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Runnervision

An example of how Runner Vision offers a route through the environment.

Overview[]

Runner Vision is a Runner's instinctual ability to recognise potential pathways and escape routes which may not normally occur to other people. It seems that this ability is of a cognitive or instinctual nature rather than a super power or something similar--other enemies (specifically the Pursuit cops) in the game appear to be equally able to move acrobatically through the environment despite not being runners.

In Mirror's Edge (2008), Runner's Vision manifests itself as objects highlighting red as Faith Connors approaches them. While this may give the player the most accessible route to take, it may not necessarily be the fastest one. The player is not forced to take the suggested course, and is still free to take whatever path they deem appropriate. However, as the game progresses, the assistance provided by 'Runner's Vision' diminishes, giving the player fewer and fewer suggested routes as they progress through the game. Runner's Vision can be turned off altogether, if the player does not wish for the assistance.

Mirror's Edge Catalyst[]

Runner Vision takes on a new form called Full Runners Vision, which not only highlights climbing objects in red, but also shows the path through a red line suspended in air. While this more overt approach has been the object of a substantial amount of criticism, the game states several times in loading screen tips, that all versions runners vision may show you one way but it's not always the fastest way, thus encouraging players to explore different ways. Additionally, the settings menu allows players to choose between runners vision that only highlights traversable objects (called "classic") or disable all runners vision. Players can use the main map to add a waypoint to a certain point of interest, and the runners vision will add a GPS-like route to it that can be seen directly on the map and in the game. Its highly suggested that newer players use runners vision so that they always have a safe and decently fast way to get around the city until they memorize the city's routes.

Technology[]

In the start of the game, how the Runner Vision works is hinted at. When Faith is released from prison Icarus gives her a contact lens, which she puts on. It initially displays a HUD showing her what the common employs see everyday--including news, maps, and even advertisements. Although such a connection to the grid network is repeatedly called a gridLink, it is unclear if this refers to the actual lens or more specifically the connection said lens has to the grid. (Icarus quickly disconnects it from the grid system and says he is 'cutting her gridLink' despite the fact that she retains the lens). After connecting to the Runner's secret network (the Beat) the lens HUD displays Runner's Vision. Thus runners vision is in all probability only an Augmented reality computer program. This is further supported by the fact that the HUD displays loading bars while it is booting up.

Trivia[]

  • In Hard Mode, Runner's Vision cannot be turned on to further challenge players.
  • Midway through the game, when Faith goes into an Elevator, runner's vision is mentioned on an advertising monitor. Displaying an article on "Ways To Spot A Runner", one of the things listed on it is "A fondness for the color red". 
  • In Mirrors Edge Catalyst the player may switch between full Runner's Vision, the classic version featured in the first game, or no Runner's Vision at all. 
  • In the original game Runner's Vision is also called 'the Flow' during Faith's opening narration.

External Links[]

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