Game developers: Please play this game if you'd like to see how NOT to handle 2D gameplay controls.
First off, I want to say that I love 2D platformers, and I've been waiting awhile for game developers to bring 2D gameplay back with 3D "sprites". New Super Mario Brothers did it. Castlevania is doing it. Prince of Persia...should have avoided it.
Look, the game is very pretty to look at. They did a great job with the visuals. They did a great job with aesthetics and level design.
That's about where the positives end, though. The primary downfall of this game - and I mean that it's enough to make it not fun to play - is the controls. These are some of the most imprecise, terrible controls I've ever seen in a game. The joystick alone makes you walk, jump, crouch, leap forward, back flip, and climb up or down all based on where you are at the moment, or how much the game hates you at the moment. I mention the last part because I've lost track of how many time a light tap on the joystick meant to make my stupid Prince take a step forward instead resulted in him leaping with all the enthusiasm he could muster down to his death in a pit.
The game basically tries to preserve 2D timing but with 3D animation, and it doesn't work. There were plenty of times the Prince would slide off a platform to his death because the animation sequence of him landing would put him right over the edge. It's frustrating stuff.
Ultimately, I don't feel that this game is worth the $10, not even if you just want to hack through it for Achievements. It's a grinding, frustrating experience that really leaves a lot to be desired.