User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 526 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 69 out of 526
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  1. NickR.
    Jun 23, 2009
    6
    This game was wayyyyyy too easy. Fun, but too easy. You can't die, you can't fall, there are only 6 different types of enemies and you can only fight one at a time. The story was great, though, and that was the only reason i finished it. Would I buy the sequel? Prolly. If it was harder like the Sands of Time trilogy? In a heartbeat. If it was hard like the old ones, I'd pay This game was wayyyyyy too easy. Fun, but too easy. You can't die, you can't fall, there are only 6 different types of enemies and you can only fight one at a time. The story was great, though, and that was the only reason i finished it. Would I buy the sequel? Prolly. If it was harder like the Sands of Time trilogy? In a heartbeat. If it was hard like the old ones, I'd pay 80 bucks for it! Expand
  2. Jul 11, 2020
    5
    Prince of Persia is just a simple cash grab that "burgles" the glory the Sands of Time trilogy has built. It has nothing to do with the SoT trilogy except sword and wall running. Sure, its graphic style is beautiful but there isn't anything else to admire. The gameplay is repetitive, it uses qte combat, oversimplified climbing, grinding in order to proceed in the story, boring antagonistsPrince of Persia is just a simple cash grab that "burgles" the glory the Sands of Time trilogy has built. It has nothing to do with the SoT trilogy except sword and wall running. Sure, its graphic style is beautiful but there isn't anything else to admire. The gameplay is repetitive, it uses qte combat, oversimplified climbing, grinding in order to proceed in the story, boring antagonists and an ending that is later pulled off by Naughty Dog but it does not work for PoP because the characters aren't interesting enough for you to care about. Expand
  3. Aug 21, 2011
    7
    Repetitive, and not particularly challenging. However, Prince of Persia is a very beautiful game, and the acrobatic sequences are very fluid and well executed.
  4. Sep 22, 2011
    7
    Should you buy it? Ehhhhhh.... this is really hard for me to answer. I was one of those who read the reviews and was like, this is just too easy, Ubisoft went too far and this game is basically a quick time event made into 12 hours. At least in Assassin's Creed they let you chose your own missions and fight multiple enemies at once, this game seems more like a movie with minimal input fromShould you buy it? Ehhhhhh.... this is really hard for me to answer. I was one of those who read the reviews and was like, this is just too easy, Ubisoft went too far and this game is basically a quick time event made into 12 hours. At least in Assassin's Creed they let you chose your own missions and fight multiple enemies at once, this game seems more like a movie with minimal input from the player.

    While I would still say the game is a bit simplified and easy, I had a great time playing it and really feel glad I decided to give it a try, cause the experience is pretty awesome. The graphics and overall craftsmanship of the levels is really well done. You can tell Ubisoft believed this is a AAA game, cause it is very polished and beautiful to look at. Nothing you wouldn't expect from Ubisoft Montreal, guys behind Splinter Cell. The animations are just as fluid if not more so then Assassin's Creed, and the boss fights feel suitably epic.

    The combat's pretty basic in nature and can devolve into quick time events, so it's not gonna be for a lot of people who want a challenge, but I was alright, since I don't play platformers as a general rule. And the no death aspect of the game, which a lot of people have complained about, was actually a game design choice that made sense to me when I played through it. Instead of quicksaving every 5 steps like in other games, you can just die by falling off a ledge and there'll be a quick 3 second animation and boom, you're right back on solid ground before the mistimed ledge jump. It really takes the frustration part out of platforming and sorta compels you to keep progressing. So ultimately, it just gets rid of the F9 quickload and isn't really any easier then other games, it's just presented in a different fashion.

    What really stands out is the beauty of the various levels and the interaction between the two main characters, leading to the ending... which I absolutely love. It's powerful and moving and depressing but inevitable and **** brilliant. Ubisoft was sending a very meta message with that and I like how it makes a complete fool out of all the people who are complaining about it.

    Ultimately, I can't really recommend you pay 60 bucks for the game, because the gameplay really isn't deep enough to justify it. The ease and quick time events... let's be honest, this is not Game of the Year material. However, if you can rent it for your console, or... obtain the PC version somehow, you'll be able to play it through in 2 or 3 days and have a very rewarding experience, I feel.

    Maybe worth it for 40 bucks, which I hear they've dropped it to.
    Expand
  5. Jul 19, 2011
    7
    A rich story, often charming and flirtatious, combined with a one-dimensional combat system. Definitely a console port so using a gaming controller is ideal. Keyboard/mouse is possible, but it takes a lot of practice and frustration to get consistently good at it. Most of your time will be spent chasing down light crystals which is just plain boring and repetitive, but if you don't overdoA rich story, often charming and flirtatious, combined with a one-dimensional combat system. Definitely a console port so using a gaming controller is ideal. Keyboard/mouse is possible, but it takes a lot of practice and frustration to get consistently good at it. Most of your time will be spent chasing down light crystals which is just plain boring and repetitive, but if you don't overdo it by trying to get all of them, the story flows pretty nicely. I did find the ending to be extremely disappointing and had me wondering why I went though all the effort to begin with. Expand
  6. Jul 3, 2011
    7
    I'm a big fan of graphics such as this game. But the lack of originality and repetitive cycle of combat really feels like a grinding game. I would rather just sit back and enjoy the world of Persia rather than actually beating this game.
  7. May 2, 2014
    7
    con:
    1. Progressively boring combat system
    2. Main quest is a collecting game
    ↓ result in
    3. little replay value

    pro:
    1. Beautiful game, I find myself constantly distracted by the fantastic scenery.
    2. Witty dialogues present vivid personality of characters
    3. You won't die, so easily accessible for anyone, you can even say it's a scenic casual game
  8. qoobah
    Jan 15, 2009
    7
    The reimagining of the PoP series turns out to be extremely pretty, slightly repetitive and uneven in terms of storytelling. The meat and bones of the game, the acrobatic platforming, seems to be pushed a bit over the top with the inclusion of ceiling-running and completly unnecessary power-plate system, but overall turns out to be quite ejoyable. Ubisofts attempt at making the gameplay The reimagining of the PoP series turns out to be extremely pretty, slightly repetitive and uneven in terms of storytelling. The meat and bones of the game, the acrobatic platforming, seems to be pushed a bit over the top with the inclusion of ceiling-running and completly unnecessary power-plate system, but overall turns out to be quite ejoyable. Ubisofts attempt at making the gameplay more streamlined is to be applauded, but it doesn't mean it turned out for the better - the lack of punishment for failing with little reward for succeess makes the gameplay boring and uneventful for the more experienced players, while providing little incentive in the form of reward for newcomers. Ubisoft is to be thanked for giving other game devs this lesson - attempts at streamlining the gameplay are needed and good, but they shouldn't look quite just like in this new PoP. Ubisofts fault is in another thing - being stuch to their gameplay design techniques that induce an illusion of freedom and a lot of repetition. This is present since the Assasin's Creed, and while PoP isn't as bad as the abovementioned, it isn't good either. The narrative is terribly cliched and compared to the gem that was the Sands of Time, turns out bland. Hovewer there is a potential for a great fairy tale to be told in the esthetics of the gorgeous graphics - it needs more "magic" to it though. And certainly more diversified dialogues delivered by more fleshed out, complex characters, as americanised accent and their almost sitcom style were really the thing that bothered me the most about the way narrative was presented. Overall though, the ending of the game was very enjoyable, if not unexpected, and provides a good premise for inevitable sequel(s). To sum up: a beautifull, inspired world, slightly too easy and repetitive gameplay, and cliche-ridden narrative that manages to come to its own at the end of the game. It's no Sands of Time but still quite enjoyable entertainment, if you don't set your expectations too high. Expand
  9. AndrewD.
    Jan 17, 2009
    7
    I'm gonna be honest; The first time I played the game, I got to the first fertile ground, then decided to turn it off. The game drops you off into the tutorial, where you're not really entirely sure what's going on, which is fine for a tutorial. This, however, becomes an issue when you finish the tutorial and all of a sudden the real story starts without any explanation. I'm gonna be honest; The first time I played the game, I got to the first fertile ground, then decided to turn it off. The game drops you off into the tutorial, where you're not really entirely sure what's going on, which is fine for a tutorial. This, however, becomes an issue when you finish the tutorial and all of a sudden the real story starts without any explanation. Even that was forgivable to me before I realized, just after the first fertile ground, that the gameplay was going to whittle down to the following: 1. Perform easy series of jumps and flips to climb to the Fertile Ground. 2. Fight easy boss with easily executed combos and easily timed counters (By checking your combo list, you can easily find the one combo with the most hits, and keep trying to use it until the boss stops parrying your sword attacks; The combo itself will take a good 3/4 health from most bosses.) 3. Collect as many random "Light Seeds" as you can. 4. Rinse and repeat. So, not feeling engaged in the story and seeing the repetitive gameplay as a problem, I turned the game off and went on about my life. Two weeks later, however, I turned the game back on and played for a few hours, just to give the game a second chance. Somehow, my impression of the game was changed. While my initial statement that the game drops you off in the middle of the story with no real means to engage you stands strong, something about traveling along the (mostly) beautifully constructed landscapes to bash the brains out of the easy bosses became entertaining, and some of the later puzzles were even a little bit challenging. (Ok, one of them was a little bit challenging, but my point stands.) For the record, the never really ties itself up either. My main complaint with this game is the weak story telling, but if you enjoy a "Push Button, Get Positive Response" gameplay style, then go ahead and try this. Expand
  10. LaurenP
    Feb 7, 2009
    6
    Prince of Persia is a masterpiece in its own right. That being said, it's not for everyone. It requires a lot of patience and a willingness to accept that this game chooses accessibility and ease of use over challenging and rewarding gameplay. Once you accept this, you can move on and enjoy the visuals and cinematics for what they're worth. If you are new to gaming and are Prince of Persia is a masterpiece in its own right. That being said, it's not for everyone. It requires a lot of patience and a willingness to accept that this game chooses accessibility and ease of use over challenging and rewarding gameplay. Once you accept this, you can move on and enjoy the visuals and cinematics for what they're worth. If you are new to gaming and are looking for a fun, easy game experience without frustration, difficulty, or controller-throwing, this is the perfect game for you. If you're an experienced gamer, however, you will probably be disappointed with the complete lack of challenge whatsoever. It is somewhat appreciable solely for its story, but nothing else. Overall, Prince of Persia set out to be a work of art, and at the same time be easy and enjoyable for newcomers. It achieved those two things with flying colors, for better or for worse. Expand
  11. LanceG
    Feb 18, 2009
    7
    Actually, I'd give it a 7.5, and here's why. Now, I am a huge fan of the previous POP games, particularly Sands of Time, but initially, I had trouble getting into the game. The game just sort of throws you into the action without much explanation, and leaves you to figure most things out for yourself. That's fine and all, as you will soon realise that the game is really Actually, I'd give it a 7.5, and here's why. Now, I am a huge fan of the previous POP games, particularly Sands of Time, but initially, I had trouble getting into the game. The game just sort of throws you into the action without much explanation, and leaves you to figure most things out for yourself. That's fine and all, as you will soon realise that the game is really simple. On the plus-side, the game is visually stunning, and the very cool stunts the Prince can do remains intact. However, this game is completely and utterly void of any challenge what-so-ever. You simply CANNOT die - ever. If you fall into the abyss, or if you fall into the primordial black goo (or "corruption"), or if you accidently press the wrong button in the slowed-down quicktime events in the combat system, your new companion, Eleka, will save you. And then you just run through the very nice-looking worlds, fighting the same boss fights over and over again, collecting shiny balls, and occasionally encountering the random grunt baddy who dies the second you push them to the edge of the battleground. I really would have liked to see more combat sequences, and this new combat system is really unnecessary, as it just adds to the dumbing down and simplification of this already easy game. I liked how in Sands of Time the Prince's cool moves just flowed together with the combat. Not this time, as your character somehow loses the ability to JUMP in the combat system, and as an alternative, you can just roll over the bad guys, allowing you an opportunity to throw your woman at them as if she were some sort of potato sack, which she actually could have been replaced with as that would have made the game mildly amusing. Another annoying thing about this game is the painfully awkward and forced dialogue that goes on between the two characters - the Prince has become this cynical douchebag who sounds like an 18 year old North American teenager, and Elika is about as dynamic a character as a block of wood. Isn't this game suppose to be in "Persia"? Why do these people sound like a bunch of Americans? But, to be fair, I am nitpicking. I did get some fun out of this game, and i'm sure fans of the POP series will as well. However, the fact is Ubisoft has gone out of their way to make this game accessible for the "slower" demographic, and the game is over in less than 15 hours. I, my first play through, took the time to collect every single shiny ball (or "Light Seed"), and still finished the game in under 14 hours. So, it's good, but far from great. Probably best to rent it before you consider buying. Expand
  12. Nov 23, 2012
    7
    Its been 20 odd years since I last played a Prince of Persia game (and 30 years since Karateka on the Apple II). The franchise has evolved a bit since then.

    The platforming in POP is on rails- almost to the point of being a chain of pre-rendered quicktime events similar to the classic Cinimeatronics titles (Dragons Lair/etc). This reduces the difficulty level to merely Pavlovian
    Its been 20 odd years since I last played a Prince of Persia game (and 30 years since Karateka on the Apple II). The franchise has evolved a bit since then.

    The platforming in POP is on rails- almost to the point of being a chain of pre-rendered quicktime events similar to the classic Cinimeatronics titles (Dragons Lair/etc). This reduces the difficulty level to merely Pavlovian responses: See a ring- press
    Expand
  13. Dec 28, 2012
    7
    This is a really mixed game. The gameplay itself is not entirely absorbing, but the execution is stunning. It's important to highlight the fact that this is a repetitive game. You essentially do the same few things over and over and over again to get through each level. With the added factor of not being able to die, and enemies being defeated in a simplistic, "Press X! Press A!" way, thisThis is a really mixed game. The gameplay itself is not entirely absorbing, but the execution is stunning. It's important to highlight the fact that this is a repetitive game. You essentially do the same few things over and over and over again to get through each level. With the added factor of not being able to die, and enemies being defeated in a simplistic, "Press X! Press A!" way, this is not a challenging game.
    That being said, if you look at it like a 3D platformer, rather than an action game, it's rather - in fact, very - good.
    The visuals are truly incredible. This is now a four year old game, and the graphics style still excels ahead of almost all of today's games, in my humble opinion. Its wonderful contrast of dark and light, with the beautifully painted scenery, makes it a worthwhile addition to anyone's collection of arty games. Honestly, I could watch it for hours.
    Overall, then, I found it a beautiful, wonderful, exquisitely polished bore.
    Expand
  14. Jun 27, 2013
    7
    after the perfect part in the whole series the two thrones we are rewarded with this game which is not that bad but it is full with defaults like the game is so easy it offered no challenge at all (pretty much u can't die in this game) and the combat in this game is not that good as the previous parts and after all that the ending is not satisfying at all but i still can't deny theafter the perfect part in the whole series the two thrones we are rewarded with this game which is not that bad but it is full with defaults like the game is so easy it offered no challenge at all (pretty much u can't die in this game) and the combat in this game is not that good as the previous parts and after all that the ending is not satisfying at all but i still can't deny the amount of fun i had in this game but i could have easily skipped this part and wouldn't be sad if i hadn't played it Expand
  15. Sep 12, 2017
    7
    Un juego de zonas abiertas que iras desbloqueando a lo largo de ljuego. Parkour y enfrentamientos pausados, nada freneticos. Lo unico que este proyagonista tiene de principe es su apodo. Para desbloquear nuevas zonas deberas recolectar semillas de luz. Un juego disfrutable repetitivo a mas no poderm pero con un final que te deja muy mal, y te hace sentir que no merecio la pena.
  16. Aug 29, 2020
    5
    This game has a great visual style, good styled world, well-built locations, nice graphics, parkour system is simple but interesting to watch. That's where the pros end.

    In general, the game gives the impression that it lacks something. The gameplay is monotonous. The essence of the game is that in one large location you need to activate 20 places to revive this world, the whole process
    This game has a great visual style, good styled world, well-built locations, nice graphics, parkour system is simple but interesting to watch. That's where the pros end.

    In general, the game gives the impression that it lacks something. The gameplay is monotonous. The essence of the game is that in one large location you need to activate 20 places to revive this world, the whole process of moving from one place to another is the same everywhere.

    There are 4 power that open as the game progresses and allow you to use a new way of moving, something like a strong jump or flight, but it doesn't change the gameplay too much.

    There are only 2 or 3 puzzles in all game, and this is only in the last location. The plot is nothing, it is presented in the form of 2-3 words between the characters, the cut-scenes are poor, there is no disclosure of the characters, who they are, where they come from, and they are not interesting at all.

    Very terrible combat system, apparently the developers wanted to bring something new, but it's didn't work, it all comes down to the fact that you just need to press a certain combination of buttons in time (only like 4 combinations), just the same as with parkour.

    The whole game you just need to press the right buttons in time, the player can only choose which way to go and which of the 3 combinations of buttons to press in battle.

    I don't think this attempt of reimagining the series worked.
    Expand
  17. Jul 11, 2021
    6
    Very likeable, though too much easy. The entire game has a sort of fairy-tale aesthetic that is present in the story (which is okay enough) and in the gorgeous visuals and sceneries. The main characters Prince and Elika form a cute duo and have great (non-romantic) chemistry together.

    Movement and parkour is fluid, combat offers some nice combos but overall the mechanics are very simple
    Very likeable, though too much easy. The entire game has a sort of fairy-tale aesthetic that is present in the story (which is okay enough) and in the gorgeous visuals and sceneries. The main characters Prince and Elika form a cute duo and have great (non-romantic) chemistry together.

    Movement and parkour is fluid, combat offers some nice combos but overall the mechanics are very simple and the game doesn't pose almost any challenge. Biggest drawback is the need to collect light-seeds in order to unlock other levels or one of few parkour features. I don't mind jumping around for fun, but when the game tells me to collect 300 light seeds scattered in several different (and already discovered) levels, it quickly becomes tiresome.

    Despite the all-encompassing simplicity and frustrating light-seeds grinding, I enjoyed playing PoP and I'm a bit sad, that there is no sequel. The characters and plot were the best part.
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  18. Sep 18, 2021
    7
    ====================IIIIIIIIII GAME SCORE : 73 IIIIIIIIII====================
  19. Apr 5, 2021
    6
    Boring, repetitive and you cannot die. I think this is way to easy for ever children to play.
  20. May 10, 2020
    6
    This is not the direction to go with this saga. Very simple game, not a hack and slash anymore. Terrible story and ending. Its pretty good in the visual section.
  21. Feb 28, 2021
    7
    Красивый, интересный с визуальной точки зрения перезапуск, в который - не очень интересно играть.
  22. Feb 15, 2023
    7
    It's a different game than the PoP games we know. I can say that I was bored until I finished it.

    Good sides; - Painting style graphics are sweet. The environment looks beautiful. The view is good. - The music is good. - The character that accompanies us is not bad. Bad sides; - Boring level design - Platforming is not good. - Always the same battle with same enemies. Very
    It's a different game than the PoP games we know. I can say that I was bored until I finished it.

    Good sides;
    - Painting style graphics are sweet. The environment looks beautiful. The view is good.
    - The music is good.
    - The character that accompanies us is not bad.

    Bad sides;
    - Boring level design
    - Platforming is not good.
    - Always the same battle with same enemies. Very repetitive.
    - Fighting is all about QTE. The right button at the right time.
    - Cheap story

    It would have been a much worse game without the music and atmosphere. Music and graphics saved the game a bit.
    Expand
  23. Jan 1, 2022
    7
    I've played the game as a child when it came out in 2008 and recently (2022) replayed it. The game aged quite well.

    Atmosphere * Soundtrack: truly amazing. The best scores as an example: ** https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BNDnoWMyJ8M&feature=share ** https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=g-YR4VV7ovU&feature=share ** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xLjL_-esEU&t=2648s * Art: **
    I've played the game as a child when it came out in 2008 and recently (2022) replayed it. The game aged quite well.

    Atmosphere
    * Soundtrack: truly amazing. The best scores as an example:
    ** https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=BNDnoWMyJ8M&feature=share
    ** https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=g-YR4VV7ovU&feature=share
    ** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xLjL_-esEU&t=2648s
    * Art:
    ** Different locations feel unique and their style is diverse.
    ** Each location has 2 versions of art: corrupted and natural. This really makes you feel like you're making the difference in the world.
    ** The game has a load screen only few times in the story. This helps the immersion and an open-world feeling.

    Parkour
    * Has several simple elements combined differently to create an interesting path.
    * Feels really smooth and meditative. Acrobatics look nice.

    Companion
    * Elika plays a key role in the game play.
    * There are many interesting dialogues written between the main character and Elika. I was always waiting for its new pieces. It could have been a reaction to the surrounding, a backstory of a boss, a backstory of protagonists or just a chit-chat .
    * Elika is constantly shown in the game following the main characters and often the animations for their interactions are triggered making you feel like she is really there.

    Fighting:
    * Combos:
    ** Exploring and discovering different combos is entertaining.
    ** The movement transition is smooth and intuitive.
    ** Two characters combining their moves results in awesome looking acrobatics.
    * Enemies:
    ** Common enemies are all the same. Finishers are too easy to achieve and are done automatically so it's common to not be able explore/execute nice long combos.
    ** Bosses and their levels have their differences making them feel unique. Fights are taking longer giving an opportunity to shine the combos.

    Puzzles: there are 5-6 puzzles across the entire game. They are relatively easy but satisfying.

    Writing
    * The main story is cool. Main characters motivations are clear and the lore of the world is interesting.
    * The bosses lack details in their stories. The final encounters are interesting but all before don't reveal anything new about the bosses making the fights lacking the psychological character.
    * The ending is really emotional and hits the spot.

    DLC Epilogue undermines the main story and I suggest to even looking what happened there. In my opinion it should might have been a prologue to a sequel but the story of the first game is better without it.
    Expand
  24. Jul 21, 2022
    7
    An underrated spin-off of the Prince of Persia series that definitely deserves attention. First of all, it is an incredibly beautiful world, with interesting graphic style, acrobatics, boss battles, and new magical powers. Of course, the game lacks challenge, depth of the story, variety, and fullness of the world. But immersing yourself in this beautiful world is exciting and fun.
  25. Aug 12, 2023
    7
    Prince of Persia is truly a great game. The platforming and fighting mechanics are enjoyable, and the story adds to the experience.
  26. Jul 10, 2023
    7
    Yeah this game is 10 yo and probably no one would care about recent reviews...I'm honestly doing this to test how things work in metacritic.

    Game is entertaining enough, the game play gets a little too repetitive after a little while but it was a good game to relax and just enjoy.

    Great story.
  27. Mar 18, 2023
    7
    Prince of Persia series was done so dirty by ubisoft

    this was a fun game but pretty easy to beat
  28. Apr 7, 2023
    5
    Just text (crutch) to save the game to the list. Such things. Maybe I'll do a review later.
  29. Jun 9, 2023
    7
    There's a lot to like in this game. The setting is amazing, the way levels adapt their obstacles based on which levels youve already finished is fun, the banter between the two mains is fun... but there is no challenge at all. The game refuses to allow you to lose at anything and it sucks a lot of the fun out of what could have been an excellent platforming game.
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Negative: 1 out of 25
  1. 93
    It has its shortcomings, but I already sense that Prince of Persia will be one of the few games from this generation that I carry with me for the next decade.
  2. PC PowerPlay
    80
    Having said this, Prince of Persia is one of those games that has obvious flaws but manages to pull together to become so much more than the sum of its parts. The charmingly cliched story, the visuals, audio, and their sparkling polish come together to make the Prince of Persia a modern epic. [January 2009, p.51]
  3. While its lack of challenge may lull fans, its ease of use will delight newcomers and draw in anyone who appreciates a touch of magic.