Prince of Persia The Lost Crown Review: A New Jewel in a Metroidvania Crown

Ubisoft’s latest adventure, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown,” invites players to journey through the mystical and treacherous terrains of Mount Qaf. This new chapter in the storied franchise melds combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving, delivering an exhilarating gaming experience that redefines the series’ legacy.

Mount Qaf, the game’s backdrop, is a cursed mountain filled with lore and mystery. Once the heart of a mighty kingdom, it now stands in disrepair, a maze of ancient temples, catacombs, and royal libraries, each echoing tales of a time long forgotten. This setting is not just a visual spectacle but also a playground for the game’s core gameplay elements.

Combat in “The Lost Crown” is a refined dance of agility and strategy. The game introduces a robust combat system, offering a variety of attacks, dodges, and parries. As players progress, they gain new abilities that intertwine combat and traversal skills, adding depth to the gameplay. Notably, the shadow-copy ability, initially a traversal tool, evolves into a strategic combat mechanic. The game’s boss battles are particularly noteworthy, ranging from colossal beasts to skilled human adversaries, each concluding with anime-inspired finishers. These battles are more than mere tests of skill; they are cinematic experiences, rewarding perfect counters with unique flourishes tailored to each enemy.

Equally impressive is the game’s equipment system. Centered around a necklace of customizable amulets, it allows players to tailor the protagonist, Sargon, to their play style. Whether it’s enhancing life regain through parries or boosting attack power, the system offers a variety of playstyles, catering to both aggressive and defensive gamers.

The platforming aspect of “The Lost Crown” is also a highlight, offering a fluid and dynamic experience. As Sargon’s abilities grow, so does his acrobatic prowess, allowing players to navigate environments with a sense of weightlessness and precision. This design finds a rare balance in metroidvanias, blurring the line between needing new abilities and mastering existing ones for platforming challenges. The game frequently presents optional, high-stakes platforming segments, rewarding players with special currency for overcoming the toughest parts of an area.

The seamless integration of these three gameplay pillars – combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving – is what sets “The Lost Crown” apart. The game keeps players engaged, constantly shifting between different types of challenges without ever feeling disjointed. Each element complements the other, creating a harmonious blend that is both challenging and satisfying.

However, the game’s narrative, while rich in lore, can sometimes feel confusing and lacks the depth that the Prince of Persia series is known for. Despite this, the gameplay more than compensates, offering a captivating experience that keeps players invested.

“Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” is a commendable addition to the franchise. It successfully revives the series with a fresh take on its classic formula, offering a well-rounded experience that excels in combat, platforming, and puzzle-solving. While the narrative may falter at times, the game’s innovative gameplay mechanics and engaging challenges make it a must-play title.

RATING: 4.0 out of 5.0.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is now available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X.

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