Orwell+Games = Something Good (Mirror’s Edge)

“Orwellian” is an adjective that gets thrown around a lot these days, usually to lure idiots like myself into some book or game about an oh-so-oppressive ebil gubbermint. I fall in again and again and climb out with a yawn. This trailer makes me wonder if I might not find an unsettling friend in Mirror’s Edge.

To date, two “dystopian” books have successfully scared the shit out of me: the original 1984 and its female counterpart, The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. In most other instances, I just follow the rambling text with my fist tucked firmly against my sagging fat face. Not long ago I read a “NEW 1984!!!!” that was supposed to be about a cold, corporate world…and it started with the empty-headed heroine choosing a dress for a New Year’s Party. I couldn’t sleep for weeks.

Ah but the trailer for Mirror’s Edge touches on what made Orwell and Atwood’s work so compelling: vague terror. Not knowing exactly when or how the Government took control. Fading out anytime an attempt is made to remember. Hazy memories of bloody riots and, finally, complete submission. I admit I wasn’t paying a whole lot of attention to Mirror’s Edge until now, but I am definitely intrigued.

One thing’s for sure, Faith’s going to have a lot more interested lovers than Winston Smith did.