Joystiq hands-on: Mirror's Edge time trial mode
by Randy Nelson 
{ Oct 7th 2008 at 12:00PM }
When EA asked if we'd like to check out the time trial mode of its upcoming first-person action game / parkour simulator, Mirror's Edge, we jumped at the chance to finally play more than the tiny snippet we'd blasted through at E3 and PAX. We hadn't considered that the very nature of the mode would make for an abbreviated experience.
In fact, roughly 57 seconds of the game was on display (a little more, a little less, depending on ones skills). The particular level had a best time set by one of the devs from DICE and we played it over and over (and over) again chasing their best time ghost.
In fact, roughly 57 seconds of the game was on display (a little more, a little less, depending on ones skills). The particular level had a best time set by one of the devs from DICE and we played it over and over (and over) again chasing their best time ghost.
Gallery: Mirror's Edge Time Trial Mode
While truncated, the experience nevertheless gave us an opportunity to hone our moves for when the full game hits next month. (EA is planning a demo for release "by the end of the month," and you'll be able to try out the time trial mode in it via a code obtained by pre-ordering the game at Best Buy.)
Control in the demo – and, as we were told, the rest of the game – is (in the case of PS3) handled by a combination of L1, L2, R1, and Triangle (the latter is an action button and wasn't employed in the level we played). L1 served as both jump and clamber up, while L2 made our character, Faith, slide under objects and roll when held on landing (important in order to keep from taking fall damage). R1 was a quick 180 degree turn, which proved extremely useful in executing wall jumps.
This trick took us several tries to master, but helped shave precious seconds off our time at the expense of leaving us feeling a bit queasy. It's performed by running at a wall, hitting L1 right before reaching it, tapping R1 as Faith begins to scale it to turn around, and finally timing L1 just right once more to leap off the wall.
The EA and DICE folks obviously had more opportunity to prepare, as we never were able to best their times. Still, it was fun for the short time the experience lasted. That said, we're still wondering where the "real" game is.
When it does arrive, it will come packing 20 time trial levels and a ghost sharing function so that you can challenge the world's best runners – maybe even Gears of War 2 director Cliff Bleszinski, who we caught navigating Faith across the rooftops as we planned our next, potentially faster route to the finish.
Control in the demo – and, as we were told, the rest of the game – is (in the case of PS3) handled by a combination of L1, L2, R1, and Triangle (the latter is an action button and wasn't employed in the level we played). L1 served as both jump and clamber up, while L2 made our character, Faith, slide under objects and roll when held on landing (important in order to keep from taking fall damage). R1 was a quick 180 degree turn, which proved extremely useful in executing wall jumps.
This trick took us several tries to master, but helped shave precious seconds off our time at the expense of leaving us feeling a bit queasy. It's performed by running at a wall, hitting L1 right before reaching it, tapping R1 as Faith begins to scale it to turn around, and finally timing L1 just right once more to leap off the wall.
The EA and DICE folks obviously had more opportunity to prepare, as we never were able to best their times. Still, it was fun for the short time the experience lasted. That said, we're still wondering where the "real" game is.
When it does arrive, it will come packing 20 time trial levels and a ghost sharing function so that you can challenge the world's best runners – maybe even Gears of War 2 director Cliff Bleszinski, who we caught navigating Faith across the rooftops as we planned our next, potentially faster route to the finish.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wiredknight @ Oct 7th 2008 12:35PM
I hope the controls are customizable...
Marty @ Oct 7th 2008 12:34PM
I think bouncing around between buildings looks like it could get a little boring.
Red Leader @ Oct 7th 2008 12:59PM
Yeah, I've been thinking about that since they started showing the demos. I'm just gonna play it safe and try a rental on this one first.
Duke @ Oct 7th 2008 5:10PM
Time trial sounds like no fun to me. I am not big on games that do those. I hate timers! I keep expecting there will be something about this game to draw me in, but so far its not doing it.
Doug @ Oct 7th 2008 5:49PM
You realize what you can shoot and beat up people too right?
SKI @ Oct 7th 2008 7:58PM
It's starting to sound like Spiderman 2. And like Spiderman 2, the novelty will fade quickly.
halo 3 sucks. @ Oct 7th 2008 8:44PM
Assassin's Creed got pretty boring. never even finished it.
Vegnagun bwf @ Oct 7th 2008 12:36PM
How did Bleszinski do?
ThornedVenom (Harley Quinn Defense Force) @ Oct 8th 2008 2:33AM
....nobody cares....
/echo in the wind
Chroma @ Oct 7th 2008 12:53PM
Can't wait for it, sounds fun. I hope were allowed alot of freedom in making a controller scheme.
Jaclo @ Oct 7th 2008 1:15PM
I don't think we will be. DICE said that people will naturally want to make X or A the jump button, but that that was impossible for some reason, although I can't remember what that reason was.
Mike M. @ Oct 8th 2008 5:10PM
You probably have to be able to look around while jumping. Your thumbs will be occupied by the analog sticks.
Tango Charlie @ Oct 7th 2008 12:55PM
"(EA is planning a demo for release "by the end of the month," and you'll be able to try out the time trial mode in it via a code obtained by pre-ordering the game at Best Buy.)"
...Um, isn't the purpose of a demo so that we can make a purchasing decision? As opposed to just a snippet of gameplay that we can start playing a little early? Who was the ad wizard that came up with this one?
Titanium_Orchid @ Oct 7th 2008 1:16PM
Mirror's Edge isn't released until November, and October comes before November, so the demo should be released before the game comes out.
Chroma @ Oct 7th 2008 1:20PM
I think tango ment why would they not include a extra mode in a demo. I order to get a good feel for the game, it makes sense to have the demo include the extra mode.
Tango Charlie @ Oct 7th 2008 2:27PM
@Chroma - yes. You dl the demo to find out if you want to buy it, not once you've already bought it. It's a dumb idea to include something in the demo only available to people who have already bought the game.
xgarryx @ Oct 7th 2008 2:14PM
looks like it maybe on rails.. ill still prolly pick it up.
neko to kuruma @ Oct 7th 2008 6:05PM
I would search for some previews of the game; there is nothing "on rails" about it.
I was wondering when the demo would be released. I've been staring at my (largely unnecessary) time trial download code for almost two weeks. (You also get the code from pre-ordering at Gamestop, btw.)
gameplayFanBoy @ Oct 7th 2008 2:25PM
Sounds like a solid rental game.
DVersion @ Oct 7th 2008 6:59PM
I played this today too. Seemed like fun. I liked the idea of leaderboards.
Max @ Oct 7th 2008 9:39PM
how was it? saying you played it and all. does it get boring quick like assassins creed, or is there a degree of variety?
DVersion @ Oct 7th 2008 9:42PM
well I only played the first story level (the one you've seen in the trailers and demos) and one time trial based on a sewer level. If you can get a handle on the controls and rhythm of the game and there's enough different settings (as I was promised there was. 50% outdoors and 50% indoors) then I don't see why it would be bad. the controls were really tight once you got a handle on it.