Review: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Developer – Ubisoft Montpellier

Publisher – Ubisoft

Platforms –  PS4/5(Performance Mention),Nintendo Switch , Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, PC (Reviewed)

Review copy given by Publisher

When I was a Teenager, Prince of Persia was one of the most popular Action-Adventure games, with 3D Platformers and hack and slash games flooding the market, Prince of Persia was the one everyone wanted. When I saw Ubisoft released the news of The Lost Crown I was beyond excited, but to learn it was changing things up and becoming a Metroidvania, 2.5D Side-Scrolling Action-Adenture Platformer, I was worried the feel and what made the series great would be lost in the sand.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a captivating game that takes players on an unforgettable journey. In The Lost Crown, You play as Sargon, a young member of a warrior clan named The Immortals, sent by Queen Tomyrus, who is On a quest to save the abducted Prince of Persia (Prince Ghassan), trapped in the mysterious cursed city of Mount Qaf, which is stuck between time and dimensions.

The game as mentioned is a Metroidvania, featuring a non-linear interconnected world that draws inspiration from Ori and the Blind Forest in its layout. This design choice allows for exploration and backtracking, adding depth and complexity to the gameplay. Developed by Ubisoft Montpellier, known for their work on the iconic Rayman series, the game seamlessly blends exploration and platforming, creating an immersive experience.

In the game, the combat sequences, offer a visceral and cinematic experience that stands out in the realm of action-adventure games. The incorporation of a cinematic flair, akin to the impactful finishers of the Mortal Kombat series, brings a heightened sense of intensity to each encounter. Battles are not just about defeating adversaries but are transformed into visually stunning spectacles, where every move and strike feels significant and resonates with the weight of the narrative.

The game’s fighting style takes inspiration from the fluidity and dynamism seen in the Devil May Cry series. Players are not bound by rigid animations; instead, they find themselves in control of a character capable of executing a diverse range of moves with both precision and style. This freedom allows for seamless transitions between attacks, parries, and acrobatic maneuvers, creating a combat system that is not only challenging but also visually captivating.

The synergy between the cinematic elements and the dynamic fighting style is a testament to the game’s commitment to delivering an immersive and engaging experience. Each battle becomes a choreographed dance of blades and magic, where the player’s skill and finesse are as crucial as their strategic decision-making. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown successfully marries the best aspects of cinematic combat with the fluidity of Devil May Cry-inspired gameplay, resulting in an action-packed adventure that is as visually stunning as it is exhilarating to play.

However, when we get to the story and narrative, an unusual aspect arises with the character Kalux, the tree spirit, whose voice is generated by a text-to-speech program. Ubisoft acknowledged this as an “error,” stating that the English version of Kalux’s lines was not properly implemented, as reported by Engadget.

Despite this hiccup, the game’s narrative remains engaging, drawing inspiration from Persian mythology to shed light on lesser-known aspects of the culture. Game director Mounir Radi expressed a desire to showcase Persian mythology and its impact on other mythologies, introducing creatures like the manticore as formidable boss characters, The rich lore and mythology add depth to the game’s narrative and make the world feel alive and immersive.

One of the exciting things for Fans of The Sands of Time is that they will find a nostalgic yet intriguing twist, with the return of the iconic time powers. However, what sets this installment apart is the deliberate decision to place these temporal abilities in the hands of the game’s antagonist, introducing a captivating narrative twist. In contrast to the traditional role of the protagonist wielding time-altering abilities, players now face the challenge of contending with a formidable foe who can manipulate time itself. This change in dynamics not only adds a layer of complexity to the storyline but also injects a fresh element of challenge into the gameplay. As players navigate through the intricacies of the game, they must adapt to a reversed power dynamic, utilizing their own skills strategically to outmaneuver an adversary armed with time-bending prowess. This innovative approach not only pays homage to the series’ roots but also elevates the gaming experience by introducing a novel and dynamic element that keeps players on their toes, ensuring that The Lost Crown stands out as a unique and engaging addition to the Prince of Persia franchise.

The developers have also prioritized accessibility, incorporating features like guided mode to ensure a more inclusive and user-friendly experience. Designed with inclusivity in mind, guided mode provides players with a nuanced and supportive gaming experience. This feature acts as a virtual hand, offering subtle cues and directions to assist players in navigating the intricacies of the game world. Whether it’s highlighting key points of interest, providing gentle nudges during challenging platforming sections, or offering strategic advice in combat scenarios, guided mode ensures that players of all skill levels can enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed. This thoughtful implementation not only empowers players who may face difficulties with traditional gameplay but also contributes to a more immersive and enjoyable experience for the broader gaming community. By embracing guided mode, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown sets a commendable standard for accessibility in gaming, fostering a more inclusive environment for all players to embark on this captivating adventure.

Our Staff Member Henry , also played the PlayStation 5 Version and has this to say :

On the PlayStation 5, The Lost Crown performs flawlessly, running at a silky smooth 120 frames per second on a VRR television with little to no drops. Load times are lightning fast, taking 4 seconds or less from a fresh launch. Those who sync with Ubisoft Connect can also snag a free digital artbook and fan kit that enhances the overall gaming experience. Controls can be rebound at any time, which is a huge plus considering I found the default controls of Square to attack and R2 to dodge a bit finicky. The entire game on PS5 clocks in at 21.51GB, which is a sizeable amount considering this is a 2.5D side scrolling Metroidvania.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of innovative gameplay, a compelling narrative, and exquisite artistic design. The game not only pushes the boundaries of traditional gaming experiences but also immerses players in a visually stunning world inspired by the rich tapestry of Persian mythology. As players navigate the intricacies of the game, the symbiotic relationship between the evocative soundtrack and striking visuals becomes a driving force, elevating the emotional resonance of the narrative and enveloping players in a truly immersive adventure. The meticulous attention to detail in both design and storytelling ensures that every moment in the game is a memorable one, leaving a lasting impression on those who embark on this captivating journey.