The story, which can be completed in around eight hours, mostly comprises of running around. The palette is largely white, with dashes of colour here and there. The result was icy, technical beats threaded with warmth and space. Gloss with an unconventional twist was what Birgersson brought to the table, and he regularly visited the DICE offices to see how the game was progressing, and how his music complimented the action. The flow is what keeps us running, keeps us alive.’ Rooftops become pathways and conduits, possibilities and routes of escape. We keep out of trouble, out of sight, and the cops don’t bother us. ‘We exist on the edge between the gloss and the reality: the mirror’s edge. The tone is distinct, and neatly outlined by protagonist Faith Connors in the opening scene: Anyone who has played it will remember its sleek design, splashed here and there with bright colours. Solar Fields’ blend of electronic and ambient lends itself to the game’s world.
It was a stroke of genius for DICE to approach Birgersson about composing the Mirror’s Edge soundtrack. Elegant, adaptive, and constantly on the move, it is proper parkour music, shaping itself around the terrain, characters, and events that drove the story along. If I had to describe the appeal of Mirror’s Edge in one word, it would probably be ‘fluidity.’ The soundtrack, composed by Magnus Birgersson, aka Solar Fields, is tuned perfectly to the game’s tone. A spirit of camaraderie underpins the entire mood. No aspect of the game is inflated or muscling in where it shouldn’t be.
It is not a perfect game, but the creative vision behind is as clear and fresh as a spring day. To my mind, what’s so compelling about the game is the complete lack of ego or cynicism that went into its making. Released in 2008, the first-person parkour adventure served up a gorgeous blend of art style, story, gameplay, and music that led to millions of sales. The pieces examine the musical content of the score and analyse the effects it has on the game.Įvery so often a game comes along that really jibes with people’s imaginations.
Mirrors edge ost series#
Last modified 9 Keep Faith: the music of ‘Mirror’s Edge’ This is part of a series of articles in which we reflect on video game soundtracks.