In the latest iteration of the beloved franchise, players are introduced to a roguelite experience that draws inspiration from both Dead Cells and Hades. Priced at /£25, The Rogue Prince of Persia is developed by Evil Empire and published by Ubisoft, offering a fresh take on the classic platforming adventure.
Unlike its predecessor, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, which adopted a metroidvania style, this new title embraces the roguelite genre. Players will find themselves equipped with essential abilities such as dashing and special attacks right from the start, although they may face challenges against formidable bosses until they discover a weapon that suits their playstyle better than the basic sword.
At the heart of the game lies a magical pendant that grants the Prince the ability to resurrect upon death, reminiscent of a Middle-Eastern Bill Murray. This mechanic proves invaluable as players navigate through battles against an invading army, where the Prince may find himself falling in combat against the enemy leader.
One of the challenges inherent in permadeath games is the temptation to step away after a frustrating defeat. The Rogue Prince cleverly addresses this issue by borrowing elements from Hades. After each demise, players return to an oasis where they can interact with a growing cast of characters rescued from the Huns. While these characters offer various mechanical benefits, the dialogue lacks the charm found in Hades, with conversations occasionally feeling repetitive.
Despite this shortcoming, the game excels in its action sequences. Players can perform dynamic moves such as dashes that transform into vaults near enemies, acrobatic flips to maneuver behind foes, and a kick that can send enemies crashing into each other or off ledges. The combat is fluid, with each weapon offering unique special attacks that can ignite foes or launch them into the air.
Movement mechanics are equally thrilling, allowing players to chain wall runs into jumps and dashes, ensuring that reaching seemingly inaccessible ledges is always within grasp. The game also introduces chase sequences initiated by offscreen sorcerers, adding an exhilarating layer of urgency that keeps players engaged.
The soundtrack, a fusion of Persian trap and Middle-Eastern folk instruments, complements the gameplay beautifully. Produced by Danny Asadi, the music features propulsive beats that naturally encourage players to keep pace with the action, making it a worthy addition to any workout playlist.
The artist formerly known as Prince
While the roguelite formula shines when each run feels distinct, The Rogue Prince occasionally falters in this regard. Some medallions, which provide situational buffs, may not align well with the weapons available during a run, leading to moments of underwhelming gameplay. However, the core mechanics remain engaging enough to offset these minor frustrations.
Ultimately, the essence of the Prince of Persia series continues to thrive, emphasizing the importance of fluidity in movement and combat. From its origins in 1989 to the present day, the franchise has evolved while maintaining the exhilarating flow that keeps players captivated.
