TheZeroEquals Gaming - Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown - Demo Gameplay

It's been a minute since we've had ourselves a proper Prince of Persia game, and all things considered, it's an interesting take for Ubisoft to return to the side-scrolling approach to tell a new story in this world.

The demo is short but definitely sweet with what it showcases within the truncated offering. There are a few areas closed off to streamline the experience but it's the combat and mechanics that are key to this presentation. The combat is on point and feels intuitive but offers a variety approach and move-sets, some via upgrades others through simply using precisely timed counters parries and dodges. In a way the game also borrows from 'Souls games in allowing you to recover health at what are called "Wak-Wak" trees - think of them as bonfires - which incidentally, also revive any downed enemy on the map.

We play as Sargon, an "Immortal" who begins with a search party looking for a group of soldiers and a General Anahita who has kidnapped Prince Ghassan and brought him to the Simurgh Temple, for an unknown reason. So that sets the stage and the group sets into Mount Qaf. The group splits up and we're set on our own to search the labyrinth of the mountain.

Along the way we meet a blacksmith, a mage, and a mysterious girl who bestows knowledge of the area, all for currency, of course. Time Crystals, which are used as part of the economy are in vast supplies via either breaking certain jars or disposing of enemies or by destroying crystalized pods found throughout the landscape.

Gameplay-wise, as per the the bit we get to experience in the demo we are presented with environmental puzzles, platforming challenges and a series of traps requiring timing to be accounted for.

Overall, this looks like a good time with a really pleasing art aesthetic and musical representation. It's a bit of a shame, the demo didn't include a boss encounter, but the enticement for more is only piqued by it.