Mirror's Edge takes place decades after crime, graffiti, and individual personalities have been decimated from this now Utopian city. Of course these freedoms came at the price of giving up beliefs for a safe and comfortable life. You play as Faith, a girl who has lived to see her city evolve and change and even her family gives in to this sterile existence. Faith is a “runner”, a member of a vigilante group still hanging onto the thread of hope that people will find it within themselves to be unique once again. Of course being a runner means living “on the edge” and is frowned upon, but this is the only way this small group of believers feel alive. Along the way you find out that things aren't as squeaky clean as they seem, so it is up to you and your group of runners to transport information to the parties involved, without being caught and/or killed by the boys in blue.

The game's engine really captures that pristine look of of the futuristic city as you will see nothing but white walls, no dirt or grime, even in hallways and underground facilities. The textures are a mixed bag though as the objects that you can walk on or obtrude are detailed and look alive, but some things that are up close and are part of the backdrops look almost painted on and blurred. This by no way takes away from the experience, but it does make it easier to “know” where you can go or not go. In addition, the color red is used to help guide you to places within the environments in which Faith can interact. If your are lost, look for red, if you need to know which way to your final destination, look for red, if you are in a hallway and need to know the way out, look for red. Hell even the doors you can go through are red, if they aren't…access denied. Sure this makes for a more linear experience, but to the game's credit, the city is HUGE.

The architecture isn't the only stylish visual aspect in the game, as you move about at a very quick and frantic pace from time to time, the effects of your speed and the heart pounding rush are captured wonderfully, whether you are running and jumping over roof tops, or falling to your death down the side of a water tower, the imagery is surreal and wonderfully detailed. Sure most things look alike including the baddies who are trying to stop you, but that is the idea of trying to capture this seemingly perfect world.

If I have one gripe about the game's look it is in the cut scenes. After making your way through hallways, roof tops, underground shafts and office building, all in first person and in beautifully rendered 3D, you are taken for a loop as you watch the story progress in a “stylish” animated sequence which really not only takes you out of the game, but the characters look bland and generic in retrospect to their in game counterparts. At least if you are going to change up the look from 3D to 2D, make the animation jaw dropping.

The story and mission objectives all include voiceovers and are well done with no hint of over emphasizing or over acting. It is true that most of the voice actors are trying to portray that “action movie coolness” about them, but it is more like 24 the TV Show and less like 48 Hours the Movie. The score is riveting and well orchestrated and really hits at the right times when you got to get your butt moving. It even is cued in a way that when you are searching for that place to go, the music is muted slightly and at a slower rhythm, then kicks back into gear when you are back on the run.

Mirror's Edge takes a unique approach to the action genre by creating a puzzle/action/platform title and using a first person camera to allow the game to feel as they are really part of the game. I of course say unique and not original as there was a game a few years back on the original Xbox called Breakdown that tried it first, so let's just say unique to be kind. Of course when you try something new, there is a chance of an aspect or two being off or broken. In the case of Mirror's Edge, the good comes in the core of the game, running and jumping. These aspects, provided you are familiar with the timing and controls, can be executed flawlessly. Unfortunately the same can not be said about the combat portions. You will find yourself missing punches, disarms, even shots fired by no mistake of your own, but unfortunately thanks to the game's control scheme. Even with the game's ability to slow down time, things just don't pan out like you would hope when it comes to combat maneuvers. Thankfully you can be a pacifist and literally play the game without one casualty taken.

I believe Mirror's Edge biggest concern is the game's length. Far shorter than most action titles, this game can be completed in 5 hours, less if you find your way through certain levels faster. When I saw that the game had time trials and speed run modes, I knew I was in for a short journey. The aforementioned modes will only appeal to you if you find yourself in love with the game to try and beat your speed times. Sadly there isn't any multiplayer of any kind as it would have been fun to have a relay mode of sorts that allowed you to run from point to point handing off bags. Alas, maybe we'll see that in a sequel?

Mirror's Edge does a wonderful job of doing exactly what it sets out to do, and while it may not do it all perfectly, it does do enough well enough for you to forgive the game's flaws. Of course the only flaw you can't over look is the game's length which will make you think about if it is a purchase for you or not. The bottom line is that Faith and the gang will give you a “run” for your money....