Prince of Persia – The Lost Crown review (PS5)

We weren’t sure what to think of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown when it was announced. After all, the remake of Sands of Time has had some production issues and this was going to be a bold new direction for the franchise, with Ubisoft taking a step into the realm of Metroidvanias. This 2.5D adventure meant a departure from the traditional 3D format that fans might have expected from the franchise, yet also a possible return to the roots. The game, available on major systems including the PlayStation 5, invites players to dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where time and space are at the player’s command – here’s our review.

As Sargon, part of the Immortals responsible for the safety of the royal family, you evolve from a promising sword-wielding warrior to an extraordinary legend, mastering acrobatic combat and unlocking Time Powers over the course of the campaign. The premise unfolds as the Immortals, having seemingly defeated evil, celebrate a victory that is short-lived as Prince Ghassan is kidnapped during the festivities that follow. The story, while not groundbreaking and sometimes a tad familiar, presents twists and turns during the adventure, and constantly remains engaging.

But while the story entertains, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown shines most brightly in its gameplay mechanics, particularly in combat. Unlike many Metroidvania titles, the fighting is not just hack-and-slash; it features a surprisingly deep combat system where stringing together basic attacks offers numerous combinations. Defensive techniques are seamlessly integrated into combos as well, and additional abilities, unlocking more combinations and finishing moves, provide more and more variety over time. The need to adapt strategies against different enemies adds complexity as well, making combat highly engaging.

The platforming aspect of the game – a crucial element of any Prince of Persia title – takes some time to find its stride but eventually offers a thrilling experience. Drawing inspiration from modern 2D platforming titles, the game combines jumping, dodging obstacles, and using special abilities in a fast-paced manner where you string all these moves together in well-designed levels, providing an exhilarating challenge.

One notable feature is the game’s interesting solution to the common Metroidvania mechanic of encountering inaccessible areas that you can’t get to without the required skills. The Lost Crown allows players to take snapshots of these locations and view them on the map, making it much easier to return to them and not spend too much time backtracking and searching for them.

Accessibility in general has been a key focus for the developers, allowing both hardcore and casual players to enjoy the game. The customizable difficulty levels, letting you adjust factors like enemy damage and your own special attack meter speed, provide a tailored experience. This inclusivity is at a level rarely seen before and ensures that everyone can find enjoyment in The Lost Crown.

The visuals of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are another standout feature, featuring a stylized, cartoonish aesthetic. The choice of this artistic direction allows for a clean and beautiful presentation, with various environments impressing players. The game supports a high resolution of 4K on current-generation consoles, scaling up to make use of the horsepower in today’s Xbox and PlayStation controls while still being available for Switch users as well. The audiovisual experience is complemented by a fitting musical score and excellent voice acting, where the score enhances the overall atmosphere.

In conclusion, Ubisoft delivers a fantastic Metroidvania experience with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. The deep combat system, excellent platforming, and attention to accessibility and scalability make it a standout title in the genre. With stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and thoughtful design choices, The Lost Crown proves to be one of the best Prince of Persia titles yet and a great reboot for a dormant franchise.

Score: 9.0/10