Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Review

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown marks a bold new direction for the beloved franchise, ditching the time-rewinding sands for a Metroidvania adventure infused with stunning visuals, fluid combat, and innovative exploration mechanics. But does it recapture the magic of the past while forging its own identity? Let’s dive deep:

Story & Setting: The narrative is a relatively simple tale of recovering the titular crown, but it serves as a canvas for exploring themes of legacy, family, and betrayal. The voice acting breathes life into the characters, with the Prince himself showcasing a delightful mix of wit and vulnerability. The environments are truly breathtaking, from sun-drenched palaces to frozen shipyards, each brimming with lore and secrets to uncover. However, the story can feel slightly predictable at times, leaving room for further expansion in future installments.

Gameplay & Mechanics: The Lost Crown shines in its gameplay loop. The platforming is precise and exhilarating, with tight controls that allow for acrobatic feats and daring escapes. Combat is a satisfying dance of parries, counters, and special abilities, demanding strategic thinking and rewarding skillful execution. The “Memory Shard” system, which lets you map shortcuts, adds a unique twist to exploration, encouraging backtracking and rewarding discovery.

Metroidvania Done Right: The map of Mount Kakoun, the game’s central hub, is expansive and interconnected, filled with hidden passages and challenges that unlock with new abilities. Progression feels organic and rewarding, constantly tempting you to explore further and test your newfound skills. While not as labyrinthine as some classic Metroidvanias, The Lost Crown offers a carefully curated world ripe for exploration.

Time as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Unlike previous Prince of Persia games, time manipulation is relegated to specific environmental puzzles and boss encounters. While some may miss the rewind mechanic, its absence forces a focus on precise movement and combat mastery, which ultimately feels more engaging and empowering.

Strengths:

• Superb platforming and combat: Fluid controls, challenging encounters, and satisfying skill progression.
• Innovative “Memory Shard” system: Encourages exploration and strategic backtracking.
• Beautifully crafted environments: Diverse and evocative locations, brimming with detail and lore.
• Metroidvania exploration at its finest: Interconnected world with rewarding secrets and hidden paths.

Weaknesses:

• Relatively simple story: Predictable plot with limited character development.
• Uneven boss encounters: Some feel more inspired than others.
• Technical hiccups: Minor performance issues and occasional glitches.

Verdict:

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a triumphant return for the series, successfully blending classic action-adventure elements with modern Metroidvania design. The fluid platforming, engaging combat, and innovative exploration mechanics combine to create a truly gripping experience. While the story could have been deeper and some technical hiccups mar the experience, The Lost Crown is a must-play for fans of the genre and a promising new direction for the Prince of Persia franchise.

Final Score: 8.5/10

Should you play it? Absolutely! If you enjoy challenging platforming, satisfying combat, and exploring intricate worlds, The Lost Crown will surely captivate you. Just be prepared to dive headfirst into Mount Kakoun and embrace the thrilling adventures that await.