A year ago, Electronic Arts confirmed that a new Mirror’s Edge title was in development, taking some by surprise because the first game fell short of the publisher’s expectations despite a decent reception. Although a second game was rumored be in development for the PlayStation 3 many years ago, the game’s development status was a big question mark as reports of its cancellation continued to surface alongside EA’s ambiguous statements.
Here we are, nonetheless, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst is out next week. However, it’s not a sequel to the original game. Catalyst is a reboot that tells the story of Faith’s origin.
DICE has promised us quite a few changes to address the issues that Mirror’s Edge suffered from but while we wait to see how well that all works out, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about the upcoming title in the gallery below.
Mirror’s Edge Catalyst releases on June 7 in North America and June 9 in Europe for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Stay tuned for our review, which will be published this coming week.
Mirror's Edge Catalyst Info Dump
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Mirror's Edge Catalyst - Everything You Need to Know
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It's Not Mirror's Edge 2
Mirror's Edge 2 is how we all referred to the upcoming title when it was first revealed that DICE was working on another Mirror's Edge game. When EA finally confirmed that it was in development for the PS4, we were told not to expect a sequel. The publisher said, "We have landed on a vision that honors the first game but also brings a lot of great new, interesting gameplay and features."
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What's Catalyst, Then?
It's a reboot that tells the story of Faith's origin. Design Director Erik Oeldahl said that the events of the first game "don't really exist" but "maybe they will at one time in the future." Check out the announcement trailer below:
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Delayed Twice
Mirror's Edge Catalyst was initially delayed from February 2016 to May 2016 because DICE wanted players to have the best possible experience with the game. The second delay (from May to June) was because the team wanted to ensure that the Social Play features work flawlessly at launch.
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Hello, Faith
DICE said that it wants those who aren't familiar with the first game to be genuinely curious about who Faith is. To achieve this, the developer paid special attention to her physicality, skill, confidence and attitude. The following launch trailer explains why Faith is forced to run for something far more important than herself.
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No Live Competitive Modes
DICE’s Patrick Bach has said that Mirror’s Edge Catalyst will include multiplayer features, but will not have any live competitive modes. There will be an asynchronous connection where a player's actions can affect another's world. You can play offline if you prefer.
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Social Play
Speaking of multiplayer, Mirror's Edge Catalyst comes with Social Play features. The following video tells you what to expect, how to create your own Time Trials, place Beat Location Emitters in the city of Glass for your friends to find, and play the challenging Dashes.
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Combat
Faith has two core attacks: light (when you want to get past the enemy as quick as possible) and heavy (to force enemies off balance). There is also a state of Focus where she won't take hits. For more on combat, check out the videos below:
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No Guns For You
Senior Producer Sara Jansson has confirmed that we won't be able to use guns. That aspect has been completely removed - a decision that DICE made very early on in development because gun play would break the flow of movement and combat.
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Every Object Has a Purpose
Unlike Mirror's Edge, players will be able to interact with all the objects in Catalyst's environment. According to DICE, everything has a use and isn't just there to look pretty. It's all meant to add to the freedom players will have.
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Extensive Parkour
We're told that Mirror's Edge Catalyst will contain extensive parkour, which supports both slower climbing and momentum-based gameplay. Players will be able to choose between a classic control scheme and a "few different control schemes."
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Story Trailer
When Faith Connors, one of the best Runners in Glass, crosses paths with Gabriel Kruger and the city’s oppressive Conglomerate, she finds herself running for something far more important. Watch the story trailer below and learn how DICE approached Faith's story, the city of glass and its factions.
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First Gameplay
Mirror's Edge Catalyst got its first ever gameplay trailer (below) at gamescom 2015, which shows "the moment where Faith begins her rise from a carefree runner to the hero the city needs." Check it out.
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Enemies
Guardians, Protectors, Enforcers, and the Sentinels - these are the enemies Faith will find herself up against in Mirror's Edge Catalyst. Each will require a different approach to combat, with Guardians being the easiest to deal with and Sentinels being the toughest. Want some tips on how to defeat enemies? Head over here.
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Factions
Several factions exist within the city of Glass. Some are against oppression, others support it, and then there are some in between. The Runners chose not to be part of the Conglomerate, which is comprised of 13 corporations that rule Glass. Black November, on the other hand, is a resistance movement led by Rebecca Thane and is hunted by KrugerSec.
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Map & Districts
DICE claims Mirror's Edge Catalyst has a "huge" map where you'll get to roam freely. Districts within the city of Glass include Anchor, Downtown, and The View.
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Our Preview
We got our hands on Mirror's Edge Catalyst at E3 2015, and we felt that the game stayed true to the original gameplay but with enough advancements to excite fans. Heck, it even received PSLS' Best of E3 2015 award. You can read our preview in full here.
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Closed Beta Impressions
In case you missed it, Mirror's Edge Catalyst underwent a closed beta back in April. You can read our impressions here (spoiler: the game looks promising) and watch the videos below to check out some gameplay from the test.
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Soundtrack
The original game's composer, Solar Fields, is back to work on Mirror's Edge Catalyst. He revealed that he's composing themes for specific missions and acts, and then he'll create different variations of those themes that fit situations such as combat and exploration.
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Pre-Order Bonuses
If you pre-order the game via Amazon (availability with retailers may vary), you will receive the Combat & Speed Runner Kit, which includes a combat-themed and speed-themed Projection Shader, a Runner Tag and a unique background. You can also get the kit if you pre-order digitally. Click here for more info.
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Collector's Edition
Available in limited quantities worldwide at select retailers, the Mirror’s Edge Catalyst Collector’s Edition is priced at $199.99 and comes with the following:
- Adult Faith/Young Faith diorama
- Exclusive Steel book
- Exclusive lithograph
- Set of 10 concept pieces
- Temporary logo tattoo
- Temporary Faith arm tattoo
- Storage box
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Future of Mirror's Edge
Mirror's Edge sales fell short of expectations but we're still getting another game. Will the series experience the same luck again? Unlikely. DICE has said that another Mirror's Edge game depends on the consumer, meaning it's down to sales. But if sales are anything like the first game, then that's bad news. In order to justify a sequel, Catalyst needs to attract a large audience as opposed to a cult following.
That said, a Mirror's Edge TV show is apparently in the works, and DICE believes that the franchise will have an "exciting future."
