 100 on Metacritic with generally favorable reviews.
The game can be ordered through the main Mirror's Edge Catalyst website and its gameplay trailer can be viewed below:
