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 To game developers: STOP MESSING WITH TIME!!! >>> by Lizard (05.09.2005)
This being the sequel to Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (PoP:SoT) you expect that it'll follow the trend of game sequels. This is not the same Prince from Sands of Time, and neither is it the same game.
I have to admit that this game got me hooked in a bad way. I got to the point where my hands got so tired (and being a gamer this is a hard thing to do) where my fingers weren't working as fast as they do. Any game that I can immerse myself so much that I spend the whole day playing it without getting disenchanted or satiated of the game deserves much recommendation.
GAMEPLAY - 7
The game can be divided into two simple parts: fighting and acrobatics. When you are not fighting you'd either be jumping around the "puzzle" part of an area or running from the Dahaka. It is a 3D platform type game so a little camera trouble is present particularly when jumping to an unseen ledge with a bottomless pit underneath. Which is a good thing the prince retains most of his Sands of Time manipulation powers.
The new features in the fighting part of this game are astounding! The free form fighting system means that there are a lot of different possibilities that could happen in a fight. A simple grab can turn into a backwards throw, decapitating the opponent, and so on. Also, you aren't stuck with just one sword here; you can pick up another weapon as to fight in a two weapon style.
The controls are fairly simple and easy to learn, no controller wrestling needed, as well as learning the various combos for fighting. Good thing there is a combo list in the game itself which helps if you've forgotten a maneuver. If you've played Sands of Time, you will already have some familiarity with the controls.
STORY - 7
AUGH! Not only is the prince's primary goal in this game to create a time loophole, but you must do it TWICE. Not only is the story confusing it borders on forming too many paradoxes that started in Sands of Time, hence my review title. When I related the story to a friend, I was successful in two things: getting parched and confusing my friend. Playing the game would give you a better view of the story. of Time.
AUDIOVISUAL - 10
The graphics are absolutely beautiful. It is much darker and feels more oppressive than what you'd experience in Sands of Time. The environments are very detailed; you can actually see the little touches in the game like the swaying of trees, a ship in the harbor, and flying insects. The cut scenes are well done too,
The game features Godsmack's "I Stand Alone" in the intro, don't let it fool you. The music and sounds fit the game nicely. Some heavy rock numbers do exist in the game, like when facing one of the bosses or mini-bosses, especially when you're running from the Dahaka. When navigating the level you don't really notice the music, I don't think there was any music. Gone are the acoustic instruments used in Sands of Time, which doesn't fit into ancient Babylon the setting. but somehow the rock numbers fit.
LONGEVITY - 8
One of the game's flaws, much like a lot of games nowadays, is that it is short. The single player mode can be finished in a few days of regular play. It isn't an extremely long adventure. Seriously, who'd want to do an 80 hour dungeon crawl with as many pitfalls and henchmen as Prince of Persia? The game is good enough for more than one play through, with Arena and Time attack modes for extra flavor. Not to forget the downloadable content to keep gamers coming back.
VERDICT
A fine example of a solid game for the solid gamer, the stunning graphics, immersive game play and the "wonderful" storyline make up a meaty yet easily digestible game (save for the storyline) fit for gamer consumption. Some may find the dark and edgy feel of the music and environment not to their liking.
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