Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands takes players back to the beloved Sands of Time universe, but unfortunately falls short of capturing the magic and excitement of its predecessors. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, this installment follows the Prince's journey to save his brother's kingdom from an impending army invasion.
The game begins with promise, as players are immediately immersed in the grandeur and beauty of the royal palace under siege. The graphics certainly evoke a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of classic platformers from the retro gaming era. However, this aesthetic charm is unfortunately overshadowed by lackluster gameplay and a weak storyline.
One of the biggest disappointments in The Forgotten Sands is its gameplay mechanics. While the Prince's acrobatic abilities are impressive and reminiscent of the series' trademark parkour elements, the controls often feel clunky and unresponsive. This can lead to frustrating moments where precise jumps and time-sensitive maneuvers are required, leaving players feeling more like they're fighting against the controls rather than enjoying a fluid gaming experience.
The combat system in The Forgotten Sands also leaves much to be desired. While there are some enjoyable moments of swordplay and magical abilities, the overall combat feels shallow and repetitive. It lacks the depth and strategy that players may expect from a game in the Prince of Persia franchise. Instead, battles often devolve into mindless button mashing, detracting from the overall immersion and engagement.
Despite its flaws, The Forgotten Sands does have some redeeming qualities. The level design is inventive and occasionally provides moments of genuine awe. The puzzles scattered throughout the game also offer glimpses of the series' brilliance, offering a satisfying challenge for those who enjoy cerebral gameplay.
However, these positives are not enough to outweigh the game's shortcomings. The weak and predictable storyline, coupled with lackluster controls and combat mechanics, make The Forgotten Sands a forgettable addition to the Prince of Persia series.
In conclusion, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands fails to live up to the high expectations set by its predecessors. While it delivers some moments of nostalgic charm and inventive level design, its lackluster gameplay mechanics and weak storyline prevent it from reaching the heights of the beloved Sands of Time trilogy. Retro gaming enthusiasts may find some enjoyment in revisiting this entry, but newcomers to the series will likely be left wishing for a more fulfilling gaming experience.
