Every few years a game appears that's different than anything we have seen before. Mirror's Edge is such a game
Mirror's Edge looks good and sounds really good. There is some sort of plot but even if there wasn't it wouldn't make much difference. It merely connects the levels together. What makes Mirror's Edge a great game is an excellent Idea that is very nicely implemented.
Assassin's Creed used the same element when the hero was being chased from rooftop to rooftop, which was nice in that game, but it was not what that game was about. Mirror's Edge takes the same element and changes the perspective to first person. And there is the magic! The game becomes immersive.
Faith, the main protagonist, is constantly being chased and is your role to guide her through the levels at top speed. There are a series of tricks that can be used help you get from point a to point b. There is an art to it a precise timing is needed to avoid falling to your death. But that's a good thing and it is what makes the game challenging and interesting. You always want to come back for more and make it perfect.
There are usually a few policemen in every level that will shoot you on sight. You can either avoid them or take them on. Fighting is always risky business which adds to the game's realism.
Realism is another element that makes this game feel fresh. In a setting of an Urban Metropolis which feels like a large prison, where running becomes a sort freedom in itself. Every bullet can be deadly, every enemy can become a fatal threat, Run!
The only criticism that can be pointed is that the Menus and Intro screen feel a bit simple and there is not a lot there to be offered. A few more extra features would be nice. An option to see yourself in replay in 3rd person perspective would add very much to this game.
One can only hope that this example will be followed. And based on this other games will come to add to this experience and a new genre will evolve.