If there’s one sport I needed to choose because the staple of my childhood, it might in all probability be the Prince of Persia collection. Contemplating I wasn’t the most effective at gaming throughout my youth, the title made me be ok with my errors with its helpful rewind skills. The storyline and gameplay even captivated my consideration to the purpose the place I’d play it again and again.
I stood by every passing title within the trilogy, pleading with others to no less than check out the remainder of the collection. However, sadly, the Murderer’s Creed takeover put all that to mattress, and I nonetheless maintain a minor grudge to at the present time. On the brilliant facet, issues formed up with the remake tease and the brand-new entry, The Misplaced Crown. And I assumed, “May this be it? May this be the revival of the Prince of Persia franchise?”
Then, there was the unlucky pushback of the remake and the choice to show the collection again right into a side-scroller. The latter made me considerably hesitant as somebody who didn’t partake within the 80’s authentic that began all of it. You may additionally throw in my common bias towards extra fashionable gaming and third-person mechanics.
It’s not that I used to be towards The Misplaced Crown’s tackle a side-scroller platform, nevertheless it made me rather less inclined to check out the brand new entry. Nonetheless, that has since modified now that I’ve totally dived into the sport, the place I as soon as once more discovered myself getting misplaced in puzzles galore. Upon my first puzzle, it really felt like I used to be a child once more, making an attempt to wrap my mind round a basic Prince of Persia problem.
You’ll be able to see that clearly with the water wheel puzzle, which supplies us a small style of what’s to come back for the remainder of the storyline. After this, it will get progressively extra advanced, and that’s one of many issues I like concerning the franchise. It’s by no means only one puzzle in a singular space; nearly each step you are taking requires some mind energy with a plan in navigation.
![Water wheel puzzle in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Solving-the-Water-Wheel-Puzzle-in-the-Lower-City-in-Prince-of-Persia-The-Lost-Crown-1.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
With that mentioned, you would say all the playthrough of The Misplaced Crown is principally a puzzle by itself. The remainder of the Prince of Persia collection works the identical manner, and I’m blissful to see it proceed at present. Alternatively, I really feel like the latest entry has switched the mechanics up for the higher. It’s extremely fast-paced in comparison with its predecessors, the place you not solely have to unravel the environmental riddles, however you additionally need to be fast about it.
The originals comparatively included this gameplay fashion, however I wouldn’t say it was as drastic as The Misplaced Crown. Whereas the trilogy had just a few segments of exact actions, the latest title ceaselessly makes you carry out greater than 5 consecutive jumps so as to add extra thrill to the gameplay. The OG no less than allowed you to repair your mistake with the Sands of Time, differing from TLC’s begin over out of your final touchdown level.
Though I want the dagger made a comeback, Time Powers and the respawn after a success produces the same impact. The brand new skills additionally remind me of the later powers the prince receives within the trilogy. Each titles may’ve caught with what we all know and love, but Ubisoft at all times tries to diversify the choice to present us one thing new to sit up for.
![Sargon in The Lost Crown](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/prince-of-persia-the-lost-crown-abilities.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
As for the story, I believe The Misplaced Crown has potential as a place to begin. Sure, I’d’ve preferred to see a continuation of the trilogy, however I’ll nonetheless take the newest one for what it’s. It isn’t fairly on par with its predecessor relating to its previous memorable characters and immersive story. Nonetheless, I admire the way it holds onto the mysterious nature of time and shapes Sargon’s journey.
What I believe is lacking is the goofy nature of the playable character. One of many first issues I beloved concerning the prince was how a lot he talked to himself all through the narrative. I can’t let you know what number of occasions he made me chortle together with his conversations, and it actually helped me see who he’s as a personality.
I get that The Misplaced Crown is supposed to present off that feeling of isolation just like the previous entries, but I’d have preferred to listen to extra of Sargon’s ideas. Or, carry again a few of that witty commentary the Two Thrones launched with the prince’s different self. Darker tones can work infrequently, just like the shift from the Warrior Inside. Nonetheless, we had already established the prince’s character at that time, not like Sargon, who has just lately been launched.
![Sands of Time Gameplay](https://twinfinite.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/the-prince-of-persia-sands-of-time.jpg?resize=640%2C360)
Regardless of this setback, I remained intrigued all through The Misplaced Crown’s storyline, given the character deceptions and hidden secrets and techniques of the universe. The art work can also be beautiful to have a look at, particularly when the boss fights showcase a comic book book-esque pop-up that makes you wish to put it right into a body. Plus, it reveals a unique facet because the protector of the prince, relatively than being a royal just like the earlier entries.
All in all, the sport is a welcomed shock that also holds onto the unique’s core fundamentals. Although it doesn’t look it, it feels like a Prince of Persia sport with all of its challenges and distinctive powers. I by no means thought I’d be scratching my head at one other PoP puzzle in my maturity, but right here I’m, loving it in The Misplaced Crown.
The sport will not be the continuation of a Prince of Persia title we’ve all been hoping for, nevertheless it does stick with it its legacy. Whether or not or not it’s by way of the constant sport over screens (possibly that’s simply me) or maze-like environments, it’s a worthy successor that may remedy your PoP withdrawals. And if that doesn’t work, you’ll be able to at all times throw on the Warrior Inside outfit to present off the phantasm of the beloved prince.