We Played The First Six Hours Of ‘Mirrors Edge Catalyst’

by Josh JacksonJune 7, 2016

Some of us thought the day would never come, but here we are! After earning a cult following, the original Mirrors Edge was praised heavily for its innovative use of parkour to become a new type of first person platformer. Unfortunately, the praise didn’t equate to huge sales numbers, putting potential sequels on hold. After years of fan requests and a good ear from the folks at DICE and EA, the unexpected follow up, Mirrors Edge Catalyst, is finally hitting store shelves. We got the chance to play through the first six hours of the game to see how well Faith transitions into an open world environment, and while there’s plenty of promise, it’s easy to see how she’s stumbled out of the gate.

The first Mirrors Edge was a linear first person platformer/shooter hybrid, where the focus was on finding the fastest, most efficient way to run between your objectives while keeping up your momentum. This involved moves that were unheard of using this perspective, such as vaulting over obstacles, sliding under them, wall running and rolling. Catalyst picks up on this concept and expands on it by taking the game from a linear set of levels to the open rooftops of the City of Glass. As you travel between point to point, you’ll quickly realize that there’s an insane amount of content to sift through. Between hundreds of collectables spread out across over a half a dozen types, a seemingly endless amount of side missions, and story missions that take you into different interior environments, early impressions feel like this game will be much meatier than the first, even if the content is a bit shallow.

Most of the moves from the first game return, with the notable exception of the removal of shooting. Rather than bring back the tacked on low ammo firefights, Catalyst integrates movement into the combat in even bigger ways. Giving you a weak and strong attack button, the two can be used in conjunction to take out weaker enemies. As you begin to encounter better armed guards as you progress, you’ll have to rely on your momentum to take them out. Vaulting off of vents or jumping off a wall into a light kick for example, will usually one hit KO an enemy with a side kick that doesn’t slow you down from your continued running. Hard kicks are where the game gets especially fun combat wise however, since satisfyingly powerful takedowns sacrifice some speed for the assurance of taking out your pursuers. When you’re stopped, attacking with a hard kick and a certain direction held will allow Faith to kick enemies into whatever direction she wants, leading the enemies to stumble around with some laughably slow animations. Forcing them to bump into each other will do extra damage while stunning more than just the guy you’re beating up, but you haven’t seen anything until you see a guard do his best WWE Royal Rumble impression and visibly launch himself over a railing if you kick them into one. However, these iffy animations are more than enough of a trade off for how fun the combat can be.

What’s less forgivable is the horrendously bad texture pop in I kept experiencing. For minutes at a time, characters would have flat, blurry faces that looked like they were ripped straight out of a Nintendo 64 game. Even with the red objects and trails leading me to my next objective thanks to the game’s new Runner Vision mechanic, it was hard to tell what I was looking at until the game fully loaded, (which says a lot considering most of the city is just made up of white walls.) Matching the strange visual glitches was the awful voice acting, especially on the NPC’s who give out missions. It doesn’t help that their awkward delivery is highlighted especially well by the way they tell you their life story as you complete their missions, taking you out of the experience fairly often when you can’t help but chuckle at the way their delivering these lines.

It doesn’t help that the core story itself doesn’t do the cast any favors. Faith was essentially a mute avatar in the first game, so focusing on her past, including her motivations for becoming a runner and the mistakes that put her in prison right before the start of the game, is a step in the right direction. But everyone around her has felt hollow so far, failing to establish a reason for us to care about her teammates or her father figure. To make matters worse, Faith doesn’t come off as too great of a person either, closing out the final mission in the early access version by committing a horribly out of character act of vandalism. I won’t spoil it here, but I’m sure you’ll be scratching your head as to why she would be so willing to complete this task so readily, especially for the person she was doing it for.

Story notwithstanding, the biggest issue I had with Catalyst so far was the sheer repetition of the tasks you’re given. As a runner, Faith is responsible for delivering information under the noses of the evil corporations that have a grip on the city. So be ready to take on hours of exciting side content like… Delivering a capsule! And delivering another capsule! And delivering one that will break if you take hard landings! What makes it worse, is that most of these missions take place in the same small districts, amplifying the repetition to the point where you’ll memorize many of the routes just from the insane amount of times you’re asked to run across the same paths. Even with hidden passageways, you’ll keep finding yourself running across areas that stop being exciting fairly quickly. Maybe if there were other runners moving around the city, or police actually looking for you outside of missions, it would make things feel more alive. But throughout most of Catalyst, the environment is a barren series of blocks that exist solely to jump on, making you wonder where all the people are in this sprawling metropolis full of roof running freedom fighters. It will make you eventually bolt towards the fast travel button, effectively making you want to avoid the game’s biggest feature until you move to a new section of the city. Except, even though you have a large amount of safe houses early on that allow fast travel, you don’t actually get to use it until you encounter a certain type of side mission about three hours in.

These side missions in particular however, are one of the highlights of the demo. Aside from the combat focused missions where you have to avoid enemies while staying out of sight after sabotaging their security systems, the hacking rooms that unlock fast travel will really put your platforming to the test. These puzzle sections force you to examine the environment closely, looking for a way to reach the top of the server room without setting off security. Movement is still the highlight of the experience, but it really shines when it makes you focus on the best way to use it.

After the six hours was up, I was happy that I got to spend some more time with this universe and style of game play, but I’m left running away feeling like the game would have been better off staying out of the sandbox format. Serving as a sigh that the game is severely padded with meaningless side content to hide that the story isn’t all that robust, the crazy amount of repetition manages to suck the joy out of the amazing free running while highlighting how dead the world feels this time around. With that said, the improvements to the combat and the movement itself are still strong points, making Mirrors Edge Catalyst worth a run through based on what we’ve played so far. Yet, it’s far from the next evolution in the series that we were hoping for.

Unless the rest of the game is significantly better, Catalyst is looking like a 3/5.

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 78 – ‘Blame It On The Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa-Parkinsons!’

by Shane O'HareJune 4, 2016

Join Josh and Shane as they discuss the last week in video games!

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This Week:

Blizzard bans a huge number of Overwatch hackers, a lot from China.

New Destiny DLC to be Live Streamed and sequel date announced.

Street Fighter V DLC woes.

Professional Street Fighter player banned from tournaments for sexual harassment.

New Pokemon Legendaries and gameplay released.

Nintendo E3 presence.

Starbreeze buys PayDay rights, removes micro-transactions and announced PayDay 3.

Minecraft sells over 100,000,000.

No Man’s Sky gets delayed, developer receives death threats.

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst.

One Piece: Burning Blood.

Senran Kagura Estival Versus.

Mission Objective

“What is your favorite boxing game?”

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‘Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst’ Gets A Story Trailer & A Beta!

by Shane O'HareFebruary 4, 2016

The HIGHLY anticipated sequel to DICE’s 2008 smash hit has just received it’s own story trailer.

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst was first announced at E3 2013. It was met with uproarious praise from journalist and gamers a like. Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is a sort of reboot/re-imagining of the first title. Players take up the role of Faith, a “runner” living in a dystopian future much like that you would find in yourself in while watching Total Recall or iRobot. “Runner’s” are parkour courier who race across the rooftops of the city, delivering contraband and illegal messages. The game features a first person freerunning mechanic that was quite well received.

Enough vamping, time to check out the incredible story trailer!

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst comes out May 24th on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Interested gamers can sign up for a beta of the game on the official website. The beta has no announced release date as of this writing.

Geekscape Games Presents: The Top 16 Games Of (The First Half Of) 2016

by Josh JacksonJanuary 31, 2016

I thought Christmas was supposed to be in December! Yet, as we wrap up January and head into February, you would think it was the end of the year considering how many amazing games are hitting the shelves. From high profile sequels to remakes, spinoffs and new IP’s that have demanded our attention, it won’t be hard to find a game or three to play in what’s typically supposed to be the slow winter and spring months. With so many to choose from, where do we start!? In no particular order, here are the 16 games of (the first half) of 2016 that we’re the most excited about.

Honorable Mention: Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

Date: February 27th

For: Nintendo 3DS

It’s rare that people get so excited for a Virtual Console re-release, but c’mon, this is Pokemon! While not a full release, (and thus, being excluded from the proper list,) we’re too thrilled not to mention these titles! With Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow hitting our 3DS handhelds via the eShop in about a month, these ports will let us connect via built in wireless to rebuild our classic Pokedex’s with ease, all while poking at our nostalgia. It’ll be good to see what Missingno. has been up to after all these years!

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Date: April 26th

For: Playstation 4

As one of the many games that was delayed in 2015, it’s easy to see why we’re anxious to go on one more adventure with Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. With rumors of this being Drake’s last adventure, with some hoping that Naughty Dog focuses more on expanding on The Last Of Us going forward, this very well could be the last time we travel the world with the charismatic adventurer. While it may sound crazy to drop such a popular franchise, it’s not like Naughty Dog hasn’t done it before with series’ like Crash, (which was admittedly out of their hands,) and Jak, and suddenly, it’s not so unheard of. Are you ready to say goodbye?

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Date: February 8th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

While we’re talking about goodbye’s, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is being touted as the final Storm game. If this is true, it will signal an end of an era for the franchise, which brought incredible visuals, intense boss fights, and a giant roster to the popular series. Oftentimes surpassing its source material when it came to showing off how crazy Naruto and his friends can be when in a fight, it’s appropriate that the fourth game plans on wrapping up the story ahead of even the anime. As the final fights come to a close, we’re hoping we’re left with a game that’s fun enough to carry our fandom for a long time to come.

The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Date: March 4th

For: Wii U

For those who listen to the Geekscape Games podcast, (thanks, Jeremy!), you’ll know that I’m generally against HD remakes, especially when they feel largely unnecessary. As with most poor life choices that I’ve made over the last year though, amiibo have changed the way I think. Coming bundled with a sweet Wolf Link amiibo at a standard MSRP of $59.99, the figure unlocks a brand new dungeon, alongside support with other Zelda amiibo to change the game in various ways.

Quantum Break

Date: April 5th

For: Xbox One

As the first game from Remedy since 2010’s excellent Alan Wake, Quantum Break looks to continue the developer’s penchant for innovative action game play to go with its stellar story telling that originated with Max Payne. Starring Shawn Ashmore, the cinematic style from their previous games is still going to be a heavy focus, but unlike many games these days, it doesn’t seem like the game play will be compromised because of it. Promising solid action-adventure elements with puzzle solving areas, we’re looking forward to finally getting Quantum Break in our hands.

Trillion: God Of Destruction

Date: Spring 2016

For: Playstation Vita

This Vita exclusive from the publishers and developers behind the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, (which we’ll get to soon,) Trillion: God Of Destruction has you amass an underworld army designed to take down a seemingly unbeatable god with a TRILLION HP! As you chip away at it over time, you’ll get stronger by training in secret and building relationships with your potential underworld waifus. Because we all need a little love in between fighting an indestructible monster.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

The Mario and Luigi and Paper Mario RPGs have been one of Nintendo’s best kept secrets for years now, providing laugh out loud comedy to go with its interactive turn based combat. But what happens when you combine both into one game? Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam looks to find out, bringing Paper Mario into a new world for a brand new team up. With new abilities, jokes abound, (usually at Luigi’s expense,) and rewarding game play, what’s not to love?

Note: Keep an eye out for our upcoming review!

Final Fantasy Explorers

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

Described as Final Fantasy meets hunting and crafting games like Monster Hunter and Fantasy Life, Final Fantasy Explorers lets players team up in parties of up to four and fight some of the franchise’s most infamous monsters in their pursuit to complete quests. As they’re completed, characters can make new equipment, experiment with various jobs, and even temporarily take the forms of some of the greatest heroes in Final Fantasy history, including Cloud, Squall, Lightning and Yuna! Already adventuring? Share your friend codes with us in the comments and let’s get exploring!

Digimon Cyber Sleuth

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita

As the first Digimon game to hit the current generation, as well as the first RPG to release in forever, Digimon Cyber Sleuth features hundreds of champions to collect and fuse as you and your team save the real and digital world from a new threat. Developed by Media.Vision, the RPG masterminds behind the Wild Arms series, and it’s safe to assume that the other beloved monster collecting franchise is in good hands.

Star Fox Zero

Date: April 22nd

For: Wii U

Speaking of being in good hands, the long awaited Star Fox follow up seems like a match made in heaven, (assuming the Lylat System believes in such a concept.) As a collaboration between Nintendo and Platinum Games, what we’ve played of Star Fox Zero with its free range, on rails and on land game play has had us desperate for more. Which made it all the more heartbreaking when it ended up like Uncharted and got delayed from 2015 to this year. Still, it’s looking like it’ll be more than worth the wait, and it will be great to gear up with the old team again.

Project X Zone 2

Date: February 16th

For: Nintendo 3DS

If Star Fox represents a strong team, then Project X Zone 2 is on a whole different level. Not only will Namco Bandai, Sega and Capcom team up for a second round of action packed turn based strategy, but Nintendo is getting in on the fun as well, with Chrom and Lucina from Fire Emblem and Fiora and Metal Face from Xenoblade Chronicles all appearing in the game. As one of the biggest surprises of 2013 for me, I can’t wait to get my hands on this crossover extravaganza once again.

Fire Emblem Fates

Date: February 19th

For: Nintendo 3DS

After Fire Emblem Awakening blew away all expectations in terms of both sales and popularity, the 3DS release served as a type of arrival for the strategy franchise, allowing it to take its place as one of Nintendo’s premiere IP’s. Capitalizing on this, Fire Emblem Fates will release with two versions with two different story perspectives. Featuring solid strategy game play, light dating sim elements and a custom character to lead the cast with, Nintendo is banking on Fates being just as popular, especially with special bundles, 3DS models, and even a downloadable third story on the way.

Megadimension Neptunia VII

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

Despite it seeming like Neptunia refuses to take a break with so many spinoffs, remakes, and sequels for the remakes, Megadimension Neptunia VII is the first sequel to the core franchise since 2012’s Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. Now that everyone *should* have caught up after being bombarded with so many mostly solid games over the last year and a half, (assuming you have a Vita or Steam,) it’s time to take Gamindustri to the NEXT level! Featuring multiple stories, new characters, updated transformations and some much needed changes to the combat, and it’s looking like Neptune’s current gen debut might be one of the highlights of the year.

Gravity Rush HD Remaster

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

For my money, Gravity Rush is still the best game to release on the Vita. It’s breathtaking visuals, innovative game play and exciting exploration using the manipulation of gravity was too good to be ignored. Which is why I’m *really* pulling for Gravity Rush HD Remaster to shine in front of a bigger audience on the PS4. With reworked game play controls to work better on a Dual Shock 4, updated visuals, and all of the DLC included for $29.99, there’s no excuse not to get. Except for the fact that it’s mostly digital only if you’re already out of hard drive space…

If that’s the case, be like me and get the physical version which is exclusive to Amazon, and fall in love with Kat all over again!

Pokken Tournament

Date: March 18th

For: Wii U

Pokken was a long time coming, then all of a sudden, it was right around the corner! This collaboration between the team behind the Tekken series and The Pokemon Company brings together some interesting choices from the Pokemon roster to do battle in a 1-on-1 3D fighting game setting. Most importantly however, is that Pokken is looking to open the floodgates with the series’ first amiibo Card, coming packaged with Shadow Mewtwo. I hope you all have that second mortgage ready to go!

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst

Date: May 24th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

Another game that felt like it would never see the light of day. After years of hoping until finally being confirmed back in 2013, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst will finally be in our hands in a few short months! Serving as a prequel that explores Faith’s background, we’re counting on the innovative first person platformer to wow us again. If DICE can pull off the same magic that they did the first time around, then we have nothing to worry about!

Street Fighter V

Date: February 16th

For: Playstation 4, PC

Unlike most of the games on this list, the time it took from announcement to release was relatively short. Not that we’re complaining, because a new iteration of Street Fighter is always something to get excited about! With four new characters to accompany a wide variety of reworked veterans from Super Street Fighter II to Street Fighter Alpha 3, the new V system that’s looking to mix up the rules of battle, and an expanded story mode that looks to bridge the gap between the original cast and Street Fighter III, why wouldn’t we be frothing at the mouth to play this?

As you can see, we’re going to have a busy time throughout the year. What games are you most looking forward to, and are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments, and check back for the latest news, previews and reviews on the games listed, and everything else in between!