Prince of Persia was one of the biggest games series I grew up playing, I have played the OG Sands of Time, Warrior Within, Two Thrones, heck even the 2008 reboot. Which saddens me to know that the franchise is mostly reduced to film IPs, and not had a single release in years.
Well, up until recently as last year. A side-scroller metroidvania game called Lost Crown was out and, funny enough, they thought they could squeeze more by pricing it 60 dollars. Stupid as that sounds, it wasn't a bad game, but this was not at the same AAA level as their other games. Hence, it flopped. But I played it, and thought it was alright, in fact this was more engaging, challenging, and was filled with many things to discover, including abilities to help with platforming.
The game presents a rich narrative that intertwines mythology with personal growth, akin to the prior games. Here, you play as Sargon, a member of the Immortals, as they fight off the Kushan Empire that has pushed the Persian empire close to ruination.
Then lo and behold, one of your own, Anahita, betrays the crown by kidnapping the Prince, taking him to Mount Qaf where a great ancient citadel that is lost to some time curse. Basically, reality is so warped, they're seeing versions of themselves from different timelines. Within the pursuit, you learn more about who Anahita exactly, and why she did it. If you can deal with the chase.
The allure has always been about intricate storytelling, vibrant settings, and parkour-based gameplay with lore-rich collectibles scattered throughout the environment, rewarding exploration accompanied by deep world building. Even going as far as to pay homages to the older games.
Combat is simple, your sword does all the fighting, button smashing puts out triple slash combos. Holding does a charge attack that blows wind, but you can even tap, and do a charge attack as well. Sargon is very versatile with jumps, and dodging, can even parry attacks. In some point, if you damage enemies and block attacks, you accumulate mana to use for special abilities.
Of which, you can only equip two. And of course, my favorite, directional midair attacks. Platforming is tricky as hell, but not too tough and imposing. It's obvious influences come from Ori and Hollow Knight, making almost every level feel like they give an incline of caution. Exploration and platforming elements provide a break from engaging sometimes, majority of the areas are free to explore with puzzles varying in complexity. If not, plenty of tough enemies to kill.
This game sings true to what Prince of Persia was all about, including the badassery that came with. Sargon killing enemies, allow him to farm crystals, which he can use to purchase items and upgrades even. Though, easy to get lost in all, not if you follow the objectives.
Some of these locations are meticulously crafted, showcasing a blend of architecture staying true to Persian culture, with the lush landscapes, grand hallways, tombs, and mystical elements mixed in. As I've said, time has warped reality, and my sense of direction. Then again, not all was for naught, as there are side quests with interesting characters and treasures I've found.
PRG elements come and goes, but there's nothing like finding amulets that increases damage long as my health is full, giving me bonus health at start, midair damage, and so on. It doesn't end there, I've said the gameplay is tough, as in dying becomes quite frequent.
Unless you're nimble on the fingers, and can dodge just at the right pixel position of timing. Yeah, certain enemies really gave me a run for my money. Which is why it felt super rewarding that I did get new stuff afterward. I had to go further down below to a forest, before going up against this pig boss, who was kind of easy, and relied on easy gimmicks like back attacks and dodges.
Then there are those, like warriors lost in time and sanity, whom I have to fight in order to make them go to the afterlife. Some are so pesky, like those stupid bats, or the flock of birds pecking at me. When I finally got my bow and arrow, those guys didn't know what hit 'em. Also, it's cleverly integrated into platforming by shooting leaves that allow me to venture other places.
What I'm trying to say, I guess, is there's always something new to find. This game is vast, many intricate places to explore, and a lot of challenges to go through. It's not the main Prince's best adventure, but like one of those memorable spin-offs you're glad you came across.
Moreover, I've remembered just how old I am, judging by the Easter Eggs laid around too. The visuals don't even look bad, despite me playing this on a Nintendo Switch. It mostly runs smooth. Even the production for value for the VA, music, and art style is top-notch. I can put almost 20hrs into this, and still wouldn't be half the game. That being said, 60 dollars is very steep.
PS: I have not reached at the point where I can double jump to reach higher levels yet. The game takes a long while to get there