Mirror’s Edge DLC debuts on Thursday

Mirror’s Edge, DICE’s first-person parkour experiment, seemingly inspired almost as many detractors as it did fans when it was released last November. However, when protagonist Faith was given the opportunity to wall-run, jump, and slide at full speed, few could find fault with the adrenaline pumping results. When downloadable maps and time trials hit this week, players will get all of the death-defying acrobatics they can handle.

There was originally some discrepancy as to whether or not all versions of the game would receive the same content. Though EA announced last September that DLC would be exclusive to the PS3, that has recently been changed to just one free map (called “Synesthesia”). The other seven maps can be found on all platforms and will be bundled together for $10.

That's quite an intrepid rat in the top left corner

You’ll notice in this screenshot that the environments are much more abstract than anything found in the campaign. Whereas the original levels were set in a more cohesive cityscape, the new environments feature towering structures suspended in the air and bold colors, akin to the bonus levels in Super Mario Sunshine. Those prone to motion sickness or vertigo may want to reconsider. Based on the trailer that EA has released (which can be viewed below), it also appears that there will be none of the combat that so divided critics last year. As a fan of unadulterated speed, I’d say that’s cause for celebration.

Between these maps, the Fallout 3: Operation Anchorage mission, and eventually the Grand Theft Auto IV biker saga, The Lost and the Damned, the first quarter of 2009 is shaping up to be a landmark period for DLC. If enough people download DICE’s newest batch of urban playgrounds, perhaps we shall see regular updates throughout the year and beyond.