We take a look back at the newer iteration of Prince of Persia, which included a Zoroastrian version on the tale of a sword-fighting hero searching to rid the world of darkness. In the previous Sands of Time trilogy, our Persian prince utilized a dagger that was able to turn back time in the worst of circumstances to create more favorable odds; Now, in this 2008 reboot title, the Prince isn’t even a prince but a vagabond and has a partner who uses mystical light powers named Elika.
I was enthralled by the setting from the very beginning of the game and started having fun with its platforming gameplay mixed in with easy combat. Easy combat mechanics was exactly what it had, looking to target a large range of players from young to older who aren’t fluid with controls but it can be manipulated to do longer combos for those more accustomed. The Prince’s design is intriguing utilizes an elegant-looking gauntlet with sharpened claws along with a nimble sword while wearing plain desert garb but contrasted with a vibrant-colored scarf. Not only that, but the dialogue is hilarious and Nolan North does a fantastic job (as always) playing the Prince with his witty humor and sarcastic undertones.
Players will team up the Prince with Elika and her powers given to her from Ormazd, the god of light, to battle against Ahriman, the god of darkness and his Corrupted. Elika is mainly support throughout the game, making sure the Prince doesn’t die and supports his acrobatics with her magical abilities. Ahriman’s ranks include the Corrupted, four champions who gave their souls for personal desires, who are each unique looking and must be approached in different manners. They each have interesting backstories (told by Elika) and give the player mixed feelings about them. You either felt bad for them or hated their guts but, then again, nobody wants to look like a twisted, oily creature. This could have easily opened for books and/or comics to dive into more backstory, it’s such a large expansive world and I wanted to know more about it and the history!
It’s unfortunate that this game wasn’t co-operative, as it could have been good to play with someone either online or split-screen but it was still an entertaining solo adventure. Figuring out which ways to go while traversing the map while utilizing Prince’s acrobatics with Elika’s magic is mind-teasing. Later on, you gain access to using certain elemental plates in the environment to boost yourself to different areas, which could get complicated if not paying attention. Although, there wasn’t a real sense of trepidation as you know you can’t die in-game since Elika always steps in last minute to save the Prince.
For anyone who’s missed this game and enjoys puzzles, a good story, and acrobatically traversing environments then this is the game that you’ll want to get your hands on. It’s disappointing that Ubisoft hasn’t announced or even confirmed any form of sequel to it, I really wanted to see how the story would continue as it leaves it with a large cliffhanger. There is also downloadable content for the title that slightly continues the plot after the ending called “Epilogue”, which really sets the scene for another entry into the series.
There is, however, another game for the Nintendo DS called Prince of Persia: The Fallen King that continues the story after this one. It’s reminds me of Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories in that you won’t have to play it when a sequel comes out, but it’s there if you want to to learn more on how events bring you to the beginning of the sequel. We can only hope that the developers think of something for this bright, hilarious and plain awesome game. Unfortunately, we still haven’t heard whether Ubisoft will be continuing it this specific Prince of Persia. Which angers me!
What do you all think?
Missed it Monday is a unique segment designed to allow writers from TheHiddenLevels.com to share a retrospective look at their favorite games from the past. These games are past favorites from no particular console or time. Simply put these are games we think you may have missed or that we personally miss and want to share our memories of. Missed it Monday can be followed on social media using #MiM and is published weekly.
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