The long-awaited return to the franchise, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, is being enthusiastically welcomed by critics after more than ten years. Departing from the 3D action-adventure genre, the game now offers a metroidvania experience.
This shift appears to be a wise decision, as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown currently holds an impressive metascore of 86 on Our Website sister site Metacritic. This high rating is based on reviews from 59 critics at the time of writing.
According to our Website writer Steve Watts, the series has "found its new home" as a metroidvania in his review. He confidently states, "This new genre debut is so well-crafted and assured that this should be the new identity of Prince of Persia for the foreseeable future." Other reviewers agreed, praising how well the game captures the metroidvania feel. Additionally, there's a feature in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown that sets a new standard for metroidvania games.
Get a taste of the game with the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown demo, available now before the game's launch on January 18. Our Website also offers a preorder guide for the upcoming 2.5D game.
Game: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Release Date: January 18
Price: $50
Check out more reviews for the game below:
GameSpot -- 9/10
"Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the series' first attempt at a modernized metroidvania, which could have easily fallen into the category of competent imitators. However, with impactful combat, smooth platforming, and innovative exploration mechanics, this latest Prince of Persia reaffirms its position as a leader in its class." -- Steve Watts [Full review]
Game Informer -- 9.5/10
"The Lost Crown makes it difficult to put the controller down, constantly urging players to follow its paths just a little further. Its persistent pull to explore more of Mount Qaf is easy to succumb to, thanks to how satisfying it feels to do so. The Lost Crown's exceptional platforming, engaging combat, and progression come together to create a sublime gaming experience. Gameplay is paramount, and this Prince of Persia excels in understanding that." -- Wesley LeBlanc [Full review]
Destructoid -- 8.5/10
"Exploring Mount Qaf as Sargon in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was an incredible experience. Despite not being a huge Prince of Persia or metroidvania fan, Ubisoft's innovative combination of the two genres resulted in a refreshing and captivating interpretation of Prince of Persia." -- Steven Mills [Full review]
VGC -- 4/5 stars
"The Lost Crown seems poised to become a cult classic that gamers will insist you play before finalizing your Game of the Year lists for 2024. The platforming is truly exceptional, a testament to the talent behind the acclaimed Rayman Legends." -- Jordan Middler [Full review]
GamesRadar -- 4/5 stars
"Despite its flaws, I still recommend Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to fans of metroidvania games and longtime followers of the series. While it may not satisfy those seeking a 3D adventure akin to The Sands of Time, it marks a return to form for a series that has been dormant for 14 years. It's just unfortunate that this solid game fell short of true greatness." -- Joe Donnelly [Full review]
Inverse -- 6/10
"The Lost Crown offers exhilarating combat and challenging platforming sections, but it is overshadowed by uninspired exploration, lackluster boss battles, and numerous minor annoyances that prevent it from reaching its full potential. It's puzzling how little the game delves into its captivating frozen-time concept, as those moments are truly the highlights of the experience." -- Robin Bea [Full review]
Editor's P/S
As a long-time fan of the Prince of Persia series, I was thrilled to hear about the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The game's shift to a metroidvania genre was a bold move, but it has paid off tremendously. The game's combat is impactful, the platforming is smooth, and the exploration mechanics are innovative. The game's persistent pull to explore more of Mount Qaf is easy to succumb to, thanks to how satisfying it feels to do so. The Lost Crown's exceptional platforming, engaging combat, and progression come together to create a sublime gaming experience.
While some critics have pointed out flaws such as uninspired exploration, lackluster boss battles, and minor annoyances, I believe that the game's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The game's exhilarating combat and challenging platforming sections more than make up for any shortcomings. Overall, I highly recommend Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to fans of metroidvania games and longtime followers of the series. It may not satisfy those seeking a 3D adventure akin to The Sands of Time, but it marks a return to form for a series that has been dormant for 14 years.