How Ubisoft Is Bringing Prince of Persia Back as an Anime-Like Metroidvania

Ubisoft Forward Reveal: A New Era for Prince of Persia

Ubisoft’s recent Forward event unveiled a captivating new entry in the Prince of Persia franchise. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown departs from the time-manipulating gameplay of the Sands of Time trilogy, instead embracing a 2D platformer structure reminiscent of the original 1989 game. This innovative approach, crafted by the team behind Rayman, blends familiar Prince of Persia elements with the expansive, interconnected world and evolving abilities characteristic of Metroidvania games. This return to the platforming roots feels fresh, promising a unique adventure for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

The Choice for a 2D Reimagining

The decision to revisit the 2D platforming style stems from Ubisoft Montpellier’s expertise in 2D titles, such as the Rayman series. This familiar ground proved a natural fit for reimagining the Prince of Persia franchise. Moreover, the studio aimed to capture the essence of the original Prince of Persia, mirroring its core structure, controls, and gameplay mechanics, while integrating contemporary elements. The developers also recognized the benefit of a 3D world underpinning the 2D visuals. This allowed for dynamic camera angles, enhancing combat and combo sequences with immersive cinematic perspectives.

Anime-Inspired Visuals

While the game’s world is rendered in a 2D perspective, the 3D architecture allows for dynamic camera movements. The most striking element is the visual transition from a traditional Middle Eastern aesthetic to a vibrant anime-inspired style triggered by specific gameplay events. This artistic decision reflects a modern visual language, infused with elements of anime, comic books, and superheroes. The art team sought to blend mythological Persian influences with contemporary inspirations, creating a visually compelling narrative space.

Gameplay: A Blend of Classic and Modern

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown isn’t just about visuals; it’s about gameplay. The game respects the heritage of both the original Prince of Persia and the Sands of Time series, skillfully combining these elements with the core principles of Metroidvania games. This amalgamation includes an interconnected world map, challenging combat encounters, and unlocking progressively powerful abilities. This structured progression offers players ample opportunities for exploration, strategic combat and rewarding discoveries.

The Metroidvania Structure

The Metroidvania design is crucial for empowerment and player progression. The developers sought to capture the feeling of exploration and gradual mastery, much like other Metroidvania titles. The game is meticulously structured with rewards and hidden shortcuts designed to encourage replayability. Players will discover new pathways and strategies as they acquire new skills and abilities. Re-engaging with areas already explored becomes more fruitful with newfound capabilities.

Time Manipulation: A Fresh Approach

While time manipulation is a cornerstone of the Sands of Time games, the powers in The Lost Crown differ in execution. They are not directly in the hands of the player but are instead controlled by the antagonist. This novel twist on a familiar theme will offer a fresh approach to traversing obstacles and solving problems. It also offers a unique strategic gameplay layer within the core Metroidvania framework. The developers are subtly reimagining these signature elements, creating a dynamic tension between the player’s skills and the antagonist’s control of the temporal powers.

Sargon: A New Protagonist

The game’s protagonist is not the Prince of Persia himself, but rather Sargon, a member of the Immortals. This unexpected choice distinguishes this iteration of the franchise. Sargon’s journey embodies a coming-of-age narrative, allowing players to connect with his personal growth. This design choice aims to foster a closer relationship between the player and the character. By shifting the focus from the Prince, Ubisoft is introducing a more relatable and evolving protagonist, aiming for a deeper and more nuanced player experience.

Combat and Visual Design Inspired by Anime

Sargon’s design, rooted in superhero aesthetics, is further enhanced by anime-inspired combat sequences. The game’s vibrant colours and bold linework intensify moments of action and power. The design draws from various artistic influences, from anime and comic books to street art. This deliberate fusion of artistic styles creates a visually striking experience that reinforces Sargon’s character and abilities.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in the Prince of Persia Saga

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown represents a bold departure for the series. By merging 2D platforming, anime-inspired visuals, and Metroidvania gameplay mechanics, Ubisoft Montpellier is creating a fresh and exciting experience. The time-manipulation twist, a new protagonist, and a focus on character growth promise to captivate both longtime fans and new players, forging a new chapter in the iconic franchise. The January 18th release date promises a unique and compelling adventure.