“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” marks the iconic series’ return after 14 years. This hands-on preview explores the game’s Metroidvania revival, promising a fusion of classic platforming roots with modern accessibility and captivating challenges.
Rediscovering the Prince: A Fresh Take on a Classic Series
After a 14-year hiatus, the Prince of Persia series is making a triumphant return with “The Lost Crown.” Departing from the familiar third-person action style, the game embraces a 2.5D Metroidvania approach, reminiscent of the series’ original sidescrolling platformer roots. Let’s delve into the exciting features that make this revival noteworthy.
Meet Sargon: A Hero’s Journey to Rescue Prince Ghassan
In this installment, players step into the shoes of Sargon, one of the elite Immortals on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Prince Ghassan. The backdrop is Mount Qaf, a once-thriving hub of knowledge now cursed and overrun with undead foes. Despite its ominous reputation, Mount Qaf surprises with diverse biomes like the Hyrcanian Forest and the puzzle-laden Sacred Archives.
The Lost Crown: A Solid Metroidvania Experience
True to the Prince of Persia legacy, “The Lost Crown” embraces Metroidvania elements. Expect backtracking, secret doors, and challenging platforming gauntlets. Unlocking new abilities is pivotal for both traversal and combat, adding depth to the gameplay. Notably, the Memory Shards system enhances the experience, allowing players to attach screenshots to map pins for easy reference.
Amulets and Customization: Tailoring Your Adventure
Introducing an amulet system akin to Hollow Knight’s charms, customization takes center stage. Switching between amulet combinations enhances exploration or aids in intense boss battles. Finding or purchasing amulets adds an extra layer of depth to the game, encouraging thorough exploration.
Player-Friendly Features: A Breath of Fresh Air
“The Lost Crown” introduces player-friendly features like a forgiving death penalty and golden breezes guiding players to undiscovered areas. A fast travel system further streamlines exploration, minimizing potential frustrations. These thoughtful touches demonstrate a commitment to making the Metroidvania experience more enjoyable.
Combat Mastery: Tight and Challenging
Combat shines as a highlight, offering Sargon’s directional attacks and a focus on timing and pattern recognition. Athra Surges, unlockable abilities fueled by the Athra meter, add strategic depth. Boss fights, like the intricate encounter with Jahandra, showcase diverse mechanics, providing both challenge and satisfaction.
Accessibility: Welcoming All Players
In a commendable move, “The Lost Crown” caters to a broad audience. Adjustable difficulty settings, colorblindness modes, controller remapping, and multi-language voiceovers, including Farsi, create an inclusive gaming experience. Whether a seasoned Metroidvania enthusiast or a newcomer, the game accommodates various play styles.
Conclusion: A Worthy Addition to the Prince of Persia Legacy
In summary, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” appears poised to revive the iconic series with a fresh metroidvania twist. Its blend of accessible features and challenging gameplay makes it an enticing prospect for both series veterans and newcomers to the genre. If the initial hours are any indication, this installment promises to be a satisfying and immersive adventure, keeping fans engaged as they eagerly await the future of the Prince of Persia saga.