REVIEW – Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Prince of Persia series, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, marks an exciting adventure. Ever since the first Prince of Persia game debuted in 1989, the franchise has embraced various storylines, and this new entry is a stunning return to its roots, manifested as a classic 2D platformer. But that’s not all: the new ‘PoP’ adds a cool new twist to the Metroidvania genre with its unique combat system, challenging quests, and guaranteed fun for self-proclaimed Persian warriors.

One of the most thrilling innovations in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is that the protagonist is not the usual “Prince” but an “immortal” warrior named Sargon, tasked with nothing less than the rescue of Prince Ghassan. The action unfolds on Mount Qaf, where magical circumstances disrupt the usual flow of time and space. This means Sargon sometimes finds his greatest enemy in himself. As a member of a group known as the Immortals, Sargon embarks on a convoluted mission: to save the prince and lift the curse plaguing Mount Qaf.

New Entrant in the Metroidvania Genre

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a new chapter in the Metroidvania genre, continuing the legacy of classic 2D Metroid and early Castlevania games. Compared to Hollow Knight, a pinnacle of modern Metroidvania games, The Lost Crown appears simpler. However, this simplicity is particularly player-friendly for newcomers and is not a disadvantage. Unique to Prince of Persia is its straightforward, followable path for players, while also offering the chance to deviate if desired.

Players receive extra rewards for straying from the marked path, encouraging exploration of hidden treasures and secrets in various zones. Those wanting to dive straight into the story can do so, while curious explorers have the freedom to roam the game world.

Not quite an Arabian Nights tale, that’s for sure

The biggest puzzle in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the story’s untapped potential. It has everything needed for an exciting adventure: a likable protagonist and a twisted timeline. But the storytelling seems to have run away with itself, preventing deep connection with the characters. Take Sargon, for instance, who sometimes appears utterly oblivious to his surroundings and remains silent when he should speak. Moreover, the world-building barely scratches the surface, not delving deep.

We often find ourselves in situations feeling like we’ve missed part of the story. Consider the array of villains who suddenly appear without context as to who they are and what they’re doing there. Or the names and places that seem important but are never explained by the game. This detachment from the game world is due to a lack of deeper emotional connection to the battles, which seem to be there just for fun. This wouldn’t be an issue if gameplay were the sole focus, but for those who loved the storytelling of the Prince of Persia series, The Lost Crown might be a disappointment in this aspect.

Masters of swordplay and combat

While some action scenes are less explosive, we quickly fall in love with Sargon’s fighting style, even when we’re unsure who we’re up against. As the story progresses, Sargon acquires new abilities that help navigate deadly traps, dizzying chasms, and other hair-raising obstacles. This not only makes the fast-paced combat exciting but also enhances the exploration of the impressively crafted world.

Sargon’s combat methods are flexible, allowing you to choose between simple slashing or complex combos. Fans of Super Smash Bros Ultimate will find the system familiar, as Sargon’s strikes depend on button presses and directional inputs. This allows players to battle enemies in their own style. Additionally, an introductory tutorial helps players master Sargon’s thrilling and elegant combat maneuvers.

The range of enemies in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is diverse, so staying alert is crucial; one wrong move, and our hero Sargon might be picking up his teeth, sending us back to the save point. The smaller enemies are easily manageable, but the beasts with varied attack modes provide enough challenge to keep players from getting too comfortable or bored. The varied enemies and combat system, coupled with the game’s world, keep the gameplay fresh and exciting, a significant achievement for a 2D platformer.

Shadows over Persia

The game mostly boasts a well-assembled technical execution, but there are frustrating elements, such as the parry system, which can be irritating, and the Super Moves, which seem slightly unbalanced. Inaccuracies in parrying can be harshly penalized, but there’s consolation: perfect timing allows Sargon to surprise enemies with a cool finishing move that varies depending on the opponent. This small touch, although seemingly minor, significantly enhances the game and compensates for occasional timing frustrations.

As for the super moves, some appear redundant as you delve deeper into the game. It seems that the super moves acquired early in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown remain useful, while later ones don’t offer much more. This imbalance means players quickly lose interest in further experimentation.

Great gameplay, but the story would have Scheherazade executed

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an exciting new chapter in the Prince of Persia story, sure to captivate both loyal fans and newcomers. Sargon’s unique and spectacular combat system, along with the overall entertaining experience, easily overshadow the previously mentioned shortcomings in the story. However, those expecting a more complex and profound narrative might be disappointed to find that the game doesn’t meet these expectations.

-Gergely Herpai (BadSector)-

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft

Style: Action/Adventure/Platform

Release: January 18, 2024.
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