When Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was first revealed, it instantly stood out as both a return to the series roots and a new take on the series at the same time. A return to the series sidescroller roots was welcome, but as a Metroidvania, it heightened interest and potential for the series. But how were the overall results from it?
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is as mentioned, a Metroidvania, and this feels like the direction the series was always meant to be going in. The interconnected world is fully realized and explained in a very interesting way, bringing in the time bending concepts of previous entries but in a very different way. Mount Qaf feels very much like a West Asian version of Dracula’s Castle but in the sense that it is alive and changing, since it otherwise has its own identity.
One thing that stands out is the attention to detail and use of Persian history and mythology in the game, which is done to a degree never seen before in the series. Persian deities and monsters are mentioned and appear, but real historical figures also matter to the story, as do actual historical conflicts. The result is a game that feels both true to its roots as a franchise while being truer to its setting than ever before.
You are not playing as the titular prince this time, but rather as Sargon, one of the elite warriors known as the immortals. The prince has been kidnapped and taken to Mount Qaf and it is up to Sargon and the other immortals to rescue him, but things quickly prove to be more complex than expected and Sargon soon finds himself in a very different kind of adventure. Along the way, Sargon will encounter others who have been trapped on Mount Qaf and learn the nature of the curse placed on the location.
As with any Metroidvania, gaining new abilities to proceed is a major part of the game, but the world also connects in surprising ways, and you will find ways to get around that you did not expect. Traversing the world of Mount Qaf is both challenging and fun and the realization of this mythical location from Middle Eastern lore is well done, but don’t think this will just be about the main story. You will find multiple quests to do along the way, both main quests and side quests and these will yield their own rewards and explain much more of the story and game, along with providing upgrades like amulets.
One aspect of the game that needs mentioning are the amulets you can use to equip Sargon with. These amulets will give Sargon new buffs, some passive, and some not, including help finding secrets, more strengths and health and so on. You can only equip a limited number of amulets at first, but you will quickly find upgrades that allow you to equip more.
Combat in the game is handled well as Sargon has a variety of techniques and weapons, some gained throughout the game, and you are able to play in a way that suits you. Dodging and parrying are deeply involved elements, and certain parries will trigger an animation, and the animations do change as you upgrade Sargon and his abilities. You can also do training in the various techniques, and these will help you realize just how in depth the game’s mechanics really are.
There is something that does drag the game down a little, and that is that some of the movements can be a bit annoying to do using an analogue stick. Using d-pad style controls is not possible as those buttons are used for other items such as healing potions, so restricting the movement to the stick is understandable, but it remains that some movements can be annoying. Still, with how many options the game gives you for movement and combat, you can find a method that fits you well.
One thing that must be praised about Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is how good it looks. Even on Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, the game looks amazing and runs at a great frame rate. The visuals really pop and some of the character designs are especially brilliant, making the action look stunning.
In terms of audio, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has good music and some amazing voice acting that really sets the mood perfectly. In fact, there are a lot of touches that just make the game work, such as some foreshadowing roars as you approach one area, but if you go back the other way slightly, the roaring stops and does not just repeat when you immediately return without leaving the area. Stuff like this works well because it feels less like just automated programming and more like a real lived in world.
As a Metroidvania, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown feels like the direction the series has needed to go in for a very long time. The 3D games have had their ups and downs, with some acclaimed games and some derided by fans. With The Lost Crown, we have a game that feels like a true evolution of both the series and also Metroidvanias to an extent.
I have never played a game that has drawn me in the same way as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has, and I just want more with how much there is to do in the game. This is the direction the series needs to continue in and be built on, and Ubisoft would be wise to look at how they can apply the philosophy behind this game to other series the company owns. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown comes highly recommended both for fans of the franchise and new fans alike because this is a game for all to enjoy.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
