Preview: The Rogue Prince of Persia – A Rogue-lite Adventure Awaits
The Rogue Prince of Persia is the latest entry in the Prince of Persia universe, developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells. In this game, the Persian prince takes on rogue-lite elements, offering players a fresh and challenging experience. After my time with the demo, it’s clear that the game has the potential to become one of 2024’s standout titles.
The Rogue Prince of Persia: A Familiar Flow with Fresh Challenges
The game starts with a tutorial, but you won’t need it for long. Almost immediately, the fluidity of the controls makes you feel like you’ve been guiding the prince for hours. Running along walls, leaping across chasms, and sliding past enemies all feel intuitive. It’s not just familiarity; it feels right, like this is exactly how the Prince of Persia should move.
The control scheme is simplified, allowing players to focus on the game’s fast-paced flow. Levels are designed to keep you moving, encouraging swift combat and platforming. While the prince can engage in melee combat, it’s often smarter to kick enemies off platforms or into traps. Using ranged weapons like bows and throwing discs is equally satisfying, especially when clearing a path ahead.
Embracing the Rogue-lite Formula
The game embraces rogue-lite mechanics, adding layers of strategy and replayability. The prince’s home city is under siege, and after failing to save it, a magical amulet grants him endless chances to try again. Each time he falls, the prince loses his progress and weapons, returning to his camp just outside the city. However, new shortcuts and routes unlock, and the camp itself grows, eventually giving access to blacksmiths who can craft and upgrade weapons.
This cycle of death and rebirth, while challenging, never feels frustrating. Instead, it motivates players to push further and explore new areas of the city. The rogue-lite structure fits perfectly with the game’s theme of perseverance and heroism.
The Art of Combat and Exploration
While The Rogue Prince of Persia borrows some elements from Dead Cells, such as the quick kicks and in-stage shops, it focuses more on movement and acrobatics than tight combat spaces. The prince’s agility takes center stage, allowing for a more open and dynamic approach to platforming. When combined with the game’s fast-paced soundtrack, it’s hard not to get caught up in the momentum.
That said, the game isn’t a walk in the park. Boss fights, like the Minotaur encountered at the end of the demo, can quickly remind players that The Rogue Prince of Persia is no easy ride. Defeat is almost inevitable, but like any great rogue-lite, it’s the promise of improvement that keeps you coming back.
A World That Feels Alive
The game’s art style is reminiscent of classic Franco-Belgian comics like Tintin and Asterix, with warm colors and smooth animations. Despite the vibrant visuals, the tone remains dark, reflecting the prince’s grim mission to save his city from destruction. The city itself is full of detail, with every corner offering new challenges and hidden paths to discover.
The Rogue Prince’s world is immersive and dynamic, offering a blend of fast-paced combat, intricate level design, and beautiful aesthetics. As the prince battles through the city, the rogue-lite elements keep the experience fresh, ensuring that no two runs are exactly the same.
A Worthy Successor?
The Rogue Prince of Persia draws comparisons to Dead Cells, but it stands on its own with a focus on movement and platforming. While the game borrows some mechanics from Evil Empire’s previous hit, it offers a distinct experience that highlights the prince’s agility and resourcefulness. The rogue-lite elements only enhance this, making each run feel like a new adventure.
Fans of the Prince of Persia series will appreciate the familiar mechanics, while newcomers can enjoy a polished and challenging rogue-lite experience.
Conclusion: The Rogue Prince of Persia – A Must-Play Rogue-lite
The Rogue Prince of Persia offers the perfect blend of platforming, combat, and rogue-lite mechanics. With its fluid controls, challenging enemies, and stunning art style, it stands out as one of the most exciting games to look forward to in 2024. As the game prepares to enter Early Access on May 14, I can’t wait to dive back in for another attempt at saving the city.
You can get the game here.
