I do realize Mirror's Edge is multi-console, but I saw another Mirror's Edge topic here so I'm posting this here.
I was just wondering, who else is interested in the art of this game? I feel the gaming industry is maturing more and more each day, and because of this, art is beginning to shine through and make games much more beautiful than just the standard sprite or texture.
Games such as Okami, Shadow of the Colossus, Bioshock (which I am picking up soon) can all be considered "art". Heck, even Super Mario Galaxy can be considered art. I believe games become art when the art direction is so strongly realized that the game itself represents and reflects the heart of the artist.
It's a hard challenge to achieve in a game (I assume), but it ultimately makes the game stronger.
Concept art:
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/ima ... 9_640w.jpg
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/ima ... 2_640w.jpg
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/ima ... 721019.jpg
Screenshots (notice the use of solid colors):
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/ima ... 7_640w.jpg
http://media.teamxbox.com/games/ss/1794/1205172483.jpg
http://xbox360media.ign.com/xbox360/ima ... 813817.jpg
I just love how they incorporated colors into this game. There's solid oranges, reds, whites, blues, everything really. Everything is very defined, very clean, and subtlety futuristic. The clean colors are most likely a reflection of how well the government keeps the city clean and in control. If you remember at the beginning of the Mirror's Edge demo, Faith says the city was once "dirty and dangerous".
The solid colors, whether in a bright or dark setting, strongly reflect that the art design was closely linked with the final product. What you are seeing is moving, interactive, 3D art. It almost has a realistic feel to it, but with a dash of comic book influence.
A few months back, EA released a concept video of what they wanted Mirror's Edge to look like.
Concept (not actual gameplay):
Actual gameplay footage:
EA DICE absolutely nailed it. The video alone confirms that there was a strong connection between the desired product, and the completed product. The visions of gameplay and art molded together to create the final game.
Lastly, I even think there is symbolism embedded into the game, alongside a theme.
The story (from the demo) said that people sacrificed their privacy for a comfortable life. The runners oppose this idea, and live on the edge, running from force and oppression, all the while getting people data with no questions asked.
Possible Theme: Freedom from oppression
Throughout the game, you are constantly running, not restricted by the obstacles that lie ahead of you. The city is an obstacle, an oppressor, but it is used ultimately to your advantage. Small steps become jumping platforms for momentum. Fence rails give you the chance to hurl yourself over them and gain speed, which is their opposite purpose (to keep you from entering the boundary or from falling). Large gaps between buildings do not frighten the runner, but encourages them to conquer it. The guards are also a large supporter of this theme, as they are actually trying to take you down, trying to stop your momentum (your freedom).
Possible symbols: The flow
The flow is essentially what keeps runners going. It is their guide, their spiritual instinct. The flow is something unique to runners, perhaps it is a greater knowledge that only they possess. With the flow, runners are able to see what objects conform to their powerful momentum. They are also able to see when to disarm guards and take their gun.
Momentum:
To me, momentum represents freedom. While in full sprint, there is nothing to hold you back, no one to tell you to stop, and no object to force you to stop. The game represents it beautifully with a blur effect on the corners of the screen and a quickened, audible pace from Faith, alongside her increased breathing.
Perhaps these are just gameplay mechanics, but the possibilities are there.
In conclusion, what I am trying to say is I feel Mirror's Edge is an extremely artistic game, whether it be symbolic, or visual. I am really looking forward to the game and I'm curious to see what critics say about it and how it turns out.
