...On Mirror's Edge. See what I did there? Did ya? Groan.

But yeah. I actually finished Mirror's Edge on Saturday on normal difficulty. It wasn't a particularly long game, but it has left me with some very positive, lasting impressions. I read plenty of reviews beforehand for this game and am genuinely surprised by the lean towards a negative review for this game. I guess some people just prefer a little more action (meaning gunplay) rather than a cerebral challenge these days.

Mirror's Edge may be a game played from a first person perspective, but it is more puzzle game than FPS, or adventure. It also makes a change to be on the run from men with guns, rather than getting up in their face. The adrenaline rush that comes whilst legging it down a subway line, bullets whizzing past your head is one that can only be matched by the subsequent leap onto one of the trains running on the line, then a crazed dash to make it into a doorway before another train mashes you between the one you just leapt from.

There are often several ways to tackle any given route, and Mirror's Edge is a game that definitely improves with numerous replays, as you figure out newer, faster routes and combine them with your ever growing skills of leaping, jumping, running and climbing. Developer's DICE clearly understood this facet and saw fit to include meaty Time Trial mode that gives you a circuit to complete however you see fit. Coming complete with ghost data and times to beat, this is a mode I'm going to be spending some time with.

There is a unique atmosphere to Mirrors Edge. What hit me first was the idea that perhaps the designers had been watching a lot of Ghost In The Shell, in particular the series, and the vibe the city gives off really demonstrates this. Combined with the excellent soundtrack and grace with which Faith *can* move (should you have the skill), and you can easily imagine that you are playing as The Major from the series.

It may be short, but the excellent ending, replayability and interesting achievements (Test of Faith involves no guns being fired and a person on a playthrough), not to mention the unlockables and extra modes, mean this game is great on the longevity front. I'd also like to review this game on my website along with the massive pile of other games I keep saying I'll review. Maybe at Christmas...

However, I guess I'll have little time at Christmas (unless I get some good holiday ) as I've also just picked up The Last Remnant and am itching to get stuck into it after what I thought was a great opening to a new RPG (I installed the game to the 360 HD and haven't experienced any particularly bad loading yet). I'm only another chapter through Dead Space, 17hrs into Star Ocean: First Departure, 3hrs into Tales of Rebirth and now 42hrs into Tales of the Abyss (aka the game that keeps going - it isn't the longest game I've played but it feels longer. Both a good and a bad thing). Better get on with it.

I'm healing pretty well. I decided that next week I'm going to try and give up the crutches. However, today whilst I was crutching around town, I didn't realisemy crutch had landed on a wet, mushy leaf and the crutch slipped and I 'landed' on my bust leg.

Defeated by a leaf... What a disgrace. That ruined about three days of healing, and christ did it hurt. I made it all better by buying Mirror's Edge. And a 'Mr Bump' t-shirt and some new earphones to replace the dire ones Sony bundle with the PSP.

I completed Fallout 3, took me 40hrs as I tried to incorporate as much side stuff as I could during the game. I only missed out on about 3 side quests, but mysteriously I also missed out on the achievement for 'Following in His Footsteps', must have been because I prematurely went to Rivet City as I do enjoy a bit of exploration (I found 86 locations on my playthrough - but Vault 86 kept killing me via intense radiation, so it remains on 85 for the moment). I also found 12 Bobbleheads during my quest, I honestly thought they'd be a bit harder to find, but they do look good on their stand.

I really enjoyed playing that game, it is vast, but really probably about a third, or maybe even a quarter the size and scope of Oblivion in terms of things to do. I did save before the final cut off point, not sure if OI'd want to play it again straightaway, but the experience will definitely stay with me. A solid 8/10 I reckon, and a classic addition to my library.

I also went back to Eternal Sonata finally, and am now about 12hrs into that having just bust out of prison (I must be a fugitive in over 100 RPGs...) and have been working my way through Tales of Rebirth. Of course, now I'm going to devote some time to free running across the sterile cityscape of Mirror's Edge.

Seeing as though I can't walk right now, I've been getting through a good deal of the 'backlog'. Actually, I should rephrase that, the 'backlog' in question got bunked up on October 24th anyway. But whatever - I've finally completed Infinite Undiscovery and the game rules the roost as my favourite JRPG of the 5 currently available on 360 (wonder where The Last Remnant will place when that is released soon). The final scene in the game, despite being somewhat cheesy, was a brilliant end to the game. I'm now taking on the Seraphic Gate...

I've also completed Fable 2, took around 20hrs and now I'm saving up a million for Fairfax Castle, which is going to take a while.

I've zipped through 12hrs of Star Ocean on PSP, another Tri-Ace gem. Looks like I might actually finish this one before the sequel is released in January. Only made it into the 3rd chapter of Dead Space so far - another brilliant game (what happened to the days of wave upon wave of bad games? Its nothing but good at the moment) that reminds me a lot of Resident Evil 4 and Event Horizon. Brutal, and I'm looking forward to taking my time with that one.

The next big game I started on is Fallout 3. Man, what a game! What an epic landscape to explore. The characters feel genuinely intimidating as you talk to them, you feel as though each step could easily be your last. What atmosphere! I'm amazed at how close this feels to previous Fallout games despite the change in perspective and the fact that it is essentially Oblivion in a post-nuclear Brahmin's clothing. 5hrs just disappeared.

Also had a quick go with some demos: - Naruto: The Broken Bond seems to have improved upon the likeable first game no end. Everything that has changed so far seems to be a step in the right direction, and the trailer that followed the demo seems almost too good! - Mirror's Edge looks to be another game for the list (or at least the pay packet after Christmas) but I couldn't help but wince and feel midly nauseous after leaping from building top to building top as there is no way with my leg I could do anything like that!

Speaking of my leg, I managed to walk around the house today without crutches (!) but before I thought I was miraculously healed, I felt a sharp twang whilst inching up the stairs where I became stuck for a good twenty minutes whilst the pain subsided. Now I'm definitely back on the crutches. Should feel better in the morning though, seems to makes some good progress each day, I just hope I can still drive okay!

Right guess I'll get back to healing.