Table of Contents
Introduction
So, you've seen those insane videos of Faith Connors zipping through the neon-drenched cityscape of Mirror's Edge at impossible speeds, and you're wondering: how is that even possible? The title "Speedrun of Mirror's Edge (SPEEDRUN EXPLAINED - Any%)" hints at a deep dive, and that's exactly what we're going to deliver. You're not looking for lore, or the best weaponry (though Faith's parkour *is* her weapon). You're here to understand the *how* and *why* behind shaving precious seconds off a run, pushing the boundaries of what seems achievable. This isn't just about beating the game; it's about dissecting a near-perfect performance to learn the intricate dance of movement, strategy, and glitch exploitation.The Any% Challenge: What It Is and Why It's So Demanding
In the world of speedrunning, "Any%" is the holy grail of efficiency. It means completing the game from start to finish by any means necessary, with the primary goal being the shortest time possible. For Mirror's Edge, this translates into a breathtaking ballet of parkour, where every jump, slide, and wall-run is optimized to shave off milliseconds. It’s a category that truly tests a runner's mastery of the game's core mechanics and their ability to push them beyond their intended limits. Unlike games with extensive combat or complex RPG elements where builds and gear are paramount, Mirror's Edge speedruns are all about **pure movement**. The city itself becomes an obstacle course, and mastering its flow is key to achieving world-class times. This reliance on precise execution makes the "Any%" category of Mirror's Edge incredibly demanding and fascinating to watch.Voetiem's Record-Breaking Run: A Masterclass in Movement
When we talk about Mirror's Edge speedruns, the name Voetiem inevitably comes up. His Any% world record is a testament to years of dedication, practice, and an unparalleled understanding of the game's engine. This isn't just a casual playthrough; it's a meticulously planned and executed sequence where every movement is intentional. Watching Voetiem's runs is like observing a symphony of motion, where Faith flows through environments with an almost supernatural grace. He utilizes advanced techniques and exploits that are honed to perfection. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend checking out Voetiem's Any% World Record run. It’s an inspiring display of what’s possible when skill meets dedication. For those who prefer a commentary-free experience, there's also a commentary-free version available.Key Speedrun Techniques and Strats
The speed of a Mirror's Edge run hinges on several core techniques. Mastering these is non-negotiable for any aspiring speedrunner. * **Wall Running:** This is the bread and butter of Mirror's Edge. Runners chain wall runs together to maintain momentum and cover large distances. The key is to find the optimal angle and timing to transition from one wall to the next without losing speed. * **Vaulting and Sliding:** Efficiently vaulting over obstacles and sliding under low barriers are crucial for maintaining speed through cluttered environments. A well-timed slide can even allow Faith to clip through certain small gaps. * **Apex Jumps:** This technique involves jumping just as Faith reaches the peak of her momentum on a wall run. It allows for slightly longer airtime and greater control over the trajectory, enabling access to routes that would otherwise be impossible. * **Momentum Preservation:** The absolute cornerstone of any Mirror's Edge speedrun. Runners aim to never stop moving, converting vertical momentum into horizontal speed and vice-versa. Even a brief pause can cost critical seconds. * **Optimized Route Planning:** This involves not just knowing the fastest path, but the path that *maximizes momentum*. Sometimes, a slightly longer route that allows for continuous wall running or a well-executed jump can be faster than a more direct, but speed-breaking, path. This is where deep game knowledge and countless hours of practice come into play.Glitches and Exploits That Save Time
While precise movement is vital, speedrunners often leverage glitches and unintended mechanics to gain significant advantages. In Mirror's Edge, these are often related to physics and collision detection. * **Out of Bounds (OoB) Skips:** These are perhaps the most game-changing exploits. By carefully manipulating Faith's movement and physics, runners can escape the intended playable area and bypass entire sections of levels. This requires extremely precise inputs and a deep understanding of how the game engine handles collisions. For example, certain jumps near walls can cause Faith to clip through geometry, allowing for massive shortcuts. * **Damage Boosts:** While not strictly a glitch, intentionally taking damage from certain environmental hazards can sometimes propel Faith forward with increased momentum, allowing for faster traversal. This is a risky strategy as it can also lead to death if not executed perfectly. * **Menu Glitches:** In some games, manipulating menus can affect physics or load times. While less prevalent in Mirror's Edge speedruns compared to other titles, any minor exploit that shaves off frames is considered. * **Collision Exploitation:** Runners often find ways to "trick" the game's collision detection, allowing Faith to pass through surfaces or gain unintended height. This is particularly useful for skipping segments that would otherwise require extensive parkour.Navigating the City Faster Than Light
The urban environment of Mirror's Edge is Faith's playground, and speedrunners have learned to exploit its architecture to an incredible degree. Levels like "The Chase" or "Rope Burn" are prime examples where complex sequences of wall runs, slides, and calculated jumps are chained together. The beauty of a Mirror's Edge speedrun lies in its fluidity. It's not about finding the *next* checkpoint, but about maintaining a constant, exhilarating flow. Runners often discover alternative paths that were never intended by the developers, utilizing small ledges or gaps that wouldn't be obvious to a normal player. This constant innovation is what keeps the speedrunning scene alive and exciting."The city itself is the enemy, and we've learned how to outsmart it."For those aiming for the top, understanding the "glitchless" category is also crucial. While Any% often embraces exploits, glitchless runs focus purely on refined movement and intended mechanics. The Req's Glitchless World Record showcases a different kind of mastery, relying solely on perfect execution of the game's designed features.
Preparing for Your Own Run
If you're inspired to try your hand at a Mirror's Edge speedrun, here’s how to get started: 1. **Watch and Learn:** Study the runs of top players like Voetiem and Req. Pay close attention to their routes, their movement, and how they handle specific obstacles. Use the Voetiem's YouTube channel and the general Speedruns Explained Playlist for more insights. 2. **Practice Individual Segments:** Don't try to do a full run immediately. Break the game down into smaller sections or levels and practice them until you can execute them consistently. 3. **Master the Core Mechanics:** Dedicate time to just running around and perfecting wall runs, slides, and momentum-building jumps. The better you are at the fundamentals, the easier advanced strats will become. 4. **Understand the Glitches:** If you're aiming for Any%, research the known glitches and skips. Sites like speedrun.com are invaluable for finding guides and community discussions. 5. **Use a Timer:** Tools like LiveSplit are essential for tracking your progress and identifying where you're losing time. 6. **Join the Community:** Connect with other Mirror's Edge speedrunners. The Discord server is a great place to ask questions and get feedback."Every second counts. It's not just about speed; it's about precision."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest category for Mirror's Edge speedruns?
The Any% category is generally the fastest, as it allows for the use of glitches and exploits to skip large portions of the game.
How long does it take to become good at Mirror's Edge speedrunning?
Becoming proficient can take hundreds of hours of dedicated practice. World-record level runs are the result of years of dedication and thousands of attempts.
Are there any specific PC settings that help with speedrunning Mirror's Edge?
While core gameplay remains the same, ensuring a stable frame rate and using the correct version of the game (often an older, unpatched version for maximum glitch exploitability) are important considerations.
What is RNG in the context of Mirror's Edge speedruns?
RNG (Random Number Generation) refers to random elements in a game. While Mirror's Edge has relatively little RNG compared to other games, some minor environmental behaviors or enemy patrols could be considered. Runners aim to minimize reliance on it or manipulate it when possible.
Where can I find the latest world records for Mirror's Edge?
The primary source for verified speedrun records is speedrun.com. You can also find many WR videos on YouTube.
In conclusion, the Mirror's Edge speedrun is a dazzling display of human dexterity and ingenuity applied to a virtual world. It’s a testament to the dedication of the speedrunning community and the depth of a game that, years after its release, continues to be explored and mastered. If you've got your own incredible Mirror's Edge runs or insights into advanced strategies, share them in the comments below! What other speedruns would you like us to break down next? Join our Discord to discuss all things speedrunning and push the limits together!