Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

 Xbox
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 112 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 112
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 112
  3. Negative: 10 out of 112
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  1. GormL.
    Jul 16, 2009
    10
    One of the best stories Ive seen in any videogame. And it achieves that without making you swallow loads of cut-scenes. The combat is a bit repetitive yes, but everything else is pure gold.
  2. CascoD.
    Nov 6, 2004
    10
    This game is pretty close to perfect. Excellent gameplay, clever level design; it is always challenging and never gets frustrating.
  3. ScottS.
    Feb 10, 2004
    10
    I have really thought about this and this game has to be one of my favourite xbox games of all time. My friend has not played his xbox for a month...I tell him it is because he has cr@p games and he would if he owned this one. Everytime my girlfriend leaves the house I am straight on the xbox playing this. The aspect I especially love about this game is that it is not all action, it I have really thought about this and this game has to be one of my favourite xbox games of all time. My friend has not played his xbox for a month...I tell him it is because he has cr@p games and he would if he owned this one. Everytime my girlfriend leaves the house I am straight on the xbox playing this. The aspect I especially love about this game is that it is not all action, it really makes you think....I really cant get enough strategy. Overall it is definately worth the price that I paid for it!… Expand
  4. Bob
    May 13, 2004
    10
    This game rules.
  5. BlueFalcon
    May 14, 2005
    9
    It's definitely among the best single player experiences on xbox. The environments are stunning, and the puzzles are complex but not frustrating. It's weird to say, but the outstanding graphics help this game more than they would most other games. One of the coolest features here is that you can unlock and play POP 1 & 2 That really helps extend the life of a game otherwise It's definitely among the best single player experiences on xbox. The environments are stunning, and the puzzles are complex but not frustrating. It's weird to say, but the outstanding graphics help this game more than they would most other games. One of the coolest features here is that you can unlock and play POP 1 & 2 That really helps extend the life of a game otherwise short on replay value. One gripe is that the battles are too long and repetitive. The fighting is cool, but when you battle identical enemies over and over for several minutes, it grows tiring sometimes. When I beat this game, I was definitely filled w/ a sense of acomplishment and satisfaction - great stuff.… Expand
  6. BoneS2BV
    Jun 3, 2005
    8
    This game is one of the best action/adventure game!!! the whole oportunities you can develop are amazing !!!!
  7. Kev
    Nov 17, 2003
    10
    This is one of the best and most enjoyable games I have ever played. This is one of those games that literally evaporates time (pun intended). Next thing you know, 3 hours are gone. This is a must have for the X-Box.
  8. Poptee
    Jan 17, 2004
    9
    This is a fun game, and not so easy for the "powergamer(s) no more" like me. The only thing I didn't like was the sounds for the sword clashes: for me they were unrealistic and became very annoying. Everything else is top quality.
  9. ShelbyN.
    Feb 20, 2004
    8
    Yo, it's cool.
  10. DUDE
    May 13, 2004
    10
    Prince of Persia is one of the best Adventure games of 2003. It simply is amazing. It takes full advantage of the Xbox hardware. It even has 2 unlockable classic Prince of Persia games.
  11. BassieN.
    Jun 12, 2004
    8
    As Warlock said, there is this really annoying bit after completing 93%. A downwards walljump which is impossible to do for me. I've tried about 100 times, stopped because I was about to kill my cats. I've just tried again after 2 months, but I keep falling to my death, too bad. Otherwise perfect and beautifull game on PS2.
  12. CynS.
    Jul 12, 2005
    9
    Great game ..... best Action RPG to come out since Zleda: Ocarina of Time. Battle system is great, with the way you can dodge around people, use hsate, use walls, jump over balconies to dodge and then jump back ito them. And have you honestly ever played an Action RPG were the puzzles dint get repetive? Anyways, good game, get it since its now only $20 p.s. Did anyone notice that 90% of Great game ..... best Action RPG to come out since Zleda: Ocarina of Time. Battle system is great, with the way you can dodge around people, use hsate, use walls, jump over balconies to dodge and then jump back ito them. And have you honestly ever played an Action RPG were the puzzles dint get repetive? Anyways, good game, get it since its now only $20 p.s. Did anyone notice that 90% of the people who gave it bad reviews essentialy said it was too hard?… Expand
  13. SeanD.
    Nov 7, 2007
    10
    Wow... A lot of people seem to get angry far too easily... This game is one of my favorites and I have played a lot of games throughout my life. What makes this game so good is not the graphics, but the gameplay and storyline. It draws you in and you want to continue doing awesome moves and in the character of a Persian Prince who controls time to avenge his father and destroy the work Wow... A lot of people seem to get angry far too easily... This game is one of my favorites and I have played a lot of games throughout my life. What makes this game so good is not the graphics, but the gameplay and storyline. It draws you in and you want to continue doing awesome moves and in the character of a Persian Prince who controls time to avenge his father and destroy the work that Vizier has created. This game is really good, although at times it may be hard, just look for water close by in order to restore your health. Please give it a try if you are reading this... you won't be dissapointed I promise.… Expand
  14. JoseC.
    Nov 11, 2003
    10
    One of the most amazing, masterful games ever created, my vote for game of the year.
  15. Paty
    Dec 25, 2003
    9
    I definitely think this game is great. but i think the hype around it creates more hurt than do good. from all the editors at various magazines telling how magnificent it is, one expects a "one of a kind" experience...i think that might be over kill. yeah. the game is fun, but the fighting element gets boring after a while...enemies keep coming back after you kill them...its annoying. someI definitely think this game is great. but i think the hype around it creates more hurt than do good. from all the editors at various magazines telling how magnificent it is, one expects a "one of a kind" experience...i think that might be over kill. yeah. the game is fun, but the fighting element gets boring after a while...enemies keep coming back after you kill them...its annoying. some blood could have been nice, instead of yellow flashes of light...very "mummy returns"...hmmm. the best part of the original game was that it was a simple death trap escape game. now we have to deal with a chick, who shoots arrows at you by mistake...we have to protect her...yap,yap,yap. camera movements and animations save this game more than other games...control is amazing, graphics are good. i give a 9 because it is one of xbox's best. i am still playing it. loving it. but...it is not as amazing as the media hyped it up to be. game of the year?...no. rainbowsix 3 should be. or maybe fifa 2004. buy it. rental is for geeks.… Expand
  16. ShaneT.
    Dec 5, 2003
    9
    This game is fantastic. It may not be the longest, or the hardest game that i have played(9hrs). but this has to be the most fun i have had with a game in years. Artistic graphics, tight gameplay which keps me addicted till the very end. GET THIS GAME!
  17. StephenM.
    Jan 26, 2004
    9
    This is one of my favorite games and a suggested title if you ask me. It is very exciting and unique. It is definitely a brain teaser in some situations so if you plan on getting it, start getting used to puzzles and brain-teasers.
  18. BrettB.
    Mar 16, 2004
    9
    Although a bit on the easy side (you get way too many second chances, such as the prince catching himself when he falls off things), this game is great though. I loved the story, cheesy as it may sound, and the soundtrack is absolutely great!
  19. Gamer
    Apr 23, 2004
    10
    Thats all I have to say about it.
  20. Cyberxero
    Aug 30, 2004
    10
    Prince Of Persia The Sands Of Time is the best game I have ever played so far,and probably still will be for a long time.First of all,all Prince Of Persia fans must get this game.Its worth evry penny.The Graphics in this game have come a long way since the original games,and are some of the best that i've seen in any game.Also the gameplay is just way to much fun.The way the fighting Prince Of Persia The Sands Of Time is the best game I have ever played so far,and probably still will be for a long time.First of all,all Prince Of Persia fans must get this game.Its worth evry penny.The Graphics in this game have come a long way since the original games,and are some of the best that i've seen in any game.Also the gameplay is just way to much fun.The way the fighting system works and the acrobatics you can do just make the game totally wicked awesome and memerable.The sound is'nt that bad itself.I have beat this game 4 times(not saying its an easy game or a short one)and am still playing it on and on.This means that its a game that you will just keep coming back to,and evrytime you do you'll be satisfied again and again.Anyway to wrap this review up,everybody should own this game or at least try it.I gaurentee you'll like it even if you have'nt played the originals.Anyway this game has kept me busy while I wait for Prince Of Persia 2.Cant wait for the second one.Buy POP:TSOT,and love it.L8er ~Cyberxero… Expand
  21. PatS.
    Jan 9, 2005
    9
    This game is terrific. I love the graphics, I can look around in amazement. The controls are fairly decent as well.
  22. H.Murray
    Mar 13, 2005
    8
    I really enjoyed this game. It was as if I was controlling an Animation Movie of some sort. Smooth silk graphics, sweet controls and niiiice sound. I enjoyed the story of the game as well. Quality storytelling in games is something rare these days. One small tiny gripe . More variation of taking down the bad guys would have been nice. Other than that, get ready for a killer game.
  23. JamsK.
    Apr 13, 2005
    10
    Very very good but fights r bore.
  24. ChesXA.
    May 20, 2005
    10
    This is one of hell good game i really love this game specially the graphics of the game, but there are some part of the game that you really need to waste time to think specially on some puzles in game but it's great really you'll enjoy... two thumbs up!!!!!!
  25. IliyasI.
    Jun 18, 2005
    8
    Solid Adventure game. Will leave your hands drenched in sweat from all the indiana jones death defying/trap situations. Extremley challenging game, reminded me a bit of Ninja Gaiden (nes) . My only grip were the graphics weren't as Polished as the 1st game and also some of the sound effects were hella annoying. Other than that I had a blast playing this Sequel.
  26. ChaseW.
    Jun 26, 2006
    10
    Awesome game,not repetitive.One sucky puzzle,other wise great.It is so fun runnin' over those zombies and getting them in the back,am I right?And wall running,man thats fun.I love the puzzles with one exception.Did nice with the graphics,and not too little,or not too much blood. One thing though,not really bad.Has anyone noticed how when Your not holding the dagger,the Prince acts Awesome game,not repetitive.One sucky puzzle,other wise great.It is so fun runnin' over those zombies and getting them in the back,am I right?And wall running,man thats fun.I love the puzzles with one exception.Did nice with the graphics,and not too little,or not too much blood. One thing though,not really bad.Has anyone noticed how when Your not holding the dagger,the Prince acts like he wields it, draws it, and puts it away, and he's really not holding anything. Funny stuff. Oh yeah and the last boss is way too easy, more then the 1st one. Only 2 bosses? C'mon!… Expand
  27. JeremyB.
    Mar 14, 2008
    9
    I would rate it a 9.4 if there was one but there isn't. this game is one of the best games I've ever played and i'm a pretty big gamer. It is extremely fun, hard to get board of and exciting. the storyline and the fighting is the best part. I only have 1 negative and that's the camera. A little bit of a pain when ure fighting and cant see wats happening but otherwise I would rate it a 9.4 if there was one but there isn't. this game is one of the best games I've ever played and i'm a pretty big gamer. It is extremely fun, hard to get board of and exciting. the storyline and the fighting is the best part. I only have 1 negative and that's the camera. A little bit of a pain when ure fighting and cant see wats happening but otherwise its a well rounded game. Enjoy!… Expand
  28. NeilV.
    Feb 23, 2004
    10
    This is one of the finest games that I've ever played (and I've been gaming for the last 22 years of my 25 year life). Everything is brilliant, the graphics, the sounds, the fight scenes (when you get truly skilled, you'll marvel at the feats that you can pull in this game). The puzzles require that you use your mind a little more than most games, but they're not This is one of the finest games that I've ever played (and I've been gaming for the last 22 years of my 25 year life). Everything is brilliant, the graphics, the sounds, the fight scenes (when you get truly skilled, you'll marvel at the feats that you can pull in this game). The puzzles require that you use your mind a little more than most games, but they're not overly difficult, just hard enough to give this game depth that many lack these days. … Expand
  29. VolbardD.
    Nov 14, 2003
    10
    This game combines smooth action with challenging puzzles in a masterful way. The frequent change of pace keeps it from ever getting boring. This is a wonderful sequel to a classic game, and will rank among the best x-box games ever.
  30. BobB.
    Dec 29, 2003
    9
    Pretty sick game, has its downs but its cool story, ETC.
  31. Larux18
    Dec 20, 2011
    10
    Great story, good graphics, amazing sound, awesome puzzles, this game is unique, it's just one of a kind, this is what started and inspired a lot of 3rd person platformer games. There is great satisfaction after beating this game and no one should miss this experience.
  32. CanadianGamer
    Jul 30, 2013
    9
    First of all, this is the best damn Prince of Persia ever made. This game has a great story, great battles (a little repetitive but gets more challenging as the game goes on) and challenging puzzles. I love the whole plot with the Dagger of Time.I like the writing behind the Prince and Farrah and I really hate the main bad guy the Vizier who I remember as the main antagonist. The endingFirst of all, this is the best damn Prince of Persia ever made. This game has a great story, great battles (a little repetitive but gets more challenging as the game goes on) and challenging puzzles. I love the whole plot with the Dagger of Time.I like the writing behind the Prince and Farrah and I really hate the main bad guy the Vizier who I remember as the main antagonist. The ending won't make you angry either as it is actually quite an interesting ending and I still remember to this day without playing the game for a decade.… Expand
  33. frederik1478
    Sep 23, 2021
    9
    One of the top 5 games of the ps2 and Xbox generation. The movement mechanic has not a day it still feels amazing and it's always just the right amount of challenge, the combat it sucks it's bad it's always the thing that makes you take a deep breath before you think about playing it again. But lucky for the game the good parts are so good that even the bad parts get forgotten as ifOne of the top 5 games of the ps2 and Xbox generation. The movement mechanic has not a day it still feels amazing and it's always just the right amount of challenge, the combat it sucks it's bad it's always the thing that makes you take a deep breath before you think about playing it again. But lucky for the game the good parts are so good that even the bad parts get forgotten as if they were the sands of time… Expand
  34. LeVronYames
    Jun 23, 2020
    10
    This is quite possibly the best videogame of all time. It is also the most artistic of the POP trilogy, with a more complex plot (real love story) and more beatiful graphics than the other games. And the soundtrack...

    BEST VIDEOGAME SOUNDTRACK EVER. Listen to "Time Only Knows" and you will see!
  35. Hugeonpluto
    Feb 20, 2021
    10
    One of the best games ever made. The gameplay is great, the music's great, and the story is amazing.
  36. MMPP99
    Nov 20, 2022
    9
    Really great, I would say that is one of the best Prince of Persia I ever played. The graphics were ahead of the time, the movement was the most smooth I ever seen in a game, great battles, challenging puzzles. The only bad side was soundtrack, most of the time is so quiet and boring, except for the battle.
    Rating: 8.7 out of 10
  37. CloudStrife05
    Aug 19, 2021
    9
    The beginning of an amazing trilogy and it all started with this amazing classic.

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Xbox Game of 2003
3
#3 Most Discussed Xbox Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
92

Universal acclaim - based on 41 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 41 out of 41
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 41
  3. Negative: 0 out of 41
  1. Xbox Nation Magazine
    100
    Brimming with heart-stopping moments where you've got to take big gambles....A perfect union of storytelling, gameplay, and technological wonder. [Mar 2004, p.96]
  2. Village Voice
    90
    The impeccably intuitive controls make this feel as magical as it looks, and the gorgeous graphics and music fully ground you in the fantasy.
    Read full review
  3. Edge Magazine
    90
    The freedom of movement requires a new level of spatial imagination. Before Prince of Persia, platform games were like playing Tetris with only the blocks and bars. [Christmas 2003, p.100]
See all critic reviews »