The Prince of Persia series returns with a new story along with improved gameplay mechanisms

User Rating: 8 | Prince of Persia PC
By Mehluv | Review Date:
The history of the PoP series dates back to as far as the 80s. The first trilogy gave players fluid animation combined with innovations in the platformer genre. The second combined lush and dreamy 3D environments with fun gameplay. However, the quality of the games in the second trilogy progressively decreased with new installments. It is therefore relieving to see this game takes a new direction, combining combo-wise gameplay with good production values.

THE PLOT

The plot is based heavily off Zoroastrianism. It involves the evil god, Ahriman, breaking free of the prison imposed by the followers of Ormazd. To keep him shut, the prince (He isn't actually a prince) teams up with a princess to keep Ormazd imprisoned.

The character of the Prince is a welcome change from the last trilogy. He wisecracks, yet isn't hesitant to hack and slash through evil corrupted minions.

THE GAMEPLAY

The gameplay shows off platforming through extensively massive environments which, although not in the scale of Crysis, will make the player gasp. Even with the massive scale of the maps, traveling is very easy due to the compass magic of the AI companion. This AI companion is actually much better than Farah in PoPSoT. All of the gameplay aspects, be it platforming or combat, get much easier due to this companion.

Combat involves four aspects now - the sword, the gauntlet, the Prince's acrobatics and the companion's magic. While the combos might look progressively harder, they actually get much easier with experience.

The game, on the whole, is very easy to play. So easy, in fact, that some might feel that the gameplay has been dumbed down for the masses. The prince can't even die now. Fortunately, the game offers such a lot of fun, that this aspect is only frowned on by negative critics.

The game involves 'purification' of various 'fertile grounds' to pure the land of Ahriman's threat. Normally, this might involves repetitiveness. However, Ubisoft constantly finds new ways to keep the player hooked.

The only time the player will feel unfulfilled is in the ending, where the Prince actually forces us into a choice we do not want to follow. Ignore this, and the game is quite good.

THE GRAPHICS

The PoP series showcases, for the first time, cel-shaded graphics. While veterans might feel put off, the new move actually is much better. It doe an excellent job of making sure that the massive environments are breathtaking.

THE VERDICT

While this game might be low on replayability, the game is worth a try for veterans and new gamers alike. The latter can use this game to get introduced to the 3D platformer genre.

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