Happy Holidays gaming enthusiasts! I’m Lewis, and welcome to another XPN Gaming review!
Ubisoft, renowned for iconic franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Watch Dogs, has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable gaming experiences. Recently, they've turned their focus to revitalising classic series, and their latest project brings a fresh perspective to the beloved Prince of Persia franchise.
Enter Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a bold reimagining of the series.
For newcomers, Prince of Persia is a legendary action-adventure franchise often compared to Assassin’s Creed for its focus on acrobatic traversal and gripping combat, though set in the sands of ancient Persia.
The Lost Crown introduces a brand-new standalone side-scrolling adventure, starring a new protagonist and an original storyline crafted by Ubisoft. Whether you're a long-time fan or entirely new to the franchise, this game offers an exciting journey to jump into.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Release Date: January 18th 2024
PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac
"Most people think time is like a river that flows swift and sure in one direction."
The hype for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has been steadily building since its announcement. As a reimagining rather than a direct sequel or remake, it represents a bold new direction for the franchise, which has long been cherished for its rich storytelling and innovative gameplay. Ubisoft’s decision to introduce a new protagonist and a fresh narrative offers an exciting opportunity to reinvigorate the series while making it accessible to a new generation of players.
The trailers showcased a vibrant, dynamic world filled with fluid platforming, intricate puzzles, and fast-paced combat, reminiscent of the series' classic roots but modernised with stunning visuals and enhanced mechanics. For long-time fans like myself, this promised a nostalgic return to the franchise's core while embracing new ideas. Based on my past experience with the Prince of Persia series, I expected nothing less than a captivating blend of acrobatics, combat, and clever environmental puzzles.
The announcement of customisable difficulty and dual navigation modes added to the anticipation, suggesting that Ubisoft aimed to appeal to both hardcore fans and casual players. With these elements in play, The Lost Crown had the potential to stand out not only as a worthy entry in the franchise but also as a must-play title in the action-adventure genre.
So, let's explore Persia and see if The Lost Crown lives up to the other Prince of Persia legends!
Story and Setting
Welcome to Persepolis, an ancient city nestled in the heart of Persia. In this epic adventure, you assume the role of Sargon, an Immortal charged with safeguarding the city and its royal family from the invading forces led by the ruthless Kushan General Uvishka.
After a fierce battle culminating in a gripping showdown against General Uvishka, Sargon and his fellow Immortals emerge victorious, securing peace for Persepolis. In recognition of his bravery, Sargon is honoured with a prestigious royal sash by Queen Thomyris and Prince Ghassan.
Guided by Vahram, the leader of the Immortals, Sargon reunites with his mentor Anahita and joins the rest of his team—Orod, Menolias, Neith, and Artaban-on the city's rooftop. Their brief reunion is cut short by Radjen, another Immortal, who brings alarming news: Prince Ghassan has been abducted, plunging the unfolding tale into an unexpected twist. As the plot thickens, I'd love to divulge more, but NO SPOILERS I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprises that lie ahead-trust me, it's a thrilling journey that caught me completely off guard!
The Queen entrusts Sargon and the Immortals with a critical mission: embark on a perilous journey to Mount Qaf to rescue Prince Ghassan and ensure his safe return. Sounds straightforward, right? But nothing is as simple as it seems in this action-packed game filled with adventure and suspense. Alongside engaging main quests that drive the campaign forward, you'll encounter characters offering intriguing side quests. These optional missions not only enrich the storyline but also provide valuable resources and insights essential for the challenges that lie dead ahead.
Choose wisely—you never know what crucial role these quests might play in shaping the outcome of your journey through Prince of Persia.
"You had your chance to take me, you won't get another!"
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown transports players to a vividly crafted world inspired by ancient Persian mythology and culture, blending historical elements with fantasy. The game’s setting is a sprawling, semi-open environment filled with intricate architecture, lush landscapes, and treacherous dungeons.
Each location feels meticulously designed, from the sunlit courtyards and shadowy ruins to the breathtaking vistas atop towering structures.
The lore is richly woven into the environment, with subtle details like ancient inscriptions, murals, and artefacts hinting at the history and myths of this world. The story unfolds naturally through these elements, encouraging players to explore and uncover the secrets hidden in every corner.
NPC interactions and narrative moments add further depth, breathing life into the world and connecting players to its larger mysteries.
The environments themselves are not only visually stunning but also highly interactive. From crumbling ledges and swinging ropes to complex puzzle mechanisms, every area feels like a living, breathing part of the game.
Dynamic weather effects, ambient soundscapes, and small touches, like fluttering leaves or shimmering water, contribute to the immersion, making the world feel alive and responsive. Proof Ubisoft knows how to bring a world to life!
"I am the Prince of Persia, and the King of Blades!"
As the protagonist, Sargon is a bold, duty-driven Immortal who evolves throughout the game. His journey reveals personal growth, from a confident warrior to a reflective leader. His struggles, choices, and relationships make him relatable and human.
The Immortals bring personality and depth to the narrative. Anahita, Sargon’s mentor, is wise and protective, while leader Vahram offers a stoic counterbalance. Teammates like Artaban and Neith add levity and camaraderie, while villains like Uvishka bring complexity to the conflict.
Through well-delivered dialogue and dynamic cutscenes, players witness meaningful bonds and character growth. Sargon’s reliance on his team reflects his maturing leadership, making his journey feel earned.
Gameplay
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown immerses players in a challenging Metroidvania-style platformer where combat demands precision and strategy. This isn’t merely swinging Sargon's iconic dual swords, Qays and Layla, hoping for victory. Combat is nuanced and demanding—timing combos, and utilizing dodge and parry mechanics strategically is crucial, especially against relentless foes who won’t hesitate to exploit any opening.
A quick tip: When enemies flash red, evade or slide; attempting to parry will result in significant damage or even death. On the other hand, yellow flashes signal parryable attacks, triggering powerful countermoves that can swiftly turn the tide. As you progress, you'll acquire the Bow of Menolias—a modest yet invaluable tool for engaging distant or agile airborne enemies.
Your journey in Prince of Persia unfolds through mastering Athra, a sacred energy that enhances combat prowess. Accumulating Athra by defeating foes is pivotal, but beware—any damage or defeat depletes your accumulated Athra. Once charged, unleash devastating attacks like Verethragna’s Smite, a ground-based piercing strike that obliterates defences. Discover a variety of Athra abilities, each with its own cooldown and escalating in power from Level 1 to Level 3.
"Well, Immortal. You Stand Before A True Immortal"
Enemies are diverse and formidable, from standard foes to formidable bosses, each with distinct appearances and attack patterns. Boss battles demand strategy and adaptation; memorising their moves is often essential for victory. Be diligent in saving progress and upgrading equipment to avoid losing significant gameplay time, utilising Wak Wak trees as checkpoints—they also replenish health, energy, arrows, and potions.
"The World Does Not Revolve Around You, Young Man"
Exploration is key in this expansive open-world adventure, such as scaling Mount Qaf for hours and uncovering diverse landscapes and unique locales. Discover quest items and lore that enrich the narrative, alongside numerous collectables that reward thorough exploration. Parkour mechanics—running, climbing, jumping, swinging, and wall-jumping—are integral for navigating challenging terrains and reaching coveted items. Utilise memory shards to mark inaccessible collectables for future retrieval once you've acquired the necessary skills.
While exploring, uncover chests containing Azure Damascus, essential for upgrading weapons. Seek out Xerxes, rare gold coins useful for purchasing and enhancing equipment. Unearth Time Crystals from defeated foes or environmental sources, serving as currency for amulet upgrades and essential items. Collect and utilise various Amulets to enhance weapon strength or boost health and energy, with deluxe edition bonuses offering time-saving conveniences like a collectable-locating bird.
"A Prince? There Hasn't Been A Prince Here In So Long... I've Only Seen You"
Customisation options continue to grow with new Sargon Outfits and Amulets, offering both aesthetic variety and strategic advantages. Discover and equip these new items to tailor your gameplay experience and enhance your abilities in combat and exploration.
These updates ensure that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown remains an engaging and dynamic experience, with something new for every player to enjoy as they delve deeper into the mysteries of ancient Persia.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers a diverse array of environments and quests, from scaling Mount Qaf to uncovering hidden lore. Optional side quests provide additional rewards, especially if you are trying to get that 100%!
Story DLC
Expand your adventure with the newest Story DLC—The Mask of Darkness, which has promising new narratives, characters, and quests that deepen the lore of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Immerse yourself in fresh storylines and unravel mysteries that further enrich your journey through the expansive world of Persepolis.
There are also different modes, including a Speedrun Mode for those who want to be the best of the best. This also includes A Permadeath mode, which really adds a challenge to the game, hats off to anyone who can complete this game without dying even once. You can also check out the Boss Rush Mode, Divine Trials Challenges and tons of new outfits for Sargon and Amulets.
Graphics and Visual Design
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown features a vibrant and stylised art direction that perfectly complements its Metroidvania gameplay and mystical tone. Each environment brims with intricate details, from the foreboding Depths of the Citadel to sunlit, open expanses, offering a stunning contrast that keeps exploration visually fresh. The design strikes a balance between realism and fantasy, immersing players in a world that feels alive yet distinctly otherworldly.
"Don't Fight The Currents. Learn To Sail The High Winds, Kid"
The game runs smoothly, delivering high-quality textures and consistently maintaining a solid frame rate, even in demanding combat or platforming sequences. On supported platforms, the visual fidelity shines with crisp graphics and atmospheric effects such as dynamic lighting and particle systems. Bugs are minimal, and the game feels well-optimised, with minimal loading times that keep the pace fluid and engaging.
"A True Warrior... Needs No Weapon"
The game runs smoothly, delivering high-quality textures and consistently maintaining a solid frame rate, even in demanding combat or platforming sequences. On supported platforms, the visual fidelity shines with crisp graphics and atmospheric effects such as dynamic lighting and particle systems. Bugs are minimal, and the game feels well-optimised, with minimal loading times that keep the pace fluid and engaging.
"And Bravery Is What Makes Us Immortals"
Standout cinematic moments include the dynamic animations of Sargon’s combat moves, which flow seamlessly into gameplay, making every duel feel epic. Cutscenes blend fluid motion capture with expressive character design, drawing players into the unfolding story. Set pieces—such as a high-speed chase through collapsing terrain or encounters with towering bosses—offer unforgettable visual spectacles that amplify the game's intensity and drama.
Sound & Music
The sound design in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is exemplary, adding depth and immersion to every aspect of the gameplay. From the resonant clash of Sargon's dual swords to the subtle creak of ancient structures, every sound feels purposeful and atmospheric. Environmental cues, like the ominous echoes in dark corridors or the rustling winds in open expanses, effectively build tension and intrigue. Combat sound effects provide immediate feedback, heightening the intensity of battles and making every hit, dodge, and parry feel impactful.
"I had faced my enemy, I had looked into his eyes, and I had lost...everything."
The voice acting is a standout feature, delivering believable and emotionally resonant performances that bring the characters to life. Sargon’s journey is given depth through compelling dialogue and expressive voice work, allowing players to connect with his growth and struggles. Even the supporting characters shine, adding personality and layers to the narrative through nuanced delivery. Despite the non-linear storytelling, the voice acting ensures that the emotional beats land effectively.
"So this is it, what is written in the timeline cannot be changed."
The dynamic soundtrack masterfully adapts to the game’s pace and mood, enhancing immersion at every turn. Serene, melodic themes accompany exploration, creating a sense of wonder and discovery while adrenaline-pumping rhythms heighten the urgency during combat and boss encounters. The score’s flexibility ensures that no moment feels repetitive or out of place, making it an integral part of the game’s atmosphere and storytelling.
User Experience & Accessibility
The user interface in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown strikes a fine balance between functionality and elegance. Menus, maps, and the heads-up display (HUD) are cleanly designed, offering clear navigation and essential information without feeling cluttered. Interactive maps feature intuitive markers for objectives, collectables, and key locations, making exploration manageable and rewarding. Customisable HUD options allow players to tailor the interface to their preferences, reducing distractions while maintaining vital gameplay cues.
"What's At The End Of My Blade?"
Accessibility is a cornerstone of the game’s design, with a comprehensive range of settings to accommodate diverse player needs. Colourblind modes, adjustable subtitles with scalable text sizes, and customisable background opacity ensure visual clarity for all players. Simplified controls and toggleable quick-time events provide alternatives for those who prefer less dexterous input requirements. The game also features adaptive difficulty adjustments, enabling players to overcome challenging sections without diminishing the overall experience.
"I am the architect of my own destruction."
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is optimised for smooth performance across platforms. Load times are minimal, ensuring seamless transitions between gameplay and exploration. The game maintains consistent frame rates even during visually intense sequences, enhancing immersion and responsiveness. On more powerful systems, players can enjoy higher graphical fidelity and faster load times, while the game still runs reliably on older hardware, demonstrating commendable scalability.
Innovation & Comparison
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revitalises the Metroidvania genre with a blend of classic mechanics and modern innovations. The game's use of Athra, a sacred energy system, not only powers combat abilities but also integrates seamlessly into exploration and puzzle-solving, offering a fresh layer of strategy. Dynamic music and adaptive audio cues enhance the immersive experience, reacting in real-time to the player’s actions. Additionally, the parkour system, a series hallmark, has been refined for fluidity, allowing for creative navigation across its intricate environments.
"Father, I have brought us honour and glory."
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown takes a bold turn from the third-person action-adventure style of past games in the franchise, instead embracing a side-scrolling Metroidvania structure. This shift introduces a more focused exploration and progression system, reminiscent of Hollow Knight and Ori and the Will of the Wisps.
The combat, which emphasises precision and adaptability, rivals Dead Cells in complexity, with its reliance on timing and strategy. The game’s vibrant art direction and intricate animations set it apart, while its robust accessibility options make it more inclusive than many of its predecessors. This blend of nostalgic roots and contemporary innovation appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Final Thoughts
Strengths
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown embarks on an entirely new journey, introducing us to a fresh Prince of Persia and a new protagonist, Sargon. This bold move breathes new life into the franchise, revitalising the game everyone loved while staying true to its roots.
With an overhauled combat and parkour system, intricate puzzles, and a vast new lore to uncover, the game offers a rich and immersive experience. Players traverse stunning landscapes and environments, facing enemies and bosses that are both fun and challenging. Along the way, unforgettable characters bring the story to life, creating moments that will stay with players long after their adventure ends.
Weaknesses
With its strengths come some weaknesses, and unfortunately, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown presented one major frustration during my playthrough. To achieve 100% completion, players must tackle all missions, side quests, boss fights, and collectables. However, I encountered a particularly frustrating glitch that left one mission stuck, preventing further progress. This issue forced me to restart the entire game, replaying everything from scratch—an incredibly time-consuming endeavour.
Thankfully, this bug has since been addressed in an update, but at the time, it meant hours of effort felt wasted. Despite the setback, I persevered, restarted, and ultimately managed to Platinum the game. While this experience was frustrating, it’s worth noting that the developers have taken steps to ensure other players won’t face the same issue.
"Hmm, Are You Courageous Enough? And Clever Enough To Save Your Friend?"
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was an absolute joy from start to finish. Every moment kept me engaged, with even the boss fights leaving a lasting impression. Sure, there were a few rage-inducing moments, but that only added to the thrill of conquering its challenges. The game’s art design and environments truly brought the world to life, immersing me completely.
The characters were wonderfully crafted, the combat was smooth and satisfying, and the parkour mechanics felt seamless. Honestly, this is one of the best games I’ve played this year, firmly earning its spot in my top 10.
Ubisoft has consistently impressed me with its game offerings, and Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was no exception. And so, getting the platinum for this game was worth it! Initially sceptical, I was pleasantly surprised by how the game breathed new life into a nostalgic franchise. It's a testament to Ubisoft's ability to innovate and revive beloved series, leaving me eager to see what they'll create next. This instalment not only honoured the legacy of Prince of Persia but also set a promising precedent for future releases from the studio.
Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to take a moment to read this review, your support is always appreciated and means the world to me!
So, from all of us and myself thank you! Oh, and guys before you go always remember to… KEEP GAMING!
XPN Rating: 5 out of 5 (Platinum)
If you enjoyed this, make sure to check out Ash's review on The Rogue Prince of Persia below!
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