The world of Mirrors Edge is a unique and captivating one, with its blend of parkour-inspired gameplay, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes. When the original game was released in 2008, it received widespread critical acclaim and quickly gained a devoted fan base. However, the long-awaited follow-up, Mirrors Edge Catalyst, left many fans scratching their heads, wondering if it was a true sequel or simply a reboot of the series.
The Original Mirrors Edge: A Critical Acclaim
To understand the confusion surrounding Catalyst, it’s essential to revisit the original Mirrors Edge. Released in 2008, the game was a groundbreaking title that pushed the boundaries of first-person platforming. Developed by DICE, the game followed the story of Faith Connors, a young “runner” fighting against the oppressive regime of the Conglomerate.
The game’s unique blend of parkour-inspired movement, stunning visuals, and a gripping narrative made it an instant hit among gamers. The game’s critical acclaim was widespread, with many praising its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and Faith’s endearing character.
The CliffsNotes Version of the Original Story
The story of Mirrors Edge revolves around Faith, a skilled runner working for an underground resistance movement. Faith’s sister, Kate, is murdered by the Conglomerate, leading Faith to embark on a quest for revenge and justice. Along the way, she uncovers a conspiracy involving the Conglomerate’s plans to control the city’s population through a surveillance system called “The Grid.”
Faith’s journey takes her through the city’s rooftops, sewer systems, and hidden corners, all while evading the Conglomerate’s agents and security forces. The game’s narrative explores themes of rebellion, government control, and the importance of individual freedom.
The Wait for a Sequel: A Decade of Anticipation
After the success of the original Mirrors Edge, fans eagerly awaited a sequel. However, the wait was long, and the silence from EA and DICE was deafening. It wasn’t until E3 2013 that the announcement of a new Mirrors Edge title was made, sending shockwaves of excitement through the gaming community.
The wait was finally over, and fans were eager to dive back into the world of Mirrors Edge. But as the release date approached, something didn’t feel right. The gameplay trailers and promotional materials hinted at a different direction, one that deviated from the original’s story and tone.
Enter Mirrors Edge Catalyst: A Reboot or a Sequel?
Mirrors Edge Catalyst was released in 2016, eight years after the original. The game’s story follows a younger Faith, still a rough-around-the-edges runner, as she navigates a City of Glass (formerly the city of Edgewater). The game’s narrative explores Faith’s roots, her relationships with other runners, and her struggle against the corrupt corporate forces controlling the city.
Here’s where things get confusing: Catalyst’s story doesn’t directly continue the events of the original game. Instead, it offers a rebooted origin story, reimagining Faith’s past and her connections to the runner community.
The Catalyst Conundrum: Is it a Sequel or a Reboot?
So, is Mirrors Edge Catalyst a true sequel to the original? The answer lies in the game’s narrative and design choices. While Catalyst builds upon the world and characters introduced in the original, it doesn’t pick up where the story left off. Instead, it offers a fresh start, reimagining Faith’s backstory and character development.
In an interview with Polygon, senior producer Sara Jansson explained that the team sought to create a “reboot of the franchise, not a direct sequel.” This approach allows new players to jump into the series without being bogged down by the original’s story, while still maintaining the spirit of the Mirrors Edge universe.
A Shift in Gameplay and Tone
Catalyst’s gameplay and tone have also undergone significant changes. The game introduces an open-world design, allowing players to explore the City of Glass and engage in a variety of activities, from racing to combat challenges. The game’s combat system has been revamped, with a greater emphasis on melee combat and a more fluid, dynamic movement system.
The tone of the game has also shifted, with a greater focus on Faith’s personal struggles and relationships. The narrative explores themes of identity, community, and redemption, adding depth to the series.
A New Take on Faith Connors
Faith’s character has undergone significant changes in Catalyst. Gone is the brooding, troubled protagonist of the original; instead, we’re introduced to a younger, more carefree Faith. This new take on the character allows for a fresh perspective on her backstory and motivations.
While some fans may have been disappointed by the changes, they do offer a fresh take on the series, allowing new players to connect with Faith in a different way.
The Verdict: Is Mirrors Edge Catalyst a True Sequel?
So, is Mirrors Edge Catalyst a true sequel to the original? The answer is complex. While it doesn’t directly continue the story of the original, it does build upon the world, characters, and themes introduced in the first game.
In many ways, Catalyst can be seen as a spiritual successor, rebooting the franchise and offering a fresh take on the Mirrors Edge universe. By doing so, it opens the door for new players to experience the series, while still honoring the spirit of the original.
In Conclusion
Mirrors Edge Catalyst is a game that defies categorization. It’s both a sequel and a reboot, a new take on the series while still honoring its roots. While it may not be the direct continuation of the original’s story, it offers a compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and a fresh perspective on the world of Mirrors Edge.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or new to the series, Mirrors Edge Catalyst is an exciting and thought-provoking game that’s worth exploring. So, dive back into the world of Mirrors Edge, and discover the thrills and challenges that await you.
What is the main issue with Mirrors Edge Catalyst being considered a sequel?
The main issue with Mirrors Edge Catalyst being considered a sequel is that it does not follow the storyline of the original game. While it retains the same protagonist, Faith Connors, the game’s narrative does not pick up where the original left off. Instead, it offers a rebooted storyline that reimagines Faith’s past and her relationship with the city of Glass.
This departure from the original storyline has led many fans to question whether Catalyst is a true sequel or simply a rebranding of the series. The game’s developers, DICE, have defended their decision to reboot the series, citing a desire to appeal to new players and to explore new ideas. However, this move has been met with resistance from fans who feel that the sequel does not live up to the expectations set by the original game.
What is the difference between a reboot and a sequel?
A reboot is a reimagining of a franchise or series that discards previous storylines and characters, instead opting for a fresh start. A reboot can retain some elements of the original, such as the protagonist or setting, but it essentially resets the clock and begins anew. A sequel, on the other hand, is a continuation of the original story, picking up where the previous game left off and building upon the existing narrative.
In the case of Mirrors Edge Catalyst, the game’s rebooted storyline and characters have led many to question whether it is a true sequel. While Catalyst does retain some elements of the original, such as Faith Connors and the city of Glass, its narrative is significantly different and does not build upon the original story. This blurs the line between a reboot and a sequel, making it difficult to categorize Catalyst as one or the other.
Why did DICE decide to reboot the Mirrors Edge series?
DICE, the developers of Mirrors Edge Catalyst, have stated that they wanted to appeal to new players and explore new ideas in the series. They felt that the original game’s storyline was too complex and convoluted, making it difficult for new players to jump in. By rebooting the series, DICE hoped to create a more accessible and engaging experience for both new and veteran players.
Additionally, DICE has also stated that they wanted to take the series in a new direction, incorporating new gameplay mechanics and features that would enhance the parkour and action elements of the game. By rebooting the series, they were able to experiment with new ideas and create a fresh take on the Mirrors Edge franchise.
How does Mirrors Edge Catalyst’s gameplay differ from the original?
Mirrors Edge Catalyst’s gameplay has undergone significant changes compared to the original game. The most notable difference is the addition of an open-world environment, allowing players to explore the city of Glass in greater detail. This has also introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to climb and traverse the city’s rooftops.
Additionally, Catalyst has also introduced a new combat system, which allows Faith to take down enemies with greater ease and fluidity. The game also features a variety of new abilities and skills, such as the “runner vision” ability, which allows Faith to identify and follow hidden paths and routes. These changes have enhanced the overall gameplay experience, making it more engaging and fast-paced.
What is the general consensus among fans regarding Mirrors Edge Catalyst?
The general consensus among fans is that Mirrors Edge Catalyst is a good game, but not a great sequel. Many fans have praised the game’s visuals, gameplay, and soundtrack, but have expressed disappointment with the rebooted storyline and characters. Some fans have also felt that the game’s open-world environment has made the game feel less focused and less intense than the original.
However, there are also fans who have defended the game, citing its innovative gameplay mechanics and impressive visuals. These fans argue that the reboot was necessary to revitalize the series and attract new players. Overall, opinions on Catalyst are mixed, with some fans appreciating the game’s efforts to innovate and others feeling let down by its departure from the original.
Will there be a true sequel to the original Mirrors Edge game?
It is unclear whether there will be a true sequel to the original Mirrors Edge game. DICE has not announced any plans to continue the original storyline, and the rebooted series seems to be the focus of their efforts. However, there is still a dedicated fan base for the original game, and many fans have expressed interest in seeing a sequel that continues the original narrative.
If a true sequel were to be made, it would likely require a significant amount of effort and resources to satisfy the expectations of fans. It would also require a careful balance between incorporating new elements and staying true to the spirit of the original game. Only time will tell if a true sequel will be made, but for now, fans will have to settle with the rebooted series.
What can fans do to show their support for a true sequel?
Fans can show their support for a true sequel by expressing their opinions and feedback to DICE and EA. Social media, online forums, and gaming communities are all great places to share thoughts and opinions on the series. Fans can also participate in petitions and online campaigns to demonstrate their interest in a true sequel.
Additionally, fans can also support the original game by continuing to play and promote it. This can include streaming gameplay, creating fan art and cosplay, and encouraging friends and fellow gamers to try out the game. By keeping the spirit of the original game alive, fans can help to demonstrate the demand for a true sequel and encourage DICE and EA to consider revisiting the original narrative.