Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review
12.01.2024 - 22:43
/ thesixthaxis.com
Let’s not beat around the proverbial bush; Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the best Prince of Persia game for the last twenty-one years. Heck, it might even be better than Prince of Persia: Sands of Time, though that particular argument involves taking on nostalgia, and that’s a battle I get nervous about as it is one I cannot win. What I can say with supreme confidence is this; Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is utterly brilliant.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has sought to take on one of the most over-populated genres in all of videogamedom; that of the metroidvania. As such, your young and exceedingly flexible protagonist will spend his time exploring the vast and varied 2D labyrinth that is Mount Qaf. You’ll be playing as Sargon, a hero with a mysterious past, and you’ll encounter many inaccessible areas which will only be made reachable by unlocking one of the many power-ups that lurk hidden within this maze of a game. Also tucked away in these beautifully rendered depths are hordes of enemies to vanquish and epic bosses to best. You know the drill, as you’ve likely played a million metroidvanias yourself. What makes The Lost Crown stand out, however, is that it is one of the finest examples of the genre that doesn’t include Samus Aran.
Take the controls; precise and immaculately conceived, Sargon leaps, flips, wall climbs, and dashes with the very best of them. Our hero is wonderfully responsive as he darts around elaborate environments, each teaming with treacherous traps, with energetic glee. Sargon is constantly moving, and one of the greatest pleasures of the game is how the controller and avatar feel as one. There were moments, after navigating a seemingly unbeatable platform section, that I punched the air with glee, absolutely amazed that I had achieved the seemingly impossible, but under no doubt that the tight and responsive controls would see me through.
Combat is the equal of the exquisite platforming. Sargon is an aggressive fighter; he’s all about getting up in a foe’s face, before dodging nimbly aside to follow up once more from an unexpected flank, or parrying and counterattackig. To this end, combat is fast, frenetic, and full-on.
Enemies are varied and tough, from hard-to-reach archers to pesky flying demons, shield-bearers, and hulks. Each demands a different approach, encouraging the player to mix up their offensive strikes, using juggles and air combos to wipe out an adversary before their feet even touch the floor.
Keep on the offensive and avoid taking hits and you’ll be rewarded with a boost to your Athra meter which can be converted into special attacks, dubbed Surges. These deliriously over-the-top moves are animated to perfection and can change the dynamic of a