Mirror's Edge™ Catalyst

Mirror's Edge Catalyst is a visually striking open-world parkour action game that expands on the original's fluid movement and urban exploration. Many players praise its smooth traversal mechanics and immersive Glass City environment, which blend minimalist, futuristic aesthetics with a dynamic soundtrack. The game offers a fresh story reboot with engaging side activities and a more expansive world to explore.

However, the game suffers significantly from technical and design issues. The mandatory EA launcher and server shutdowns have rendered the game unplayable for many, causing infinite loading screens and broken save functionality. Combat mechanics and the open-world format received mixed reactions, with some players feeling the game lost the tight, crafted experience of the original. Despite its potential and moments of brilliance, EA’s handling and persistent bugs have marred the overall experience for a substantial portion of the community.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the game's fluid and satisfying parkour mechanics, which offer a thrilling sense of momentum and freedom. The visual design of Glass City is frequently described as stunning, with its minimalist architecture and bright colors enhancing navigation and immersion.

Additionally, the game's soundtrack and sound design receive commendations for complementing the fast-paced gameplay. The story, while a reboot, provides context without overshadowing the core gameplay, and the open-world setup encourages creative approaches to challenges.

Criticisms

A major criticism is the mandatory EA launcher and server shutdowns, which cause game-breaking bugs like infinite loading screens and inability to save progress. Many players find the combat system overcomplicated and less enjoyable compared to the original.

The open-world design is seen by some as diluting the carefully crafted flow of the first game, making traversal feel more like a commute. The story reboot and additional side content received mixed reviews, with some players feeling it lacks the emotional punch and polish of the original. Achievements and multiplayer features are also broken due to server issues.