Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – PC Review

The Year 2024 kicks off with an unexpected gem for PC gamers Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Crafted by the team behind the latest Rayman titles and the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy, this Metroidvania takes inspiration from not only its predecessors but also games like Hollow Knight and Metroid Dread, delivering a satisfying gaming experience.

The Tale of the Lost Crown

In this spin-off, players step into the shoes of Sargon, one of the Immortals, on a mission to rescue the kidnapped Prince of Persia in the chaotic Mount Qaf. The narrative, filled with temporal oddities, occasionally leans into shonen battle anime clichés, enhancing the overall experience.

Visuals and Performance

While the somewhat cartoonish art style may not suit everyone, it remains clear and readable during action sequences. The game's multi-platform release, including the less powerful Nintendo Switch, affects graphics quality, particularly noticeable in cutscenes. Despite this, some machines offer a smooth 120 fps, elevating the overall gaming experience.

Combat Mastery

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown shines in its combat system. Sargon's scimitar-wielding prowess allows for an array of combos, reminiscent of beat 'em all games. The game's ingenious use of a single melee attack button and a ranged attack results in dizzying combos and endless possibilities. Dodge and parry mechanics add depth, making combat both satisfying and challenging.

Arsenal of Powers

Beyond scimitars, players wield a bow, chakram, and supernatural Ahtras powers, adding versatility to combat and exploration. The game avoids gating improvements behind arbitrary doors, opting for meaningful gameplay mechanisms. Healing potions and Dark Souls-style campfires, without fast travel, maintain a sense of exploration without feeling tedious.

Exploration and Challenges

The palace environments are visually diverse, featuring traps, obstacles, and a varied bestiary. As players progress, they unlock new powers and weapons, introducing creative and unexpected gameplay elements. The expansive Mount Qaf dungeon boasts numerous biomes, unique traps, and secrets, offering 15 to 30 hours of gameplay depending on playstyle and difficulty.

Boss Battles and Spectacle

Bosses are numerous, well-balanced, and integral to mastering combat mechanics. The game's powers prove useful in both exploration and combat, encouraging creative approaches to challenging encounters. The sheer spectacle of boss battles, reminiscent of a shonen anime finale, adds a chaotic yet satisfying element to the game.

The Verdict

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers a welcome surprise in the gaming landscape, delivering a satisfying Metroidvania experience with innovative elements. While the cartoonish art direction and clichéd story might not appeal to everyone, the game's exploration, combat, and acrobatics make it a must-play. With a fair playtime and a range of difficulty options, it's a game that caters to both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The Lost Crown successfully blends the best of the Metroidvania genre, offering a fun and engaging experience that's easy to learn but difficult to master.

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