2024 has barely gotten out of bed and Ubisoft has already given us a brilliant game. One of the best metroidvanias in recent years,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownis a triumphant game that sticks to the series’ roots, while injecting it with modern, frenetic gameplay and combat to truly usher in a new age for the franchise.
More recent entries in thePrince of Persia series have taken the gameplay into a 3D space with mixed results.Sands of Timefrom 2003, perhaps the series' strong point was a standout due to its simple platforming which hid a greater depth, along with some time travelling nonsense we all love. It’s fitting, then, that the 2DThe Lost Crownpulls heavily from that game while drawing inspiration from modern platformers likeCelesteandHollow Knight.
Take a look at the wonderful Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown below
In this modern outing, the titular prince has been kidnapped and it’s up to us, playing as Sargon, a warrior from a group called the Immortals, to rescue him. He’s been taken to Mount Qaf, a place where an ancient spirit dwells and a curse has fallen. The curse is messing with time and space, leaving many of the areas either repeating time over or frozen completely. What occurs from here is a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and pride.
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This idea of simplicity runs through the opening hours of the game. While this is a metroidvania that eventually sprawls wildly, it starts out rather condensed while you’re learning. You’ll run past gates that can’t be opened, or glowing, crumbling walls that can’t yet be destroyed, noting everything you know you’ll be coming back to. Thankfully there’s a very handy feature that allows you to take screenshots of these locked areas and pin them to your map. As someone who struggles to remember things at the best of times, this feature is a genius move; you can check back and easily be reminded of why you couldn’t access a treasure the first time around.
This is just one of the amazing accessibility options, though this one is baked directly into the game. When you explore the menus, you’ll find a wealth of supportive options. If you want the standard gameplay cranked up to a strenuous difficulty, you can do that. If, however, you want a more sedate experience, that’s fine too. On this point, it’s worth noting you can tweak everything from enemy health to their damage output, as well as changing environmental damage and opening or closing the parry window for more dynamic combat.
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To be honest, this is a great option for saving time if you’ve already conquered a tricky section, because the game ishuge. It seems Mount Qaf is hiding a great variety of environments; poison-dripping dungeons are dingy and dangerous; the ice-capped peaks feature enemies that can freeze you in place; and the archives are a place where staircases shift position and scholars openly attack you.
Each location is exquisitely designed, ensuring they each look and feel unique. Of course, these areas introduce new abilities, most of which centre on movement or puzzle-solving. It’s tricky to discuss some of these abilities for fear of stealing away the magic of those first moments. For example, the first ability is an air dash which allows you to jump, and then dash through the air horizontally to reach far-off platforms. While this is a simple tool for platforming, it’s an instant release of dopamine as the world excitingly opens up further.
Given the environment and the wibbly wobbly effects of time, it’s fitting that Sargon slowly begins to wield the powers of time himself. Each of these feels wholly original and exciting while forcing you to rethink the layers of possible puzzles. Each power feels as if it reinvents the game on the fly, and it happens constantly. One moment you’ll have a grasp of what’s possible, then an hour later you’re tasked with rethinking this as another new ability is revealed.
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When it comes to boss battles, I’m happy to report these moments are some of the most enjoyable I’ve had with an action game for a while. Each fight is vast, over the top, bursting with energy and bright colours. Entire fights feel like a set piece to showcase animation and sound design, while challenging you with enemies who can dish out a ridiculous number of attacks that will constantly keep you moving through the environment. While I won’t reveal anything, the final boss fight is going to remain a highlight for me throughout all of 2024.
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Pros: Wonderful world building, sublime acrobatic platforming and thrilling boss battles.
Cons: Weak voice acting
For fans of: Celeste, Hollow Knight and Prince of Persia
9/10: Exceptional
Topics:Prince Of Persia,Ubisoft
