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Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Item: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJan 18, 2024

PlatformXbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC

DeveloperUbisoft Montpellier

Overview

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown delivers an intriguing narrative with captivating twists and rich Persian mythology, but ultimately falters due to disjointed storytelling and shallow character development. While some critics praise the engaging elements and humor, many highlight predictable plots and a lack of emotional connection, suggesting the narrative serves primarily as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling journey. Overall, it’s a mixed bag of potential and disappointment, leaving players wanting more.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

47%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

49%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The narrative of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has garnered a mix of praise for its engaging elements and intriguing themes. Critics such as Gaming Nexus and Dot Esports highlighted the story's captivating twists and the depth of character exploration, particularly focusing on Sargon, the protagonist. The incorporation of Persian mythology and the supernatural setting of Mount Qaf were also well-received, with reviewers like Everyeye.it noting the engaging dialogues and environmental storytelling that enhance the overall narrative experience. Additionally, Impulsegamer appreciated the balance of serious themes with moments of humor, contributing to a well-paced and immersive story. However, the game has faced significant criticism regarding its narrative coherence and character development. Many reviewers, including PC Gamer and The Games Machine, described the story as disjointed and lacking depth, with predictable events and stereotypical characters. Critics like IGN Italia and Twinfinite pointed out that while the story features interesting concepts, it ultimately fails to create an emotional connection with the audience, leading to a disengaged experience. Furthermore, issues such as pacing problems and unexplained motives were highlighted by New Game Network and PC Invasion, indicating that the narrative often glosses over important moments. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers a rich tapestry of themes and engaging plot twists, it struggles with execution, resulting in a narrative that feels both convoluted and underdeveloped. Reviewers like Gamereactor Finland and PlaySense echoed sentiments that the story serves primarily as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a compelling journey in its own right. Despite some positive aspects, including character development and the integration of mythology, the prevailing opinion leans towards disappointment in the story's ability to fully engage players, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown impresses with its engaging Metroidvania-style gameplay, fluid mechanics, and rewarding exploration, earning praise for combat depth and level design. While critics note issues like a lack of originality and frustrating difficulty spikes, the overall consensus is that it delivers a compelling experience in the genre, making it a worthy addition for fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has garnered significant praise from a majority of critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and design. Reviewers such as Gaming Age and GamePro Germany commend the game for its Metroidvania-style platforming, emphasizing the balance between exploration and combat. The game features a well-structured difficulty system, as noted by GamePro Germany, and allows players to unlock a variety of abilities that enhance both movement and combat, making the experience feel dynamic and rewarding. Critics like VG247 and Gfinity also appreciate the depth of combat, with the inclusion of combos and an intuitive parry system that adds layers to the gameplay. The overall fluidity of movement and the clever level design contribute to a satisfying experience, as highlighted by critics like Twinfinite and Areajugones. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, some critics pointed out areas for improvement. GRYOnline.pl mentioned a lack of originality in level design, suggesting that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it may not break new ground in the genre. Hooked Gamers echoed this sentiment, noting that while the fundamentals are solid, the game lacks unique features compared to other Metroidvania titles. Additionally, some reviewers, such as PlayStation Country and TRG, expressed frustration with difficulty spikes during boss fights and the timing required for the parry mechanic, which can detract from the overall enjoyment for some players. The repetitive nature of certain gameplay elements was also mentioned by Starbit, indicating that while engaging, the experience can occasionally feel monotonous. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown delivers a compelling gameplay experience that successfully blends exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving within a well-crafted Metroidvania framework. The majority of reviewers, including Game Informer and PlaySense, highlighted the game as a strong point of the title, praising its fluid controls and engaging mechanics. While some criticisms regarding originality and difficulty spikes exist, they do not overshadow the overall positive sentiment. Critics agree that the game offers a rewarding experience that encourages exploration and skill mastery, making it a notable addition to the genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown impresses with vibrant 2.5D graphics and dynamic animations, earning praise for its artistic flair and immersive environments. However, critics point out significant visual shortcomings, calling the graphics a downgrade from previous games, often generic, and lacking detail. While the game has potential and a charming style, its inconsistencies and technical limitations leave it feeling underwhelming compared to its competitors.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have garnered a mix of praise from various critics, highlighting several positive aspects. Critics such as IGN Brasil and Gfinity commend the game for its vibrant environments and dynamic animations, contributing to an immersive experience. The blend of 2D and 3D visuals has been particularly noted, with IGN France emphasizing the ambitious artistic presentation that enhances the overall gameplay. Many reviewers, including Pure Nintendo and Universa Nintendo, appreciate the stunning 2.5D graphics and the attention to detail in the environments, which showcase diverse biomes and intricate designs inspired by Persian culture. The stylized cartoon-like graphic design has also been praised for its cleanliness and appeal, with PlaySense noting impressive environments that support high resolutions. However, a significant number of critics have pointed out various shortcomings in the game's graphics. LevelUp and IGN Benelux criticized the visuals for being a downgrade from previous entries in the franchise, with some describing them as generic or reminiscent of older games and even mobile titles. Critics like Vandal and Malditos Nerds highlighted the technical simplicity of the graphics, with basic textures and models that detract from the overall experience. Additionally, MGG noted that while some environments are visually appealing, the graphics feel cartoonish and limited by the capabilities of less powerful platforms. This sentiment is echoed by PC Games and Metro GameCentral, who found the overall visual design lacking in originality and detail compared to competitors in the genre. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown features some visually appealing elements and a strong artistic identity, it struggles with inconsistency in quality and originality. Many reviewers, such as TechRadar Gaming and Digital Chumps, acknowledge the game's potential and commend its art direction, but they also highlight the technical limitations and lack of standout features that hinder its visual impact. The game appears to be a mixed bag, with some critics celebrating its nostalgic charm and vibrant designs, while others lament its shortcomings and missed opportunities for a more polished visual experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown boasts a standout soundtrack by Gareth Coker that merges traditional Persian sounds with modern flair, earning high praise for its atmospheric and nostalgic qualities. However, the voice acting and sound design received mixed reviews, with critics citing inconsistent performances and sound mixing issues that detract from the experience. While the music elevates the game, shortcomings in voice work and overall sound execution hinder it from reaching its full potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

61%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

39%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown have garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the quality and composition of the soundtrack. Many reviewers, such as GamingBolt and Meristation, praised the score created by Gareth Coker, noting its ability to blend traditional Persian influences with modern elements, which enhances the game's atmosphere and evokes nostalgia for fans of the series. Critics like GamersRD highlighted the epic nature of the music, particularly during combat, while others, such as Cubed3, appreciated the environmental sounds that contribute to the immersive experience. The soundtrack's ability to complement various biomes and enhance the overall gameplay experience was a recurring theme, with TierraGamer and Vgames both noting the soundtrack's effectiveness in creating an engaging atmosphere. However, the sound design and voice acting received mixed reviews, with several critics pointing out notable shortcomings. For instance, Daily Star and GameOver.gr criticized the voice acting for being inconsistent, with some accents feeling out of place and the overall performance lacking depth. GamingTrend mentioned sound mixing issues that detracted from the cutscenes, while GameCritics highlighted the mediocrity of the protagonist's voice acting, which detracted from the game's more serious moments. Additionally, some critics, including Gamereactor Finland and NME, found the sound design to be adequate but unremarkable, failing to evoke strong emotions or excitement beyond specific moments. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while the soundtrack of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a standout feature that enhances the game's atmosphere, the voice acting and sound design leave room for improvement. Critics like Easy Allies and PlayStation Universe acknowledged the soundtrack's contributions to the overall experience, but the mixed reception of the voice performances and sound mixing indicates that there is a divide in how the audio elements were executed. Ultimately, while the game succeeds in creating an engaging auditory experience through its music, the inconsistency in voice acting and sound design prevents it from achieving a universally high standard.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown features praised Persian voice acting that enhances immersion, with standout performances like Felipe Garrido's Sargon. However, the overall quality is mixed, with criticisms of mediocrity, poor lip-syncing, and some wooden deliveries. While there are highlights, the inconsistent voice acting prevents it from reaching a consistently high standard.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has garnered a range of positive feedback from several critics. Many reviewers have praised the inclusion of Persian voice acting, which adds authenticity and immersion to the game. For instance, LaPS4 highlighted the high quality of the voice acting, noting that it effectively brings characters to life, while Gamereactor Finland pointed out that the performances contribute positively to the overall experience. Notably, critics such as Hobby Consolas and Meristation have commended specific performances, with Felipe Garrido's portrayal of Sargon described as exceptional. Additionally, several reviews, including those from Digital Chumps and GameSpew, noted that the voice acting generally enhances the narrative and character interactions, leading to an engaging experience for players. However, the voice acting has also faced significant criticism. Many reviewers, including GameOver.gr and Ragequit.gr, described the overall quality as mediocre, with some performances lacking emotional depth or connection to the narrative. Twinfinite pointed out poor lip-syncing, which detracts from immersion, while IGN noted an embarrassing oversight in using a text-to-speech program for a minor character. Critics like IGN Japan and TierraGamer highlighted the absence of localized voice acting in Japanese and Spanish for Latin America, which may alienate certain player demographics. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from PlayStation Country and IGN Adria, criticized the wooden delivery of certain performances, which further detracts from the game's immersive experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is mixed. While there are notable strengths in specific performances and the inclusion of Persian voice acting, many reviewers echoed concerns about mediocrity and inconsistency across the cast. Critics like NME and Xbox Tavern acknowledged the mixed quality, with some characters performing well while others felt lackluster or out of place. The overall sentiment suggests that while the game has moments of excellence in voice acting, particularly in its main cast and the Persian dub, it also suffers from significant shortcomings that prevent it from achieving a uniformly high standard.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown" showcases mixed technical performance across platforms. PS5 and Xbox Series X receive praise for smooth gameplay and high framerates, but face notable bugs and glitches. The Nintendo Switch version excels with stable performance, though it has minor frame drops. Overall, while technical issues exist, the core gameplay remains engaging for players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of "Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown" has garnered a range of opinions across different gaming platforms. On the PlayStation 5, many critics noted the game runs smoothly, achieving impressive performance metrics such as 4K resolution and 120 FPS. For instance, critics like Merlin'in Kazanı and IGN Italia highlighted the stable frame rate and minimal loading times, contributing positively to the overall gameplay experience. Similarly, Xbox Series X reviews from outlets like IGN Spain and Gamer.no praised the game for its excellent performance, maintaining high framerates and smooth gameplay, with no major bugs reported. The Nintendo Switch version also received commendations for its consistent performance, achieving 60 FPS and minimal load times, as noted by Nintendo Life and Pocket Tactics. However, the PS5 version also faced significant criticism, with multiple reviewers, including The Enemy and Malditos Nerds, pointing out various bugs and glitches that could disrupt gameplay, including game-breaking issues that necessitated restarts. Critics like Vandal and Destructoid mentioned programming errors that could affect the user interface and checkpoint systems, which detracted from the overall experience. On the Xbox Series X, while the performance was largely praised, some critics, such as Pure Xbox and ZTGD, mentioned occasional stutters and graphical glitches towards the end of the game. The Nintendo Switch version, while generally well-received, was not without its flaws, as some reviews from Nintenduo and Digital Trends noted occasional frame drops during cutscenes. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a mixed bag of technical performance across platforms. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions are praised for their high performance and smooth gameplay, they also suffer from notable bugs that can hinder the experience. The Switch version stands out for its stability and performance, though it too has minor issues. Critics like GameCritics and Digital Chumps emphasized that despite the technical hiccups, many players could still enjoy the game, suggesting that while there are areas for improvement, the core gameplay experience remains engaging across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown garners mixed reviews on replay value. Critics praise its expansive map, numerous side missions, and hidden challenges that enhance exploration and mastery of skills. However, concerns arise over repetitive challenges, minimal rewards for side quests, and the absence of features like new game plus, which dampen replay incentives. While the game offers decent replayability for exploration fans, it falls short for those seeking a richer incentive structure.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

52%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

48%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown reflect a generally positive sentiment among many critics. Several reviewers highlight the game's extensive content and exploration opportunities as key factors enhancing replayability. For instance, Push Square notes the "large interconnected map" and "numerous side missions and collectibles," which cater particularly well to completionists. Similarly, Gamersky emphasizes the inclusion of hidden challenges and side quests that encourage players to master abilities and explore thoroughly. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Digital Chumps also echo this sentiment, pointing to the game's engaging gameplay and the potential for returning to previously visited areas with new skills, which further enriches the experience. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value that cannot be overlooked. Several reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Hobby Consolas, express concerns about the repetitive nature of certain challenges and the lack of rewarding incentives for completing them. This sentiment is echoed by CD-Action, which points out that while the main story is captivating, the side quests do not offer significant rewards, potentially diminishing the incentive to replay. Additionally, the absence of a new game plus mode or the ability to refight bosses, as mentioned by Twinfinite and others, is seen as a limitation that could affect the overall replayability of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed but leans towards a positive outlook on the replay value of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. While many reviewers appreciate the game's rich content, exploration, and the potential for revisiting areas with new abilities, concerns about repetitive gameplay and insufficient rewards for side quests temper this enthusiasm. Critics like PC Games and Gamereactor UK highlight the game's length and variety as strong points, suggesting that while replay value is present, it may not be as robust as it could have been without addressing the noted design flaws. Thus, the game appears to offer a decent level of replayability, particularly for fans of exploration and challenge, but it may not satisfy all players seeking extensive replay incentives.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is predominantly positive, with many critics praising it as a successful return for the franchise. Reviewers like Atomix and Eurogamer highlighted the polished controls, intelligent mechanics, and engaging gameplay that position the game as a standout title for 2024. The game is recognized for its strong Metroidvania elements, with critics such as Gaming Age and PC Games noting its engaging combat, exploration, and captivating story. Additionally, the visuals received commendation from several reviewers, including GAMES.CH and Cubed3, who emphasized the beautiful design that enhances the overall experience. Many critics agree that the game successfully blends classic elements of the series with modern gameplay mechanics, making it a must-play for both new players and longtime fans. However, there are notable criticisms that detract from the game's overall reception. Some reviewers, like GRYOnline.pl and IGN Japan, pointed out flaws in the story and a lack of originality, suggesting that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it may not fully satisfy all fans of the franchise. Additionally, issues such as bugs, visual shortcomings, and minor design flaws were mentioned by critics like Malditos Nerds and PlayStation Country, indicating that while the game is solid, it is not without its challenges. Furthermore, some critics expressed disappointment with the depth of exploration and narrative, suggesting that those looking for a groundbreaking experience may find the game lacking. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown marks a commendable revival of the franchise, with many viewing it as a bold reinvention that successfully honors its roots. Reviewers such as Game Informer and Gaming Nexus described it as a fascinating reemergence for the series, while others like TrueGaming and Softpedia emphasized the dedication of the development team in creating an engaging experience. With the majority of critics expressing a positive outlook, it is clear that The Lost Crown is regarded as a strong entry in the Metroidvania genre, appealing to both longstanding fans and newcomers alike.

TL;DR

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is hailed as a triumphant return for the franchise, boasting polished controls, engaging gameplay, and stunning visuals, making it a standout title for 2024. Critics praise its Metroidvania elements and blend of classic and modern mechanics. However, some point out flaws in the story, lack of originality, and bugs that mar the experience. Overall, it’s seen as a commendable revival that appeals to both new players and longtime fans, establishing itself as a strong entry in the genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

270 reviews found

100

Vooks

Nintendo Switch

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown revitalizes the series with enjoyable gameplay and a compelling story, making it a must-play for fans of the genre.

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100

Dexerto

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is described as an exceptional revival of the franchise, with impressive gameplay, visuals, and depth. It is highly recommended for fans of the genre and is seen as a triumph for the series.

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100

TouchArcade

Aug 13, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The overall impression is very positive, with the game being described as superb and essential on Steam Deck.

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100

Eurogamer Portugal

PlayStation 5

Feb 2, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is praised for its combination of metroidvania design and the essence of the franchise, delivering a majestic and engaging experience.

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100

Universo Nintendo

Nintendo Switch

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a worthy addition to the franchise, delivering a perfect blend of storytelling and gameplay that appeals to both fans and newcomers.

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100

GameGrin

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an outstanding action platformer that evolves the metroidvania genre. It offers engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a captivating story. Highly recommended for fans of the franchise and action platforming games.

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XboxEra

Xbox Series X

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is hailed as an instant classic, successfully blending action platforming with a compelling narrative and polished execution.

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Gamepressure

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to be an excellent title, one of the best in its genre. It is praised as a candidate for game of the year and is highly recommended.

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Movies Games and Tech

Xbox Series X

Jan 17, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a modern classic that successfully retains the essence of the original titles while evolving gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of the genre.

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PlaySense

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Overall, the game is praised as one of the best in the Metroidvania genre and the best Prince of Persia title, with a few minor drawbacks.

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