The Rogue Prince of Persia: A Fresh Take on a Classic (Early Access Review)

“The Rogue Prince of Persia” injects new life into the Prince of Persia franchise by blending its acrobatic heritage with the thrill of roguelikes. Developed by Evil Empire, the game is currently in Early Access, offering a glimpse into a promising title with both captivating strengths and areas for improvement.

Combat Takes Center Stage

The combat emerges as the game’s crowning achievement. Reviewers consistently praise its fluidity and responsiveness. Unlike past Prince of Persia entries, success here hinges more on mastering enemy patterns and strategic positioning than pure button mashing. The responsive controls allow for precise dodging and well-timed attacks, creating a satisfying dance of offense and defense.

Variety is key in keeping combat engaging. Players have access to a diverse arsenal of weapons, each with its own unique feel and strategic applications. Whether you prefer the swift strikes of a scimitar or the brutal power of a war hammer, there’s a weapon to suit your playstyle. As you progress, you’ll unlock new abilities and weapon upgrades, further expanding your combat repertoire.

A Prince Redefined: The Art of Wall-Running

A novel addition to the Prince’s repertoire is the extensive use of wall-running in this 2D side-scroller. This mechanic adds a layer of depth to both platforming and combat. Imagine seamlessly transitioning from scaling a wall to launching a surprise attack from above on an unsuspecting enemy. The level design holds immense potential to incorporate this mechanic in creative ways, offering players a playground for acrobatic exploration and strategic maneuvering.

A Visually Stunning Persia

Evil Empire brings Persia to life with a captivating art style. Often compared to the iconic “Tintin” comics, the game boasts clean lines, vibrant colors, and detailed backgrounds. From bustling marketplaces to crumbling fortresses, each environment is imbued with a distinct personality, immersing players in the world. The animation is equally impressive, with the Prince’s movements portrayed with fluidity and grace, further emphasizing his acrobatic prowess.

The Roguelike Loop: A Double-Edged Sword

“The Rogue Prince of Persia” embraces the core tenet of roguelikes: death is inevitable, and each run serves as a learning experience for the next attempt. While this loop can be incredibly addictive, pushing players to hone their skills and perfect their strategies, it can also become repetitive. The current lack of environmental variety can exacerbate this repetitiveness, making later runs feel like a slog through familiar territory.

Meta-progression: A Work in Progress

Permanent upgrades are a staple of roguelikes, allowing players to feel a sense of progress even after defeat. While “The Rogue Prince of Persia” offers such upgrades, some reviewers felt the meta-progression system wasn’t as deep or engaging as it could be. Here’s where the Early Access label comes into play. There’s a chance that future updates could flesh out this system, providing a more compelling reason to keep coming back for more attempts.

A Story Waiting to Unfold

The narrative revolves around a time loop and a looming threat fueled by dark magic. While intriguing, the story is currently light on details. The Early Access nature of the game means players shouldn’t expect a fully fleshed-out narrative at this point. However, the core concept holds promise, and how it intertwines with the gameplay loop will be a key factor in the game’s overall experience.

The Verdict: A Promising Prince with Room to Grow

“The Rogue Prince of Persia” is a promising reimagining of the classic franchise. The Early Access model offers a glimpse into a game with exceptional combat, a beautiful art style, and the intriguing addition of wall-running mechanics. However, concerns regarding repetitive environments and a shallow meta-progression system linger. Ultimately, whether you take the plunge depends on your tolerance for Early Access titles. If you’re looking for a polished experience with a deep story, it might be wise to wait and see how development progresses. However, for those who crave a challenging and stylish combat experience with the potential for greatness, “The Rogue Prince of Persia” is definitely worth keeping an eye on.