The Rogue Prince of Persia

The story of The Rogue Prince of Persia is generally praised for its integration of roguelite mechanics with a narrative that emphasizes progression, exploration, and unique twists. Critics like IGN Turkey and Metro GameCentral highlight how the prince’s deaths are tied to a magical medallion or amulet, transforming each run into a learning experience that drives the plot forward. GameSpew and Game8 commend the game’s focus on uncovering clues about the prince’s missing family and the climactic showdown with King Nogai, while Meristation and Player 2 note the engaging use of a "Mind Map" mechanic that enhances player engagement and world-building. The narrative’s emphasis on time loops and resurrection mechanics, as described by TierraGamer and CGMagazine, adds a layer of replayability and emotional stakes, with Shacknews praising its exploration-driven storytelling. These elements collectively create a framework that balances gameplay and narrative, offering a fresh take within the roguelite genre. However, many critics argue that the story lacks depth and originality, often serving as a backdrop rather than a central pillar of the experience. XGN and GameMAG describe the plot as "thin" and "lacking engagement," while Checkpoint Gaming and COGconnected criticize repetitive dialogue and superficial character interactions. Gamekult and GamesRadar+ note the classic, formulaic structure of the prince’s quest against the Huns, which feels derivative compared to other titles. Hooked Gamers and PC Gamer point to fragmented storytelling and limited consequences for player choices, with IGN Brasil and Impulsegamer highlighting a narrative that prioritizes action over emotional resonance. The reliance on time-travel mechanics, while innovative, is seen as a crutch by some, with Gamer.no and GAMES.CH noting that the premise, though intriguing, fails to deliver meaningful narrative twists or character development. Overall, the critics agree that The Rogue Prince of Persia succeeds in blending roguelite mechanics with a story that encourages exploration and progression, but its narrative depth remains a point of contention. While Meristation and Player 2 appreciate the game’s lore and unique mechanics, others like XGN and GamesRadar+ find the plot underwhelming. The consensus leans toward the story being serviceable and functional, with IGN Turkey and Metro GameCentral acknowledging its strengths in structure and engagement, but Game8 and IGN Brasil suggesting it falls short of being truly memorable. Despite these mixed reactions, the game’s focus on player-driven discovery and its ties to the Prince of Persia franchise provide a compelling foundation, even if the narrative itself is not its strongest suit.

The majority of critics praised The Rogue Prince of Persia for its gameplay, highlighting its fluidity, dynamic mechanics, and engaging roguelite structure. ElDesmarque emphasized the game’s enhanced focus on roguelite elements, noting that each run feels unique due to adaptive strategies. Generación Xbox and KonsoliFIN both celebrated the blend of parkour and combat, with the latter pointing to weapon upgrades and skill development as key rewards. TheXboxHub and XGN commended the platforming as the core strength, with the former calling the controls “a strong foundation” and the latter describing the experience as “smooth and engaging.” IGN Turkey and Metro GameCentral lauded the fluid parkour and dynamic combat, while Noisy Pixel and Impulsegamer praised the Vayu’s Breath meter and “sublime” platforming, respectively. Critics like GameSpew and GamesRadar+ highlighted intuitive controls, varied weapon systems, and the satisfaction of mastering movement, with some comparing it to Dead Cells for its stylish, fast-paced action. The roguelite progression loop, procedural generation, and permanent upgrades were frequently cited as strengths, with Game8 and Gamer.no noting how the game encourages experimentation and resilience through repeated attempts. Despite these accolades, several reviewers pointed to flaws that detracted from the experience. COGconnected and PC Gamer criticized the procedural generation for disrupting flow and creating inconsistent challenges, while GameBlast and Oyungezer lamented repetitive level design and rigid area structures. GameMAG and Gamereactor UK noted poor balance and overly simplistic mechanics, with the latter describing enemy encounters as “monotonous.” Shacknews and IGN Brasil mentioned the game’s familiarity, with the former pointing to repetitive stage layouts and the latter calling the roguelite structure “familiar” without significant innovation. Additionally, some critics, like GamingBolt and GamesRadar+, felt the combat lacked the depth of similar titles, with the former noting a “lack of build variety” compared to Dead Cells and the latter calling it “serviceable with some flaws.” These issues, while not universal, suggest that the game’s reliance on procedural randomness and its sometimes shallow challenge design could frustrate players seeking more variation or complexity. Overall, the consensus among critics leans heavily toward admiration for The Rogue Prince of Persia’s gameplay, with its fluid movement, parkour mechanics, and roguelite progression being the standout features. While some reviewers, such as Gamekult and Stevivor, acknowledged that the difficulty curve feels less punishing than in comparable games, the majority agreed that the game’s emphasis on agility, exploration, and skill-based challenges creates a compelling and replayable experience. Even critics who highlighted flaws, like GameBlast and Oyungezer, acknowledged the game’s strengths in movement and combat, framing their criticisms as minor drawbacks rather than deal-breakers. The combination of refined acrobatics, dynamic combat, and the roguelite framework—despite its occasional shortcomings—has positioned the game as a strong entry in the genre, with many praising its ability to balance accessibility and challenge. As Game8 and The Games Machine noted, the gameplay’s engaging core and variety of tools make it a standout title, even if it occasionally struggles with repetition and consistency.

The majority of critics praised The Rogue Prince of Persia for its visually striking and artistic design, highlighting its unique aesthetic and technical improvements. Many emphasized the game’s hand-drawn, comic-book-inspired style, with IGN Turkey noting its "unique artistic style inspired by Persian miniatures and comic art," while TheXboxHub lauded its "stunning 2D hand-drawn styled cutscenes and polished design elements." TierraGamer and Jeuxvideo.com praised its blend of Belgian/French graphic novels and Persian art, calling it "one of the most beautiful games." The game’s vibrant color palettes, such as the "lush, detailed biomes" described by CGMagazine and the "bright and visually appealing design" of PLAY! Zine, were frequently highlighted. TheSixthAxis and Impulsegamer noted its nostalgic yet modern appeal, comparing it to the original Prince of Persia and Saturday morning cartoons, respectively. Overall, the consensus was that the visual design elevates the experience, with KonsoliFIN stating it "enhances the gameplay experience" and GameSpew calling it a "mature and refined look." While the visual design was largely celebrated, some critics pointed to recurring issues. Metro GameCentral criticized the "1960s Looney Tunes" influence, arguing that the "less vibrant colors" made biomes and enemies feel indistinct compared to games like Dead Cells. COGconnected and Gamereactor UK noted that the "lack of textural detail" and "repetitive level design" could diminish immersion over time. Meristation observed that while the art was "inspired by Persian miniatures," it was "slightly inferior to its predecessor in artistic merit," and Multiplayer.it mentioned that the style, though improved, "lost some uniqueness." Vandal also critiqued the "simple" art style, suggesting it might feel reminiscent of mobile games. These critiques, while present, were often framed as minor drawbacks rather than major flaws, with many acknowledging the game’s overall visual polish. Despite these criticisms, the overwhelming sentiment among critics was highly positive, with The Rogue Prince of Persia being celebrated as a visually compelling title. ElDesmarque and Generación Xbox highlighted significant improvements in the latest version, while Game8 and GameSpew praised the "vibrant biomes" and "new color palette." Even critics who noted flaws, like Gamer.no and GAMES.CH, acknowledged the game’s "beautiful hand-drawn art style" and "visually appealing design." The blend of Persian-inspired aesthetics, comic-book flair, and 2D artistry resonated strongly, with Stevivor calling it a "beautiful aesthetic" and Shacknews comparing it to Tintin’s visual style. While not without its shortcomings, the game’s visual design was widely regarded as a standout feature, reinforcing its status as one of the most visually appealing 2D titles in recent memory.

The majority of critics praised the sound design and music of The Rogue Prince of Persia as a standout element that significantly enhances the gaming experience. ElDesmarque highlighted the “powerful” sound design, noting its positive contribution to the overall atmosphere and synergy with visual elements. Generación Xbox commended the music for complementing gameplay, while the Spanish dialogues added immersion, and KonsoliFIN and Game8 celebrated the soundtrack’s unique fusion of Arabic instruments with trap beats and modern electronic rhythms, calling it an “enjoyable auditory experience” and “captivating,” respectively. TierraGamer and Meristation specifically praised the work of composer ASADI, emphasizing how the blend of classical Persian instrumentation with contemporary genres like hip hop and EDM creates a “delightful” and “energetic” soundscape. Critics like CGMagazine, Checkpoint Gaming, and GamingTrend also noted the thematic appropriateness of the music, with fast-paced instrumentals matching the game’s action and intensity, while Noisy Pixel and Stevivor appreciated the “soothing vibe” and “memorable riffs” that align with the franchise’s identity. The consensus here is that the audio design is innovative, immersive, and thematically rich, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to elevate gameplay and create a distinct cultural atmosphere. However, some critics pointed out specific drawbacks. Gamereactor UK noted that while the Middle Eastern neo-folk music was compelling, certain tracks felt “overly repetitive,” which could diminish engagement over time. COGconnected described the audio as “understated,” suggesting that while there were “appealing musical cues,” the overall impact was muted. Metro GameCentral critiqued the darker EDM style with Middle Eastern influences, stating it might not appeal to all players, particularly when compared to the more memorable score of Dead Cells. Additionally, several reviewers, including KonsoliFIN, Game8, and PLAY! Zine, mentioned the absence of voice acting as a notable downside, arguing that it detracted from immersion despite the strong musical elements. These critiques, while valid, were often framed as minor issues in an otherwise laudable audio design, with many acknowledging that the music’s strengths outweighed these flaws. Despite the occasional criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the sound design and music being a major highlight. While some noted minor issues like repetition or the lack of voice acting, the majority emphasized the innovative fusion of traditional Persian sounds with modern genres, which created an immersive and dynamic experience. Reviewers such as GamingBolt and Oyungezer described the soundtrack as “sublime” and “exceptional,” respectively, while Impulsegamer and Jeuxvideo.com praised its ability to motivate gameplay and enhance the atmosphere. Even critics with reservations, like Metro GameCentral and COGconnected, acknowledged the effort and creativity behind the audio, suggesting that the design’s strengths were widely recognized. The collective sentiment underscores that The Rogue Prince of Persia’s sound design and music not only met but exceeded expectations, offering a fresh and culturally resonant auditory identity that complements its gameplay and narrative.

The voice acting in The Rogue Prince of Persia receives limited positive attention, with some critics acknowledging subtle strengths. Generación Xbox highlights the game’s localization efforts, noting the inclusion of Spanish dialogues, which suggests a deliberate focus on making the experience accessible and culturally resonant for non-English-speaking audiences. Meanwhile, Stevivor observes that the Prince’s character exudes charm, even if the voice acting is not extensively detailed. These comments indicate that while the game’s vocal performances may not be a central feature, they contribute to a sense of authenticity and character appeal, particularly in non-English versions. However, such praise is sparse and overshadowed by broader critiques of the absence of voice acting. Critics overwhelmingly point out the lack of voice acting as a significant drawback. KonsoliFIN, Game8, PLAY! Zine, and Checkpoint Gaming all explicitly state that the game relies entirely on text boxes for dialogue, which they argue diminishes the emotional weight and immersion of the narrative. Game8 and PLAY! Zine specifically note that this absence detracts from the characters’ depth and the story’s impact, while Checkpoint Gaming emphasizes that it reduces the memorability of the cast and the emotional tension. Even Stevivor, while mentioning the Prince’s charm, criticizes the supporting characters as “two-dimensional,” implying that the lack of vocal nuance fails to elevate their roles. These critiques collectively frame the absence of voice acting as a missed opportunity to enhance storytelling and player engagement. The overall consensus among critics is that the lack of voice acting is a notable weakness in The Rogue Prince of Persia. While Generación Xbox and Stevivor offer minor praise for localization and character appeal, the majority view the decision to omit voice acting as a detractor from the game’s quality. KonsoliFIN and Checkpoint Gaming stress that text-based dialogue fails to convey the emotional and narrative richness the game aims for, and Game8 and PLAY! Zine argue that this choice weakens the experience. Despite the game’s other strengths, the absence of voice acting appears to be a recurring point of contention, with critics suggesting it could have significantly improved the storytelling and character development. The mixed feedback reflects a divide between appreciation for localization efforts and frustration over the lack of vocal immersion.

The technical performance of The Rogue Prince of Persia receives generally positive feedback across platforms, with notable stability and polish. On the Xbox Series X, ElDesmarque and Generación Xbox highlight significant post-launch improvements and smooth gameplay without frame rate drops, underscoring a stable foundation. For the PS5, Game8, IGN Turkey, and Noisy Pixel acknowledge the game runs smoothly, though they point to optimization challenges like longer load times and minor UI glitches. On PC, CGMagazine, Impulsegamer, and The Games Machine praise the game’s technical progress, citing resolved early access issues, excellent frame rates, and compatibility with Steam Deck. Vandal and IGN Brasil also note improvements in performance and responsiveness, respectively, suggesting a strong technical core despite early hiccups. However, platform-specific negatives emerge. On Xbox Series X, KonsoliFIN reports occasional crashes and level design flaws, which may hint at lingering polish issues. For the PS5, PLAY! Zine criticizes clunky controls and off-screen enemy attacks, while TierraGamer mentions inconsistent load times that disrupt pacing. On PC, GameMAG and Multiplayer.it highlight unresolved bugs, poor level generation, and balance problems, which detract from the experience. GamingBolt and IGN Brasil note awkward gameplay interactions and critical combat failures, respectively, while Gamer.no’s lack of explicit technical discussion implies potential gaps in their assessment. These critiques suggest that while the game is largely stable, certain elements require refinement, particularly on PC and PS5. Overall, the consensus leans toward a technically sound experience with room for improvement. Xbox Series X and PS5 reviewers largely agree on smooth performance, though both platforms face optimization hurdles like load times and UI quirks. PC’s reception is more mixed, with some praising its stability and others pointing to unresolved issues. Critics like The Games Machine and Impulsegamer emphasize strong technical execution, while GameMAG and Multiplayer.it highlight persistent flaws. Despite these variations, the game’s post-launch updates and iterative improvements—noted by ElDesmarque, Vandal, and CGMagazine—suggest a commitment to refining its technical aspects. While no platform is flawless, the majority of reviews indicate that The Rogue Prince of Persia delivers a stable and polished experience, with future updates likely to address remaining concerns.

The overall sentiment among critics regarding the replay value of The Rogue Prince of Persia is largely positive, with many highlighting the game's roguelite structure as a key driver of its longevity. Reviewers such as ElDesmarque, Generación Xbox, and GameSpew emphasize that the game's procedural generation, skill trees, and varied routes encourage players to keep returning, as each run presents new challenges and rewards. TheXboxHub and PLAY! Zine also note that the game's engaging gameplay loop and the inclusion of side quests or exploration elements contribute to its replayability. Additionally, Metro GameCentral and TierraGamer praise the game for its dynamic level design and the incentive to improve through multiple playthroughs, making it appealing to both fans of the genre and veterans of the Prince of Persia series. However, several critics point out that the game's replay value is not without its drawbacks. KonsoliFIN, IGN Turkey, and TheSixthAxis mention that the repetitive nature of environments and level layouts can lead to tedium over time, diminishing the enjoyment of repeated runs. Gamekult and Gamer.no acknowledge that while the game has a solid foundation for replayability, its relatively short runtime and lack of enemy variety may not sustain long-term interest for all players. Similarly, Malditos Nerds and Oyungezer criticize the game for its linear structure and underwhelming content, which can make the experience feel less compelling after multiple playthroughs. Some also note that the inconsistency of medallion effects and the potential for underwhelming runs, as mentioned by PC Gamer, can reduce the satisfaction of repeated gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers agree that The Rogue Prince of Persia offers a compelling and varied replay experience, especially for those who enjoy roguelite mechanics. While some, like GamesRadar+ and GamingBolt, express concerns about the game's lack of novelty or exploration, others, such as COGconnected and Shacknews, recognize the addictive nature of its progression system and the motivation to try new strategies. The consensus leans toward a generally positive assessment, with critics like Game8 and GAMES.CH appreciating the permanent upgrades and procedural elements that enhance replayability. Overall, the game is seen as a solid entry in the roguelite genre, with enough variation and depth to justify multiple playthroughs, though its replay value may not appeal to all players equally.