Mirrors Edge Vs Dying Light, Who Has a Better Parkour System?

Mirrors Edge and Dying Light are games with one similar characteristic. They both emphasize motion, and both have parkour systems. For those of you who are unaware, Parkour is the act of getting from point A to point B as fast as possible using vaults and jumps with their bodies. Its very interesting to watch and especially fun to play. I will begin comparing the two parkour systems and come to a conclusion as to which one is better. My criteria will be realism, satisfaction and control.

When it comes to realism, its very difficult to come to a definitive answer because both games go to ridiculous degrees on occasion so instead i will see which game has more fantasy like elements. Dying Lights system is fast and i especially enjoy the fact that you don't start off as a free-runner. Instead you start off weak and have to build yourself up. But sadly, Dying light is just way to floaty in my opinion. It doesn't feel like you have any weight, especially once you unlock the grappling hook. It of course doesn't help that you can literally jump off any building and survive just by landing on a car or in a garbage can. Mirror’s Edge isn't any better sadly, with the fact that you can somehow manage to jump from high building and survive by landing on base boards. However, i feel Mirror’s edge has a more believable sense of weight. You don't feel as floaty and you have a better sense of momentum then in Dying Light. I also enjoy the use of Faith’s (The character you play as in Mirror’s Edge) body in the frame as you parkour around. You feel more “in the shoes” of Faith then you do in Kyle Crane’s. Mirror’s Edge triumphs over Dying Light when it comes to realism. But take that with a grain of salt.

Satisfaction in these games is very powerful because what encourages you to keep running and not just take a cab. Mirror’s Edge does have a few satisfying running moments. Hell, its basically the whole game. But i only felt satisfaction on a few occasions when completing parkour moves (Mostly for the achievements). Dying light on the other hand is filled to the brim with really invigorating chases and getaways. It also helps that Dying light is open world and has an upgrade system that encourages you to keep running. I loved the fact that the upgrades rewarded you for the right reasons. For example, if i jump, i get better at jumping. It feels as if you are really building Kyle Crane up to be this master survivor. The chases are much more frightening than in Mirror’s Edge as well. When being chased in Mirror’s Edge. I never felt scared when running away. But in Dying light, there is a button you can press to look behind you to see whats chasing you. The final chase is especially frightening due to the fact that its a straight away and with some of the most dangerous enemies in the game. Dying Light beats Mirror’s Edge when satisfaction most definitely.

When it comes to control, sadly, Dying Light doesn't quite live up to Mirror’s Edge levels. When playing Dying Light I never felt as if i was in 100% control. With the floaty motion and the fact that you literally only have to press one button to jump. In Mirror’s Edge you have to worry about coiling during jumps rolling and grabbing. These movements help you feel as if you are in control because Faith wont do anything you don't do. You are Faith, She’s not going to do something you don't input. Meaning that if you don't input something that you should’ve, you’re probably gonna need some serious bandages. Dying light i always felt as if i just told Kyle what to do, then he’d do the rest. Mirror’s Edge triumphs over Dying Light in control.

In conclusion, Mirror’s Edge does have a better parkour system then Dying Light. Remember that these are my opinions and yours may differ. Feel free to let me know what you think by sending me an email or by contacting me on Facebook. That’s all, everyone.