Clive “The Animal” Thompson wrote an interesting analysis of Mirror’s Edge. The game is essentially a parkour simulator that gives the illusion that you, inside your character, are actually running, jumping, and rolling over things in the real world.
The game tells the tale of a messenger in a police state who has to evade attackers. Because EA added feet, hands, and thighs to the things your character sees as she jumps around the city, you essentially feel that you’re inside the game, a sensation called proprioception.
This game, more than any other, gives the feeling of motion in space which, in turn makes your body think that it is moving while standing still. The resulting sensory dilemma induces vomiting, lashing out, and increased game play. Good stuff.