Prince of Persia Review

		7.0
		8.0 (1)

Written by Necrovex December 16, 2008 Favorites

Item Details

Item Name	Prince of Persia Review
Platform	Xbox 360
Category	Action/Adventure
Developer	Ubisoft
Publisher	Ubisoft
ESRB	T
Online Player Max	0
Offline Player Max	1
Price	59.99

Experience the new fantasy world of ancient Persia. Masterful storytelling and sprawling environments deliver a brand new adventure that re-opens the Prince of Persia saga. You have the freedom to determine how the game evolves in this non-linear adventure. Decide how you unfold the storyline by choosing your path in the open-ended world. In this strange land, your rogue warrior must use all of his skills, along with a whole new combat system, to battle Ahriman's corrupted lieutenants to heal the land from the dark Corruption and restore the light. Also, history's greatest ally is revealed in the form of Elika, a dynamic AI companion who joins the Prince in his fight to save the world. Gifted with magical powers, she interacts with you in combat, acrobatics and puzzle-solving, enabling the Prince to reach new heights of deadly high-flying artistry through special duo acrobatic moves or devastating fighting combo attacks.

Editor reviews

Prince of Persia Review

Overall rating:		7.0
Presentation Score:		8.0
Gameplay:		7.0
Graphics:		10.0
Sound:		9.0
Value Factor:		6.0
Final Score:		7.0

Reviewed by Necrovex
December 16, 2008
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

Bottom Line

Full Review

What the f*** happened to Prince of Persia?! It was one of the best series of last generation. Now it looks like a stupid cartoon?! Well, let me give you that answer, my crazy fanboy. Ubisoft thought because it was a new generation in the industry for the consoles that Prince of Persia needed a reboot. And the reboot is overall a great addition to the franchise.
First off, let me just state the art design is godly by all standards. The graphics for Prince of Persia will easily hit many people's top 10s list for this year. Many fans of the series will wave their fists in anger because of the cell shaded game and will deny it solely because of that reason. Well, like how the Legend of Zelda fans were like that with Wind Waker, they will truly miss a great game.
The overall story of Prince of Persia is decent enough. The story has you restore the land to prevent a dark God from breaking free of his entrapment. The stronger part of the story is the character development between the Prince and Elika. During my play through, I truly noticed the connection the Prince was starting to form with Elika.
In Prince of Persia, it is impossible to die… ever. People have been comparing it to how the Prince used the sand back in Sand of Times. How wrong those comparisons are. With Sand of Time, you only had a limited amount of energy and tries before you got the game over screen. In this new Prince of Persia game, I can let a retarded person play the game and they would make steady progress since it is truly impossible to die in this game, which does allow experimentation, but the sense of achievement is taken away.
The boss fights may outweigh the enemies you see in this game. All of the fights are one on one. From the get-go, the Prince does not learn any new moves but instead he has all of them at the very beginning in the game (with the exception of Elika’s assistance in battle). The combo system is nice, but it gets old and repetitive halfway through the game, and the combat have you use needless quick time events. If it meant for a cinematic value to kill a boss I could understand it but when I do a QTE to escape from an enemy’s attack, it gets old very quickly. I would have been happy if they kept the battle from Assassin Creed, instead of these dull one-on-one fights, where you can’t die. The animations at the very least are of very high quality.
The other major part of the core gameplay is platforming. The platforming is very hand hold-y, and will not let go for majority of the game. But the platforming is a very fun part of the game, and the animation during it is phenomenal. I did not play as carefully as I normally would in platforming section since there was no true consequence of failing anything. I wish the game would have loosened its grip for the platforming section, so I could feel more control on the Prince.
Prince of Persia is a game meant for the casual crowd to play. I do not understand why Ubisoft would not give the hardcore audience anything at all. Hell, giving us a hard mode that doesn’t let Elika save me from every single mistake I make would have been a treat for that audience. But for hardcore fans looking for a challenge, I tell you now to keep far away from this game.

Bottom Line

Prince of Persia is a successful reboot to the series. If you enjoyed the previous Prince of Persia game, you may very well enjoy this. Casual fans should have an easy time getting into the game because of the no death penalty. Overall, Prince of Persia is a great game that at least deserves a rental.

User reviews

Average user rating from: 1 user(s)

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Overall rating:		8.0
Presentation Score:		8.0 (1)
Gameplay:		9.0 (1)
Graphics:		9.0 (1)
Sound:		9.0 (1)
Value Factor:		7.0 (1)
Final Score:		8.0 (1)

Another Prince of Persia

Overall rating:		8.0
Presentation Score:		8.0
Gameplay:		9.0
Graphics:		9.0
Sound:		9.0
Value Factor:		7.0
Final Score:		8.0

Reviewed by Tomdoodle
January 06, 2009
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful

Bottom Line

Full Review

After the series' success during the last generation of consoles it was only a matter of time before Ubisoft Montreal, the developers behind 2007's Assassin's Creed, attempted to relaunch the Prince of Persia franchise. Could the new Prince live up to the standards of the old, or would he fall at the first great leap?

Prince of Persia is the standard Dark versus Light story, with the Prince and his partner Elika fighting to suppress Ahriman, the black, gloopy god of all things corrupt and malevolent. The Prince himself is, simply put, one of the most arrogant characters in any game, reinforcing just about every possible stereotype and without an ounce of originality or wit in his character or speech. Elika isn't much better, playing that irritatingly Disney-esque Princess - who's strength is apparently hindered by her tiny, beautiful shell - a character that has been used so many times that she is now entirely predictable. With the Prince and Elika being polar opposites there's a lot of banter throughout the game, usually revolving around asking and subsequently evading personal questions, or each character's philosophy on the world, perfectly regurgitated from 'The Clichéd Guide to the Inner Workings of Heroes and Heroines'.
Did I mention she could use magic? No? Well, you probably could have figured it out anyway.

However, while the characters may get on your nerves, it won't be enough for you to stop playing, thanks to Prince of Persia's excellent gameplay.

Most of your time playing Prince of Persia will be spent running, jumping, and falling down holes, in true platformer style, although somehow without the frustration and irritation that usually comes as standard in similar games. The platforming element is extremely well polished and refined, and Ubisoft have nailed the flow that can make other, similar games great. Admittedly, it can occasionally feel a little simplistic because you'll often be attempting similar, and fairly basic, challenges, and it's not nearly as frantic as other platforming experiences on the 360 (such as Ninja Gaiden II), so seasoned or veteran gamers may find Prince of Persia a little easy, at times.

Early into the game, you'll unlock Power Plates, which open up a whole new dimension of platforming - and the basic platforming is hardly restrictive! Running up walls and along roofs, being blown by divine winds across the world and even flight are all now possible, and despite the games inherent linearity, gives a fantastic sense of freedom. They add to the difficulty, too, as later levels require you to meticulously combine basic platforming with the power plates, resulting in an incredibly satisfactory spectacle.

Combat takes a back seat in Prince of Persia, and on the rare occasion it does take place you'll be locked into it, and forced to fight. When it comes to controlling the Prince in combat it's similar to Assassin's Creed, encouraging you to wait for the opportune moment before attacking your enemy. Unfortunately, while the combat is fairly enjoyably the first time round, it quickly becomes quite repetitive, as you'll only fight six different types of enemy, and most will be fought the same way. Also, once you've figured out how to effectively deflect attacks (which won't be hard, because half the time you'll be prompted), the combat becomes insultingly easy, and more a test of graft than skill.
The combat isn't the only thing that resembles Assassin's Creed...

As well as being important to the story, Elika also plays a very important role in the gameplay. As well as being used in platforming and combat, Elika's unique talents also prevent you from properly dying at any point in the game. Admittedly this isn't really different to any other game that uses checkpoints or autosaves, but having the game hold your hand so tightly does take the edge off the challenge. There isn't that pants-crapping panic after you've made the wrong jump, or the in depth planning of a difficult looking run, because you'll never be punished for it without as much as a snide remark. It's not something that more seasoned or veteran players are going to appreciate.
Even strong, independent princesses can't turn down a piggy back ride.

Prince of Persia boasts a unique art style, similar to a comic book. As you traverse the huge palace you'll be stunned by some of the views, and it only becomes more impressive as you play. As you gradually bring light back into the world, you'll be treated to incredible colours, which contrast the dark, gloomy worlds controlled by Ahriman beautifully. The musical score, too, is gorgeous, and again there is a noticeable contrast between the music for the light and dark worlds. It works perfectly in tune with the game's world, creating a superb cinematic experience.

Prince of Persia makes the leap between generations with style. While there are flaws, it remains a stylish and fun game, and arguably one of the best platformers on the 360. If you liked Assassin's Creed, this is definitely worth a look.
After the series' success during the last generation of consoles it was only a matter of time before Ubisoft Montreal, the developers behind 2007's Assassin's Creed, attempted to relaunch the Prince of Persia franchise. Could the new Prince live up to the standards of the old, or would he fall at the first great leap?

Prince of Persia is the standard Dark versus Light story, with the Prince and his partner Elika fighting to suppress Ahriman, the black, gloopy god of all things corrupt and malevolent. The Prince himself is, simply put, one of the most arrogant characters in any game, reinforcing just about every possible stereotype and without an ounce of originality or wit in his character or speech. Elika isn't much better, playing that irritatingly Disney-esque Princess - who's strength is apparently hindered by her tiny, beautiful shell - a character that has been used so many times that she is now entirely predictable. With the Prince and Elika being polar opposites there's a lot of banter throughout the game, usually revolving around asking and subsequently evading personal questions, or each character's philosophy on the world, perfectly regurgitated from 'The Clichéd Guide to the Inner Workings of Heroes and Heroines'.
Did I mention she could use magic? No? Well, you probably could have figured it out anyway.

However, while the characters may get on your nerves, it won't be enough for you to stop playing, thanks to Prince of Persia's excellent gameplay.

Most of your time playing Prince of Persia will be spent running, jumping, and falling down holes, in true platformer style, although somehow without the frustration and irritation that usually comes as standard in similar games. The platforming element is extremely well polished and refined, and Ubisoft have nailed the flow that can make other, similar games great. Admittedly, it can occasionally feel a little simplistic because you'll often be attempting similar, and fairly basic, challenges, and it's not nearly as frantic as other platforming experiences on the 360 (such as Ninja Gaiden II), so seasoned or veteran gamers may find Prince of Persia a little easy, at times.

Early into the game, you'll unlock Power Plates, which open up a whole new dimension of platforming - and the basic platforming is hardly restrictive! Running up walls and along roofs, being blown by divine winds across the world and even flight are all now possible, and despite the games inherent linearity, gives a fantastic sense of freedom. They add to the difficulty, too, as later levels require you to meticulously combine basic platforming with the power plates, resulting in an incredibly satisfactory spectacle.

Combat takes a back seat in Prince of Persia, and on the rare occasion it does take place you'll be locked into it, and forced to fight. When it comes to controlling the Prince in combat it's similar to Assassin's Creed, encouraging you to wait for the opportune moment before attacking your enemy. Unfortunately, while the combat is fairly enjoyably the first time round, it quickly becomes quite repetitive, as you'll only fight six different types of enemy, and most will be fought the same way. Also, once you've figured out how to effectively deflect attacks (which won't be hard, because half the time you'll be prompted), the combat becomes insultingly easy, and more a test of graft than skill.
The combat isn't the only thing that resembles Assassin's Creed...

As well as being important to the story, Elika also plays a very important role in the gameplay. As well as being used in platforming and combat, Elika's unique talents also prevent you from properly dying at any point in the game. Admittedly this isn't really different to any other game that uses checkpoints or autosaves, but having the game hold your hand so tightly does take the edge off the challenge. There isn't that pants-crapping panic after you've made the wrong jump, or the in depth planning of a difficult looking run, because you'll never be punished for it without as much as a snide remark. It's not something that more seasoned or veteran players are going to appreciate.
Even strong, independent princesses can't turn down a piggy back ride.

Prince of Persia boasts a unique art style, similar to a comic book. As you traverse the huge palace you'll be stunned by some of the views, and it only becomes more impressive as you play. As you gradually bring light back into the world, you'll be treated to incredible colours, which contrast the dark, gloomy worlds controlled by Ahriman beautifully. The musical score, too, is gorgeous, and again there is a noticeable contrast between the music for the light and dark worlds. It works perfectly in tune with the game's world, creating a superb cinematic experience.

Prince of Persia makes the leap between generations with style. While there are flaws, it remains a stylish and fun game, and arguably one of the best platformers on the 360. If you liked Assassin's Creed, this is definitely worth a look.

Written by :

Necrovex

Points: 3

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Discuss (3 posts)

Kari

Prince of Persia Review
Dec 23 2008 22:53:28

I actually cannot wait to play this game. Having an easy game to play is also a little bit of a nice breather once in a while too

#7633

U2NUMB

Prince of Persia Review
Dec 26 2008 20:16:46

I am considering buying this game... but it seems more like a rental. I am looking forward to it for sure!

#7674

Necrovex

Re:Prince of Persia Review
Dec 26 2008 20:18:19

U2NUMB wrote:
I am considering buying this game... but it seems more like a rental. I am looking forward to it for sure!

Rent it first. This game is very much a rental, not enough bang for you bucks if you buy it.

#7675

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