Welcome to the dystopian world of *Mirror's Edge Catalyst*! In case you took an extended break from reality, the game is a reboot of the cult classic *Mirror's Edge* from 2008, dropping you into a bright and sterile future where parkour meets corporate dystopia. So, grab your over-the-shoulder bag, strap on your cool kicks, and let's see if this sequel runs as smoothly as its protagonist's parkour stunts.
Taking control of the feisty parkour expert Faith Connors, players slide, vault, and wall-run their way through a luminous city known as Glass, where everything glistens and the evil corporations lurk behind every shiny surface. The game adopts a mostly free-roaming structure, meaning you're free to explore like a toddler in a candy store. And, we all know toddlers love to run, jump, and occasionally smack their heads against walls; but this time, you'll do it in style! Players can utilize various gadgets like the MAG Rope and Disruptor, as well as shout out a big 'F you' to the laws of gravity. Faith can also tap into her 'Runner Vision', which makes pathfinding as easy as following the brazen instructions of your super-clingy GPS. Let's be real: the navigation does the heavy lifting while you flex your fingers navigating both the controller and your parkour skills.
*Mirror's Edge Catalyst* utilizes the Frostbite 3 engine, which can basically make you feel like you just hopped into a gorgeous advertisement for bright futures. The visuals are stylish, with parallel lines and bright colors that scream 'look at how futuristic we are!' But there's a downside: despite its polish, some backgrounds look like they came straight out of an early 2000s tech demo. It's a love-hate relationship where you can't help but admire the artistry but can also see where it's trying a tad too hard to look slick.
To sum things up, *Mirror's Edge Catalyst* offers exciting parkour gameplay that can keep you glued to your PS4, soaring through Glass like a bird with a vendetta. However, expect a plot that feels about as engaging as your dad's dad jokes. The game shines in its traversal and graphics, but its combat can feel like a clunky QuickTime event gone wrong. With a mix of stunning visuals and some underwhelming storytelling and combat, it ultimately delivers a satisfying ride for those who yearn to flip, leap, and dodge through life's obstacles-just remember to avoid the toasters and vengeful security drones. So, grab it if you crave some vertical movement and don't mind running from tedious plotlines!