Reviving the Crown: Prince of Persia Returns Stronger than Ever

Ubisoft's experience with the Prince of Persia series has been a mixed bag. On one hand, they brought us the much-loved Sands of Time, which is considered one of the best action-platformers of all time. On the other hand, it's been over a decade since they released a new mainline game, with The Forgotten Sands being the last one in 2010. However, with the recent announcement of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown at Summer Game Fest, fans are excited for what's to come. This 2D platformer takes the best aspects of the franchise and gives them a Metroidvania twist. The gameplay trailer showcases stunning visuals and music that stay true to the series, making Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown a promising addition to the franchise.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Finally Looks Like a Return to Form

After a 13-year hiatus, fans are eagerly anticipating the release of a new Prince of Persia game. While some are hoping for a return to the 3D action-platforming of The Sands of Time, others are yearning for a true return to form, reminiscent of the franchise's first game. Fortunately, it seems that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown may finally deliver on both fronts. Set in the enigmatic Mount Qaf region, the game returns the franchise to its 2D roots, which were first introduced in the groundbreaking 1989 Prince of Persia game and its sequels. These games set a new standard for next-gen 2D platforming gameplay, featuring realistic animations and precise jumps and acrobatics. With The Lost Crown, fans can expect a marriage of both styles of gameplay, with the fluid parkour mechanics of Sands of Time translated back into a rich 2D plane.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown excels not only in its platforming mechanics, but also in its combat system. The game's protagonist, Sargon, engages in battles against a variety of opponents, ranging from real-world foes to mythical creatures. The gameplay trailer showcases the fluidity and smoothness of the combat system, which draws inspiration from acclaimed titles such as Hades and Dead Cells. The trailer features a range of combat styles, including ranged and close-quarters combat, as well as a parrying system and cinematic special moves. The boss battles teased in the trailer are particularly noteworthy, featuring intimidating mythological beasts such as a manticore and giant snake. Overall, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's combat system appears to be stylish and satisfying to execute.

Although the quality of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's visuals and audio is impressive, it remains to be seen if the actual gameplay will deliver on expectations. However, fans can take solace in the fact that the game is being developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Rayman Origins and Rayman Legends. With their proven track record in creating fluid and enjoyable 2D games, Ubisoft Montpellier is the perfect candidate to bring the Prince of Persia franchise back to its former glory. Set to release on January 18, 2024, the game will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.