Guides & Cheats
The Prince of Persia series, one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, was created by Jordan Mechner and has since gone on to define the action-adventure genre with its innovative gameplay, compelling stories, and rich history. Over three decades, the series has changed considerably, with lots of reboots and sequels and a retained focus on platforming and combat mechanics. In this guide, we will catalog the various Prince of Persia games based on chronological and release dates.
Prince of Persia Games: Chronological Order
1. Prince of Persia (2008)
Release Date: December 2, 2008.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC.
This entry is a sort of reboot to the franchise and occurs around 1,000 years prior to Sand of Time. You play as an unnamed hero who must seal Ahriman, a malignant force that’s tainted the land. The game’s art style, animations, and visual storytelling ushered in a new standard for visual narrative in video games.
2. Prince of Persia: The Fallen King (2008)
Release Date: December 2, 2008.
Platforms: Nintendo DS.
The Fallen King is a side story that accompanies the Prince on his quest to defeat the forces of Ahriman and was released alongside the 2008 reboot. The game comes with an original control scheme designed for handheld devices, focusing on touch-based mechanics.
3. Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
Release Date: October 28, 2003.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC.
This award-winning game first introduced the notion of time manipulation in the form of the Dagger of Time. When the Prince unleashes the Sands of Time, he must put his own mistake right, all the while fighting off enemies and completing complex puzzles. This was credited with bringing new life to the platforming genre.
4. Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2004)
Release Date: November 30, 2004
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC.
A more dire iteration of The Sands of Time, Warrior Within, takes place as the Prince tries to outrun his destiny set in motion by the Dahaka, a creature sent to hunt him for his tampering with time. The game adds more brutal combat mechanics and a more mature storyline.
5. Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (2005)
Release Date: December 1, 2005.
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC.
This chapter wraps up the Sands of Time trilogy. It centers on the Prince as he comes back to Babylon only to discover a siege. He has to face his dark half while fighting the reanimated Vizier. It combines aspects of both previous games while also making it a unique stealth experience with new gameplay elements.
6. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (2010)
Release Date: May 18, 2010.
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, PC.
The Prince visits his brother’s kingdom in the middle of a war with an invading army for this title, set between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within. He must wield ancient powers to rescue his family and kingdom from devastation. It has classic platforming elements with new sand-control mechanics.
7. Prince of Persia: Battles of Prince of Persia (2005)
Release Date: November 15, 2005.
Platforms: Nintendo DS.
This spin-off ditches the traditional platforming in favor of tactical gameplay. Your battles in the game use strategic elements from card games, but they still have characters from the main series.
8. Prince of Persia Classic (2007)
Release Date: June 22, 2007.
Platforms: Xbox Live Arcade.
A re-imagining of the original Prince of Persia, this release stays true to the core experience but features modernized graphics and controls for current-generation consoles.
9. Original Trilogy Games
Prince of Persia (1989)
Release Date: October 3, 1989.
Platforms: Apple II.
The inaugural title features an unnamed protagonist navigating dungeons to thwart an evil sorcerer’s plans.
Prince of Persia II: The Shadow and the Flame (1993)
Release Date: April 1993.
Platforms: DOS.
Set shortly after its predecessor, this sequel follows the Prince as he confronts a new threat after being cursed by an evil vizier.
Prince of Persia 3D (1999)
Release Date: November 1999.
Platforms: PC.
This entry attempted to transition into full 3D gameplay but received mixed reviews due to its execution.
Narrative Motifs and Gameplay Systems
The Prince of Persia games have always combined platforming and combat with a heavy emphasis on story. Key themes include:
- Time Control: First featured in The Sands of Time, this ability gives players the option of rewinding the flow of time or halting foes in their tracks.
- Scouting: Players navigate various worlds laden with deadly traps and puzzles that demand perfect timing and skill to avoid.
- Combat: Each title grows its combat system; early titles feature basic swordplay, while later entries boast rich and rewarding combat filled with combos.
Conclusion
The Prince of Persia games have certainly made a lasting impression on the gaming culture with its conception of how games are played. Those games all add a new layer over their predecessor, and it’s a series you never really want to end. With several big titles on the horizon, such as Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, it’s clear that this series will be getting a lot of love and attention going forward, all the while recognizing a legacy that’s stood the test of time.
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All images from ubisoft.com
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