Stunning ‘Mirror’s Edge Catalyst’ Trailer Hits With Beta Sign-Ups

DICE and Electronic Arts released a new story trailer for Mirror’s Edge Catalyst Thursday, full of stunning moments. There’s a bit of heavy-handed drama with the story, but closed beta sign-ups for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC free-running action title are now live.

Those interested in the Mirror’s Edge Catalyst closed beta should head over to the game’s official website. The sign-up process is straightforward, but does require signing up for an EA Account if you don’t already have one. You’ll be able to choose your preferred platform for the beta once signed in. Naturally, Origin is required, as well, for the PC.

It’s also worth pointing out that this is only for a “chance” to get in the beta and does not guarantee access. Publishers typically offer guaranteed access to a title’s beta through pre-order promotions. That’s not been the case with Mirror’s Edge Catalyst thus far, and it is worth keeping an eye out to see if this changes.

Dates for the closed beta were not announced. However, it’s safe to say it will come at some point prior to the currently scheduled May 24 release.

Meanwhile, the new Mirror’s Edge Catalyst trailer mixes in moments of gameplay with pointed cuts of the dramatic plot that propels the action forward. Faith starts the game as a thrill-seeking freerunner in the city of Glass before events transpire that transform her into a fight against the conglomerate of corporations who run everything.

The game serves as a prequel to the original, but is considered to be something more of a reboot by many. It’s been more than seven years since Faith’s first debut, and Mirror’s Edge Catalyst has a new writer, producer, and all new direction to correct the shortcomings of the initial effort.

“Mirror’s Edge has always had a special place in the hearts of all of us at DICE,” Producer Sara Jansson wrote in an open letter to gamers last year, as covered by Inquisitr. “The first game had a lot of promise. It was unlike anything else in terms of the gameplay and style — it had a unique soul. But as much as we loved that game, we knew it could be more. So that’s what we have set out to do as we introduce Mirror’s Edge to a new generation.”

“The team has spent a lot of time re-evaluating every aspect of the game and making it a new experience. This is not a sequel, this is not Mirror’s Edge 2,” she continued. “We have landed on a vision that honors the first game — pushing the boundaries of first person movement and diving deeper into the story behind our heroine Faith — but also brings a lot of great new, interesting gameplay and features to the experience for our players.”

The original Mirror’s Edge was hailed for its style and gameplay, but criticized for its length, lack of depth, and inconsistent mechanics. Combat mechanics in particular were a sticking point for some. While Faith was always expected to be a runner and not a fighter, those instances where either hand-to-hand or gun combat came into play stuck out poorly.

The game stood out enough to become a cult classic, with rumors of a sequel persisting for many years. DICE was constantly being asked by fans and the press when more was coming until they finally relented. The unveiling of a new Mirror’s Edge came at E3 2014, and was the first mention of rebooting the franchise versus the expected sequel.

What did you think of the new Mirror’s Edge Catalyst story trailer? Sound off in the comments below.

[Image via Electronic Arts]