Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

The story of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown receives mixed but generally positive feedback, with several critics praising its unique narrative approach and world-building. IGN France highlights the game’s "diverse cast of characters" and "more extensive storyline than typical Metroidvanias," while INVEN appreciates the emphasis on time as both a thematic and gameplay element. Eurogamer Poland notes the exploration of "time anomalies" and the mysterious setting of a once-great city, and CGMagazine describes the plot as "intriguing" with "interesting twists." The narrative’s focus on Sargon, a new protagonist from the Immortals, is seen as a fresh direction by critics like IGN Japan, who acknowledge its "rich lore," and Shacknews, which praises the "sharp" storytelling with "twists and reveals about the universe." These elements suggest that while the story may not be groundbreaking, it offers engaging worldbuilding and thematic depth for fans of Persian mythology. However, several critics criticize the narrative for being disjointed, underdeveloped, or overly complex. GamesRadar+ calls the plot "convoluted" and "disjointed," arguing it disrupts gameplay flow and fails to engage players with character development. Hooked Gamers and PC Gamer both highlight issues with the story’s structure, noting that Sargon’s role as a "damsel in distress" and the lack of clarity in key moments leave players uninvested. Vandal and XGN criticize the "simplistic main storyline" and "superficial" elements, while Eurogamer Germany points out that the narrative "starts interestingly but ends weakly." Additionally, many reviewers, including VG247 and Noisy Pixel, note that the story takes a backseat to gameplay, with underdeveloped characters and confusing dialogues. The reliance on cutscenes (as mentioned by PlayStation Country) and the rushed conclusion (WellPlayed) further detract from the experience, creating a sense of missed potential. Overall, while The Lost Crown’s narrative is praised for its originality and world-building, it faces criticism for its pacing, character development, and structural flaws. Critics like IGN France and INVEN appreciate the game’s unique take on Persian mythology and its emphasis on time, but others, such as GamesRadar+ and PC Gamer, find the story lacking in cohesion and emotional depth. The shift to Sargon as the protagonist is a polarizing choice: some, like Nintenduo, commend his growth, while others, including Hooked Gamers, feel it undermines the series’ traditional focus. Despite these divides, many agree that the story serves as a solid foundation for the game’s platforming mechanics, even if it falls short of being a standout narrative. The mixed reception reflects a balance between creative ambition and execution challenges, leaving the story as a memorable but imperfect aspect of the experience.

The gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is widely praised for its seamless integration of platforming, combat, and time-shifting mechanics, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Critics highlight its strong metroidvania foundation, with fluid movement and responsive controls that allow players to master complex traversal and combat systems. IGN lauds the "excellent platforming" and "fast-paced, engaging combat," while PC Invasion notes the "precise timing" required for both challenges, which becomes rewarding once mastered. The game’s blend of exploration and skill-based progression is a standout feature, with Digital Chumps praising its intuitive controls and balance between action and puzzles. Many reviewers, including VGC and GameCritics, commend the well-designed level layouts, clever puzzles, and the variety of abilities that enhance traversal and combat. The inclusion of time-bending powers and dynamic combos further elevates the gameplay, as noted by Meristation, which calls it "exceptional" for its mobility and challenge. Despite these strengths, some critics point to specific drawbacks. MMORPG.com mentions that combat can become repetitive, while TechRadar Gaming criticizes the frustrating parry mechanics and enemy resilience. New Game Network notes that world traversal feels clunky at times, and GRYOnline.pl points out a lack of originality in level design. Additionally, BaziCenter highlights bugs that disrupt the experience, and Gamer.nl warns of unpredictable difficulty spikes that may frustrate players. While these issues are acknowledged, they are often framed as minor flaws rather than deal-breakers. For instance, Destructoid acknowledges "frustrating sections" but balances this with praise for the game’s accessibility features and rewarding combat system. Similarly, Vandal notes that while the platforming is challenging, it is "satisfying" once players adapt to its demands. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with the gameplay being celebrated as a strong example of the metroidvania genre. The majority of reviews emphasize its engaging mechanics, fluid combat, and thoughtful design, with many praising its accessibility options and variety of playstyles. Critics like PC Games and Twinfinite highlight the game’s ability to balance challenge and reward, while others, such as GameSpew and Press Start Australia, commend its innovative use of time manipulation and exploration. While some issues—like repetitive combat or occasional technical hiccups—are mentioned, they are overshadowed by the game’s strengths. As a result, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is widely regarded as a standout title that successfully modernizes classic gameplay elements while delivering a satisfying experience for both newcomers and seasoned players.

The graphics and visual design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received a mix of praise for their artistic creativity and stylistic choices. Many reviewers highlighted the game’s unique aesthetic, with IGN Japan noting its "unique aesthetic not commonly seen in medieval fantasy settings," while CD-Action praised its "vibrant colors and sharp character shapes" reminiscent of anime. The blend of 2D and 3D art styles was frequently lauded, as Jeuxvideo.com and Universo Nintendo emphasized the game’s "inspired by Japanese anime and comics" approach, creating visually rich environments like the "stunning 2.5D graphics" described by Universo Nintendo. Additionally, critics such as GamesRadar+ and VGC celebrated the "beautifully designed environments" and "distinct visual identity," with GGRecon highlighting "Persian cities, forests, temples, and mountain peaks" as standout examples. The game’s stylized approach, including its painterly aesthetics and dynamic animations, was seen as a strength by outlets like Eurogamer and Movies Games and Tech, which praised its "gorgeous scenery" and "fluid pace." However, several critics pointed to technical shortcomings and a lack of polish in the visual design. IGN Benelux and LevelUp criticized the graphics as a "downgrade from previous entries," comparing them unfavorably to Fortnite and older games, while SpazioGames and Inverse noted the absence of "standout visual elements" and "intricate connections" between environments. Gamereactor Finland described the visuals as "mediocre," with "unimpressive animations," and Malditos Nerds called the design "basic and at times outdated." Issues with character textures, such as Hobby Consolas’ observation of "weak character textures," and inconsistencies in detail—like Everyeye.it’s mention of a mismatch between "character aesthetics and traditional environments"—were recurring concerns. Additionally, some reviewers felt the game’s art style, while charming, lacked the technical depth expected from modern AAA titles, with Softpedia noting "underwhelming 3D models" and Metro GameCentral calling it "generic." Overall, the critics’ opinions reflect a divided but nuanced consensus. While many praised the game’s artistic direction, vibrant color palettes, and creative blend of 2D/3D elements—exemplified by outlets like GamesRadar+ and VGC—the technical limitations and lack of polish were significant drawbacks for others. The visual design was often seen as a trade-off between stylistic charm and modern graphical fidelity, with some reviewers (e.g., IGN Japan, GGRecon) appreciating its unique identity and others (e.g., IGN Benelux, LevelUp) finding it underwhelming. Despite these contrasts, the game’s commitment to a distinct visual language—whether through "stylized cartoon-like" designs (PlaySense) or "bold and vibrant" Persian-inspired aesthetics (TheSixthAxis)—was widely acknowledged as a defining feature, even if not universally celebrated. The mixed reception underscores a game that prioritizes artistic expression over technical perfection, leaving its visual appeal to subjective interpretation.

The critical reception of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s sound design and music is largely positive, with many reviewers praising its atmospheric depth and thematic cohesion. Critics like GameGrin and Jeuxvideo.com highlight the soundtrack’s immersive qualities, noting elements such as ambient sounds (birds chirping, wind chimes) that enhance the game’s cursed landscapes. The score by Gareth Coker is frequently lauded for blending traditional Persian melodies with modern influences, creating a nostalgic yet fresh auditory experience (Meristation, Games.cz). Additionally, TheXboxHub and Universo Nintendo commend the music for its dynamic shifts between exploration and combat, while IGN Adria and Eurogamer Portugal emphasize how the soundtrack elevates the game’s atmosphere. The voice acting, though varied, is often praised for its professionalism, with PlayStation Universe and XboxEra noting that it effectively brings characters to life, even if some accents or performances fall short. However, several critics point to notable shortcomings in the audio design. The Enemy criticizes the soundtrack as “neutral” and lacking memorable tracks, arguing it fails to match the game’s detailed universe. Issues with voice acting also surface repeatedly: NME and Daily Star mention inconsistent accents and performances, while BaziCenter and IGN note subpar Persian voice work or a text-to-speech error that disrupts immersion. GamingTrend points to sound mixing problems in cutscenes, and Jeuxvideo.com (and others) highlight repetitive music that can diminish engagement over time. Additionally, Vandal and Cubed3 observe that while the soundtrack is generally strong, some ambient tracks lack emotional resonance, and ZTGD notes uneven voice work for side characters. These critiques suggest that while the audio design is competent, it occasionally struggles to maintain consistency or innovation. Overall, the consensus leans toward appreciation for The Lost Crown’s sound design and music, with most critics acknowledging its contribution to the game’s immersive quality despite minor flaws. The soundtrack’s ability to evoke the game’s Persian-inspired setting and complement its gameplay mechanics is widely celebrated, as seen in IGN Italia’s praise for its “unobtrusive” yet effective integration. While issues like repetitive music or uneven voice acting are noted, they are often framed as peripheral to the overall experience. Reviewers like Cubed3 and PlayStation Universe emphasize that the audio elements collectively enhance the game’s storytelling and atmosphere, suggesting that the positives outweigh the negatives for most players. The mixed feedback reflects a game that succeeds in its auditory ambitions but leaves room for refinement in specific areas.

The voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown receives a mixed but largely positive reception, with several critics praising its authenticity and emotional depth. Notably, the inclusion of Persian (Farsi) voice acting is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with reviewers like Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation noting that it adds "authenticity" and "immersion," while Universo Nintendo calls it "wonderful" for enhancing the game’s cultural context. The main cast’s performances are also lauded, with IGN Italia praising the English voice acting as "well-executed" and Hobby Consolas highlighting Felipe Garrido’s exceptional portrayal of Sargon in the Spanish dub. Additionally, Digital Chumps and TheXboxHub commend the overall quality, stating that voice acting contributes positively to character interactions and narrative engagement. The game’s multilingual support, including Farsi and Spanish options, is seen as a significant strength by several critics. However, several criticisms emerge regarding inconsistencies and technical shortcomings. Multiple reviewers, such as GameOver.gr, Ragequit.gr, and IGN Adria, describe the voice acting as "mediocre" or "wooden," with some performances feeling disconnected from the narrative. Issues like poor lip-syncing (Twinfinite), mismatched accents (NME), and AI-generated lines for minor characters (But Why Tho?) are frequently cited. The lack of regional authenticity in certain dubs, such as the absence of Latin American Spanish voices (Generación Xbox) or Italian localization (IGN Italia), is another point of contention. Additionally, IGN criticizes a "text-to-speech program" error for a minor character, while PlayStation Country notes that some characters’ voiceovers clash with their depicted age, undermining immersion. These flaws, though not universal, highlight areas where the voice acting falls short of expectations. Overall, the consensus leans toward a balanced assessment: while the game’s voice acting is praised for its cultural authenticity and strong main cast performances, it faces criticism for technical inconsistencies and limited language support. Critics like Jeuxvideo.com and Meristation celebrate the Farsi dub as exceptional, yet others such as IGN Japan and Voxel point to gaps in localization. The mixed reception reflects a game that excels in certain aspects but struggles with broader accessibility and technical polish. Despite these issues, many reviewers acknowledge that the voice acting enhances the narrative experience, with TheXboxHub and Nintenduo noting its positive contribution to immersion and storytelling. Ultimately, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers a compelling audio experience for fans of its setting, even if it isn’t without flaws.

The technical performance of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown varies across platforms, with several critics highlighting strong optimizations and polished experiences. On PS5, multiple reviewers praised its stability, with Game Informer noting it runs at a smooth 120 frames per second (fps) with 4K resolution, while IGN Brasil and Press Start Australia emphasized minimal bugs and flawless performance. Xbox Series X also received acclaim for high frame rates and graphical fidelity, as seen in IGN Italia’s mention of stable 60fps and MGG’s observation of 120fps on certain machines. The Nintendo Switch version was lauded for its smooth 60fps performance (Pure Nintendo, NintendoWorldReport) despite some texture and animation compromises, while PC users reported excellent stability, with GameSpew and The Games Machine noting no bugs during extended play. Overall, platforms like PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC were commended for their technical polish, with critics like Push Square and Everyeye.it highlighting "unshakeable" performance and fluid gameplay. However, technical issues were more pronounced on PS5, where several critics cited persistent bugs. Malditos Nerds and Vandal described game-breaking glitches requiring restarts, while Destructoid criticized brutal respawn/checkpoint mechanics. On Xbox Series X, ZTGD noted graphical issues toward the end of the game, and Windows Central mentioned stability concerns despite high frame rates. The Nintendo Switch version faced minor frame drops (Nintenduo) and occasional glitches (Vooks), though these were deemed non-critical. PC users reported fewer major issues, but Hooked Gamers and Stevivor noted frustrating combat moments and infrequent bugs that could disrupt immersion. While most platforms handled performance well, PS5 and Xbox Series X saw more frequent reports of technical hiccups compared to the relatively stable Switch and PC versions. The overall consensus among critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown delivers strong technical performance across all platforms, with minor bugs that rarely hinder gameplay. Platforms like PS5 and Xbox Series X received praise for their high frame rates and graphical capabilities, though some critics (e.g., Malditos Nerds, Vandal) highlighted persistent issues requiring fixes. The Nintendo Switch version was praised for its stability and optimization despite lower-resolution compromises, while PC users generally experienced smooth performance with infrequent glitches. While no platform was flawless, the majority of reviews—such as those from GameSpew, IGN Italia, and Pure Nintendo—emphasized that technical issues were minor and did not detract significantly from the overall experience. The game’s polished presentation on PS5 and Xbox Series X, combined with the Switch’s efficient port, suggests a well-rounded technical foundation despite occasional hiccups.

The majority of critics highlight several strengths that contribute positively to the replay value of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Many praise its emphasis on exploration, hidden secrets, and side quests, which encourage players to revisit areas with new abilities or strategies. For instance, IGN notes the game’s multiple difficulty options and customizable gameplay elements, while GameSpew and God is a Geek emphasize how returning to previously visited zones with enhanced skills adds depth. The inclusion of collectibles, secret rooms, and Metroidvania-style backtracking—highlighted by Nintendo Life and TechRadar Gaming—further enhances the incentive to replay. Additionally, critics like Worth Playing and MeuPlayStation point out that hidden challenges and exploration mechanics provide long-term engagement, with some noting that 100% completion can extend playtime significantly. The game’s varied challenges and accessible difficulty settings also appeal to completionists, as noted by VG247 and MGG, who mention the flexibility to adjust pacing and challenge levels. However, several critics identify limitations that could hinder replayability. GRYOnline.pl and GamingBolt note design flaws and repetitive backtracking, while GameOver.gr criticizes limited fast travel points for disrupting flow. The lack of a New Game Plus mode or boss re-fights is a recurring concern, with Hobby Consolas and Twinfinite pointing out that this absence reduces the incentive to replay. Additionally, some reviewers, like Wccftech, feel the game’s length may become tedious toward the end, and GamingBolt mentions that side quests sometimes lack meaningful rewards. Others, such as GamePro Germany and New Game Network, suggest that while post-story exploration is enjoyable, it doesn’t fully compensate for the absence of structured replayable content like additional modes or dynamic challenges. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a positive assessment of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s replay value, despite its flaws. While some critiques about repetitive mechanics and limited post-game features are valid, many reviewers emphasize the game’s rich exploration, collectibles, and difficulty customization as strong draws for returning players. IGN, VG247, and Push Square highlight that the game’s emphasis on discovery and adaptability—through skills, amulets, and optional content—makes it appealing for those seeking a lengthy, varied experience. Even critics like Gamer.no and SECTOR.sk acknowledge its replayability through exploration and puzzle-solving, suggesting that the game’s strengths outweigh its shortcomings for fans of the genre. The mixed feedback reflects a balance between accessibility and depth, with most agreeing that the title offers substantial value for players willing to delve into its world multiple times.