Most reviewers agree that EA’s Mirror’s Edge Catalyst has more than its fair share of problems, with weak combat, poor script and forgettable characters being the most problematic. Destructoid even went as far as advising players to skip the cut-scenes altogether. “Skip it all with reckless abandon†they proclaimed.
Whereas some critics were able to easily look past (or skip) Catalyst’s problems, others struggled to. Some critics also found that it failed to improve on its processor, while at the same time introducing a new set of problems. “The original Mirror’s Edge was always a great idea somewhat obscured – how frustrating to find Catalyst polishes the premise only to find itself burdened with a new set of shackles†reported Eurogamer.
Having read through the majority of reviews available, it sounds there’s much joy to be had simply by sprinting around the city, taking in the views. Both GameSpot and God is a Geek claimed that they’re likely to return to Catalyst from time to time to fully take in and appreciate the world DICE has created.
Here’s a round-up of other sentiments:
5/5 – Examiner: “Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is an action-packed, heart-pumping, acrophobia panic attack-inducing romp through the city of Glass, all of which will suck you into its experience from start to finish”
8.5 – Destructoid: There are some incredible setpieces in Catalyst that blow its predecessor away. Offices feel more alive, billboards have some unreal artwork, and the city itself looks beautiful — major credit to the design team for bringing it all to life.
8/10 – Push Square: “Like Faith herself, this release is at its best when it’s on the run, and while the combat, story, and characters do cause it to stumble occasionally, it never actually falls”
8/10 – God is a Geek: “It’s a shame the story and characters are unoriginal and all too familiar, but on the whole they don’t really affect your enjoyment of the game. The city of Glass is a stunning environment and it’s the vibrancy in its simplistic design that’ll make you want to explore the world again and again”
80/100 – VentureBeat: “The occasional death-inducing fall will frustrate you, but Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst’s first-person platforming feels so good when it works that you won’t easily give up”
4/5 – Digital Spy: “Mirror’s Edge Catalyst makes some major missteps in the story and character department, but hey, that’s what the mute button is for”
7/10 – GameSpot: “I was consistently wowed by the movement and everything that comes with it, so while it’s a disappointing action game, it works wonderfully as a platformer, puzzler, and racing game. And for that reason, I can’t wait to keep playing”
7/10 – The Sixth Axis: “It’s a fantastic game at times, but just as with the utopian setting, there are problems that lie breath the surface”
70/100 – Gaming Trend: “Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is a gorgeous game that nails the free-running experience that fans want, but lacks an interesting narrative, compelling combat, and a fast travel system that will likely leave many fans disappointed”
6.8 – IGN: “Mirror’s Edge’s return shines in some regards, but is ultimately a disappointment”
6.5 – GameInformer: “The original Mirror’s Edge is an overlooked gem from last generation, but even diehard fans will have trouble finding the diamonds in this rough”
6/10 – Post Arcade: “I commend EA DICE for its ambition to create a different kind of game with a diverse cast, a singular brand of action, and a highly distinctive look and feel. But this is a case in which the final product is a bit less than the sum of its very promising parts”
6/10 – The Metro: “A better game than the original, but it still suffers from many of the same problems – with desperately uninteresting storytelling and combat”
3/5 – GamesRadar: “While it has good ideas and mechanics, they peak early and, in such a sparse and minimalist space, struggle to carry the whole game”
