Reviving The Classic: Prince of Persia Returns to Its Roots in 2D Platforming

The Summer Games Fest 2023 has commenced, promising an array of exciting announcements and surprises throughout the event. Several publishers and studios, including Warner Bros Interactive and PlayStation, are confirmed to attend. The event kicked off with a presentation from Ubisoft, and they did not disappoint. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a brand-new 2D platformer that aims to revitalize the classic franchise on most major gaming platforms, was a surprise reveal. Although much is yet to be revealed, the teaser trailer hints at an epic storyline, a stunning new visual style, and engaging 2D platforming combat. Set to release in January, the game seems like the logical choice for the franchise, offering a promising 2D adventure within this iconic series.

A Return to Form for Prince of Persia

Ubisoft is taking a smart approach by going back to the roots of the Prince of Persia franchise. Rather than struggling to find new ideas in the 3D realm, the upcoming game, The Lost Crown, appears to be recapturing the essence of the original 2D platformer from the late 80s and early 90s. This game emphasized exceptional animation and challenging platforming, which fans have been craving for years. The move to return to the series' origins is a promising one, especially considering the disappointing reception of recent entries in the franchise.

Taking Advantage of the 2D Point of View

Prince Dastan's agility and prowess in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are unparalleled, as he effortlessly executes death-defying leaps and aerial acrobatics. The game's animations are truly impressive, striking a perfect balance between expert platforming and fast-paced combat. It appears that Ubisoft has taken inspiration from the popular game, Hollow Knight, as Dastan gracefully navigates the air while simultaneously fending off enemies with his razor-sharp swords.

The upcoming game, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, is set to be a Metroidvania style adventure, similar to popular titles like Hollow Knight and Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. With the ability to explore intricate environments, players will have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the game's platforming mechanics. Unlike the timing-based approach of previous 3D games, The Lost Crown allows for more freedom in mastering movesets, resulting in a more natural and fluid gameplay experience.

Fans of Prince of Persia will be excited to know that the latest adventure starring Prince Dastan, titled "The Lost Crown," is set to launch on January 18, 2024, for multiple platforms including PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. While the game's release is still several months away, the promising direction it's taking and its acrobatic, fantasy-themed goodness will hopefully be further showcased during the upcoming Ubisoft Forward event on June 12.