35 Years Later, Prince of Persia’s Legacy is Stronger Than Ever

35 Years Later, Prince of Persia's Legacy is Stronger Than Ever

On October 3, 1989, the initial version of “Prince of Persia” was launched for the Apple II. This game, known for its revolutionary rotoscoping animation techniques in platforming, was an instant critical success due to the lifelike feel it introduced, which hadn’t been seen before. The popularity of “Prince of Persia” led to its swift adaptation on various consoles and PCs during that time, making it a highly influential game of its era. Thirty-five years later, the “Prince of Persia” series has made significant strides.

Over a ten-year period after its initial launch, the game “Prince of Persia” had two follow-ups that garnered moderate feedback. The franchise reached new heights with the 2003 release of “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time,” often praised as one of the top games in the series. However, subsequent sequels and reboots fell short, leading “Prince of Persia” to take a break. But this year, “Prince of Persia” is back with a vengeance, and it could be said that the franchise has never been stronger or more successful than it is now.

35 Years On, Prince of Persia Is Back, and Bigger Than Ever

Prince of Persia Has Had an Impressive Comeback Year

After a break of 14 years, the beloved “Prince of Persia” series made its comeback this year with “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.” This game is a Metroidvania in 2.5D, featuring exceptional platforming techniques, fluid animations, captivating combat, and a unique visual style. For fans eagerly anticipating it for over a decade, “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” was the much-needed rejuvenation of the series.

Following the debut of “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown” in January, unexpectedly, around a few months later, the announcement for “The Rogue Prince of Persia” was made. This title is a 2D roguelike action-platformer and it entered Steam early access in May. Since its launch, it has been consistently updated, introducing fresh enemies, weapons, environments, and narrative elements to the game at a regular pace.

Both the “Prince of Persia” projects due in 2024, namely “The Rogue Prince of Persia” and “The Lost Crown,” share a common trait that strengthens them – they draw inspiration from the original 1989 game while simultaneously evolving the franchise for today’s market. For example, like the 1989 game, these projects focus on a 2D perspective and prioritize seamless platforming and animations. However, they also incorporate contemporary elements to ensure the franchise remains competitive in the current market.

Prince of Persia Might Be Here to Stay

At the Ubisoft Forward event held in June, there was a special segment devoted solely to Prince of Persia. Alongside the announcement of DLC for The Lost Crown, Ubisoft also affirmed that the eagerly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is still being worked on. Despite some current difficulties facing Ubisoft, it appears that the remake will eventually be released, ensuring that the Prince of Persia series remains active for a short while longer.

After more than a decade’s absence, the beloved game “Prince of Persia” made a grand comeback in 2024, making its 35th anniversary an unforgettable one.

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2024-10-03 20:44