The Prince of Persia franchise has seen a resurgence in recent years from a repeatedly delayed remake to a Metroidvania entry that put the genre back on the map. This year, Ubisoft experiments once again with The Rogue Prince of Persia, a title that blends the classic essence of the series with Roguelike mechanics, delivering an adventure that’s both challenging and addictive.
Unlike previous installments, this game doesn’t share a direct connection with the earlier titles, aside from the iconic theme of rewinding time. That makes the Roguelike approach feel completely natural: every time you die, you start over, losing the abilities you’ve gained but keeping the coins that can be used to unlock permanent upgrades. This system encourages steady progression and gives a satisfying sense of growth, even through failure.
One of the game’s strongest aspects is its Metroidvania-inspired structure. Instead of traversing randomly generated rooms, each level is thoughtfully designed, allowing exploration both horizontally and vertically. You can uncover hidden areas and alternate routes much like in traditional action-exploration titles.
Combat is fast and precise, focused on timing your attacks and dodges. A standout feature is the ability to move between the foreground and background layers of the environment, offering multiple ways to maneuver or even avoid fights entirely. Each level is filled with secrets: chests, hidden doors with challenges, and optional boss fights. You’ll also encounter NPCs who sell weapon upgrades or offer side quests that expand the game’s narrative.
The story, while simple, serves its purpose well. Persia is invaded by mercenaries, and after the prince dies trying to stop them, he’s resurrected with the power to return three days before his death each time he falls. It’s a cycle of redemption and perseverance that fits perfectly with the game’s mechanics.
Visually, The Rogue Prince of Persia adopts a hand-drawn, cartoon-like art style. While not particularly impressive, its colorful and clean presentation makes the experience enjoyable, even if the lack of expressive animations keeps it from feeling fully alive.
In conclusion, The Rogue Prince of Persia is a solid entry that successfully combines elements of action, Metroidvania, and Roguelike gameplay. Its fluid combat and well-crafted progression systems make it a fun experience, though its simple story and modest visuals hold it back from greatness. Still, it’s a worthwhile recommendation for players who enjoy challenge and innovation within classic franchises.
Final Score: 4/5
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