Hey friends! I’ve been exploring Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown since its August 8 release, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on what worked, what stumbled, and whether this dash‑and‑slice adventure deserves your time. Grab a warm drink, settle in, and let’s dive in.
Overall Impressions
This game masterfully blends Metroid‑style exploration, Celeste‑level platforming, Zelda‑like gadgets, and Assassin’s Creed’s rich lore—all wrapped in Persian myth. Controls are smooth, maps are thoughtfully designed, and the challenge feels delightfully old‑school. Its tight combat and world structure rival Hollow Knight, but with brighter art and Persian flair. My only gripe: some zones feel a bit sprawling—10–20% smaller would suit my tastes. Still, rewinding time and uncovering secrets was an absolute blast.
Gameplay Mechanics
Wall‑running, double‑jumps, and grappling hooks feel fantastic. Combat mixes light and heavy slashes, timed parries, and two magical powers you swap on the fly. It’s often called “2D Sekiro,” and while more forgiving than Souls‑likes, precision remains key. Boss fights range from tough to “I almost hurled my controller,” but triumphs feel deeply rewarding. Upgrades serve puzzles, combat, and lore hunts. You can tweak difficulty anytime—no achievement penalties—so both casual and hardcore players stay happy. Steam Deck users, beware of reported Ubisoft Connect hiccups, though.
Story and Characters
You play Sargon, a young warrior exiled from his city, chasing a mysterious cult and time‑bending secrets. Along the way, you meet a cheeky sidekick, discover cryptic messages, and collect “memories” that genuinely enrich the plot. I often stayed up late just to read the final lore snippets. Voice acting shines—NPC chats feel genuine, and I looked forward to Sargon’s banter after a tough platforming segment.
Visuals and Graphics
Ubisoft Montpellier nails a storybook meets mythic‑epic vibe with detailed 2.5D backdrops. Vibrant desert sands, lush oases, and twisting ruins invite frequent pauses to admire ornate tile work and sweeping vistas. Character animations are fluid—wall‑runs and mid‑air slashes convey real momentum. It’s not hyper‑realistic, but its hand‑painted style kept me glued to the screen.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack is a standout: traditional Persian instruments blend seamlessly with subtle rock beats. Boss fights thump your heart, while hidden shrines soothe you with duduk melodies. Sound effects—sword clashes, whip cracks, magical blasts—hit a perfect balance of weight and satisfaction. Props to the voice cast for delivering lines with genuine personality, even in throwaway side quests.
Difficulty and Replayability
If you love a challenge, this one delivers. Platforming puzzles sometimes demand pixel-perfect jumps, and some bosses made me swear under my breath (in the friendliest way possible). On normal difficulty, I had to master every skill; on hard, people say it’s a true masterclass. I loved jumping back in for the optional platforming trials—these reward you with lore, upgrades, and pure bragging rights. The “memory” screenshot feature is genius for marking tricky spots. And because you can tweak difficulty mid-game, newcomers won’t feel locked out. Even after a full run, I found hidden lore fragments and power‐up areas I’d missed, so I’m tempted to dive back in for that 100% completion.
Behind-the-Scenes Tidbits
Ubisoft Montpellier, the creative force behind Rayman Origins and Rabbids, returned to Prince of Persia after a long hiatus. They teased this project at Ubisoft Forward 2023, promising a time-warp twist on classic platforming. The team drew heavily from Persian folklore—many of the enemy designs and level motifs come straight from Zoroastrian myths. Composer Meng Yu, known for blending traditional world music with modern scores, spearheaded the soundtrack, giving it that unique East-meets-West flair.
Final Thoughts
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown rekindles the magic of a neglected franchise with a fresh, polished Metroidvania twist. Its gorgeous visuals, nimble controls, and flexible difficulty settings make it a fantastic pick for both casual players and genre veterans. A few zones felt a tad overextended, and PC launcher hiccups may frustrate some—but overall, it’s a warm, engaging ride through a beautiful mythic world.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
If you’re craving a stylish, challenging action-platformer with heart, this one’s definitely worth your time.
Add Prince of Persia The Lost Crown to your Steam collection!
