The Rogue Prince of Persia is an upcoming roguelike game in the famed Prince of Persia series, crafted by Evil Empire, the minds behind Dead Cells. By merging Prince of Persia's acrobatics with the addictive gameplay loop of Dead Cells, Evil Empire aims to offer a unique experience within the franchise and the roguelike genre.
After our hands-on experience with The Rogue Prince of Persia, Game Rant caught up with Evil Empire's Lucie Dewagnier and Dylan Eurlings to explore their game development approach and Early Access strategies starting May 14. This interview has been condensed for clarity.
The Fusion of Dead Cells and Prince of Persia
Q: How did you differentiate The Rogue Prince of Persia from Dead Cells while retaining elements from it?
- Dewagnier: Emphasizing movement and traversal to distinguish the gameplay. Every action revolves around movement - shifting enemies, leaping over obstacles, creating a dynamic experience.
- Eurlings: Introducing intricate narratives alongside acrobatic combat, enriching the player's immersion.
Q: What defines a true Prince of Persia experience for you?
- Dewagnier: Fluid movement, combat finesse, and a seamless blend of storyline with gameplay, offering players a comprehensive gaming experience.
Gameplay Mechanics and Early Access Strategy
Q: How do you balance player power progression in The Rogue Prince of Persia?
- Dewagnier: Striving for 'god runs' without breaking the game - aiming for exhilarating experiences while maintaining accessibility for all player levels.
- Eurlings: Utilizing Early Access for player feedback to fine-tune the game's difficulty and ensure an engaging gameplay experience.
Q: How did you collaborate with the team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown?
- Dewagnier: Regular communication to maintain distinct game visions and avoid redundancy, ensuring unique interpretations of the franchise.
Q: What changes can players expect during Early Access for The Rogue Prince of Persia?
- Dewagnier: Engaging with the community to refine game balancing and progression systems based on player input, with plans to introduce new content and enhancements.
- Eurlings: Simultaneously incorporating player feedback and planned updates to enrich the gaming experience, aiming to double the game's content post Early Access.
Q: What unforeseen challenges arose during the game's development?
- Dewagnier: Navigating the progression system intricacies due to the game's emphasis on movement mechanics, requiring a careful balance between gameplay fluidity and character advancement.
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