The impact of Jordan Mechner’s Prince of Persia, which debuted on Amiga and PC in the early 90s (with an initial release on Mac II in 1989), remains significant. While a playthrough could – and arguably should – be completed in under an hour, its compelling gameplay loop ensured replayability. The protagonist’s animations, achieved through a technique reminiscent of early rotoscoping based on filmed movements of Mechner’s brother, were groundbreaking for their time. Over the subsequent three decades, Mechner’s Broderbund was acquired by Ubisoft, expanding the Prince of Persia’s cultural footprint through both AAA titles and Hollywood films. Now, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown marks a return to the series’ 2D side-scrolling roots, infused with modern Metroidvania elements.
This installment casts the player as Sargon, a member of the elite warrior group known as The Immortals. Set against the rich backdrop of Persian mythology, the narrative centers on the perilous situation of Prince Ghassan, whose rescue falls to our protagonist and his comrades. Players will encounter challenging boss encounters and familiar manipulations of time, reminiscent of Sands of Time.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown presents a substantial gameplay experience. Its scope rivals that of the Ori series. While the game features a dynamically updating overview map with customizable markers, navigating its intricate environments can be challenging, even with the inclusion of a game mode designed to offer directional guidance. As is characteristic of the Metroidvania genre, backtracking and puzzle-solving, unlocked through the acquisition of new abilities, are core elements. The game incorporates both teleportation and save points, a design choice owing to Symphony of the Night. However, players should anticipate extensive exploration, particularly when seeking hidden treasures and bonuses, potentially necessitating the use of a walkthrough.
From a technical standpoint, the game showcases impressive craftsmanship. Its visual style blends 2.5D aesthetics with the cel-shading techniques previously seen in the Prince of Persia reboot of 2008. The controls are responsive, and on the PlayStation 5, the game maintains a stable 120Hz refresh rate, particularly with VRR enabled. While Ubisoft’s franchises sometimes exhibit formulaic tendencies, The Lost Crown distinguishes itself with a refreshing and innovative feel. The return to 2D gameplay, enhanced by depth and a Metroidvania structure, is a welcome evolution.
Combat encounters offer flexibility, ranging from straightforward to intricate, with a diverse array of sword techniques that can be combined with acrobatic maneuvers and time-shifting abilities (once unlocked). The platforming elements bear similarities to Hollow Knight, presenting significant challenges that may require strategic ability unlocks. Players are advised to accumulate crystals from common enemies, as they facilitate the acquisition of valuable upgrades. A notable addition to the series is the amulet necklace, where equipped amulets grant unique abilities or strengths, encouraging experimentation to adapt to various scenarios.
Overall, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown delivers a highly successful and engaging experience. It introduces innovative elements while retaining echoes of its origins. Completionists can expect a playtime of approximately 30 hours, as the side stories are both compelling and beneficial to the overall progression. The game’s difficulty is well-balanced on the normal setting. Players should be prepared for intricate platforming challenges and a sprawling, labyrinthine map. A segmented map design or a structure akin to SOTN’s inverted castle could have provided a more streamlined navigational experience. Similar to Moon Studios’ Ori titles, the game is both visually striking and intricately designed.
A definitive recommendation for enthusiasts of the Metroidvania genre, and stands out as one of the best recent entries!
Ubisoft provided a review code for this evaluation. The provision of review materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
