Overview

Mirror's Edge is a truly brilliant, often transcendent game, and its electronic score is a major component of the immersive experience. The game experience "unlocks" various bits and pieces of the tracks created for the soundtrack. However, the digital album release itself is the only way to experience the tracks in their entirety and also in exceptional clarity.

Body

"Introduction" provides the first taste of the electronic excellent to expect from the soundtrack. It draws listeners into the world of Mirror's Edge near completely, both in the game and as a retrospective stand-alone experience. "Edge & Flight" thereafter takes minds on a much deeper journey. The ultra-radiant yet striking cold soundscape of the introductory segment befits the atmosphere of the featured city. The absorption rate only magnifies as the track transitions into the theme for the first level, moving between ethereal and turbulent sections before culminating in a truly awe-inspiring climax at 4:53.

"Pirandello Kruger" excels in both originality and emotional connection. It opens with a somber, somewhat desperate phrase that is truly distressing and touching, then gradually picks up into the "combat" section before rolling into an exceptional synth section at about four minutes in. "Shard," certainly one of the album's strongest and most memorable tracks, opens with another transcendent section that relays hope and the sense that the mission is finally almost over, culminating in a driving beat that maintains its pace through the rescue of the protagonist's sister.

At the end of the soundtrack, the "moneymaker" — the vocal track "Still Alive" — takes hold. This is a well-sung and memorable song in its own right, featuring gorgeous piano backing and the beautiful voice of Lisa Miskovsky. Although more mainstream than the instrumental tracks, it still fits and ends the game and soundtrack well. Listeners also should note that a maxi single and remixes EP were also released dedicated to this song.

Summary

All things considered, if Joe Techno had heard this soundtrack in its entirety even in the absence of any knowledge or awareness of the game, I believe that he would find it to be thoroughly excellent nonetheless; original, fresh, and, above all, emotionally impacting electronic bliss. The game's imagery, however, does indeed provide the perfect backdrop for it all, and the two go hand-in-hand exactly as intended.