Prince of Persia

Prince of Persia

Ever since the classic eighties arcade game Prince of Persia’s was brilliantly re-imagined on the original Xbox, developer Ubisoft has struggled to know quite where to go next, switching indecisively between different visual styles and approaches. For this latest iteration in the series, the first for Xbox 360, the developer has opted to match arresting cel-shaded visuals with a heavy emphasis on the free-running characteristics of the series to date. The result is a unique yet familiar package that borrows the whisper of ideas from other games before mixing them together in creative and largely successful ways.

The game’s built from basic blocks of action and combat. Run at a wall and you’ll continue to run up it, a neat trick ensuring that you can cross small chasms by jumping into space and hurtling along the cave’s sides. By grasping onto hooks and crannies you can hoist yourself upwards, and, as an accomplished acrobat, your character will grasp onto any nearby pole, pillar, hook or cranny that you launch him towards.

A tall and beautiful princess Elika accompanies the prince throughout most of the adventure, providing magical support during fights saving you from a fall to your death whenever you misjudge a jump or drop from a ledge. In essence this means you can never really ‘die’ in the game, a bold move that removes some of the challenge and urgency to the gameplay.

The game’s at its best when, like in Mirror’s Edge, you’re moving from physical micropuzzle to micropuzzle in a seamless, flowing motions. It’s very satisfying to realise where you need to get to before setting off at a full sprint, running and jumping onwards as the camera wheels and dives around you. Sometimes the game cheats at creating this sense of flow by flashing up button inputs that must be matched to trigger the platforming sequence, but the sense of speed and drama is impressive.

The game’s main focus is on physical puzzles, with, thanks to the small number of enemies, combat as an occasional treat. We say treat because the combat system is highly enjoyable, requiring precision inputs, attacks and blocks, to fell foes. The game world is divided into sections, and successfully completing each section will turn it from dark stony ground to lush green pasture. The sense of accomplishment in transforming the world from dreary grey to vibrant colour is satisfying and provides and effective drive throughout.

Prince of Persia is a well-crafted, quality game. Any animosity and irritation you might feel toward prince thanks to his cocky American countenance soon dissipates and you’ll grow fond of the pair as they work their way from puzzle to puzzle. Despite its impressive acrobatics, the game falls a little short of The Sands of Time but comes highly recommended nonetheless.

4 out of 5