Ranking the Best Prince of Persia Games of All Time

Exploring the iconic Prince of Persia series and how its games stack up against each other.
Ranking the Best Prince of Persia Games of All Time

Highlights

  • Prince of Persia 3D's attempt to transition to 3D gaming fell short, unlike Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands which offered fresh and compelling storylines and gameplay mechanics.
  • Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a critically acclaimed game that successfully merges platforming and action-packed gameplay.
  • The original Prince of Persia game from 1989 pioneered the cinematic platformer genre and set the stage for the series' future success.

The Prince of Persia series has a rich history dating back to 1989 and has seen numerous noteworthy releases. While the franchise is renowned for its action-adventure gameplay today, it initially gained fame for spearheading the cinematic platformer genre in the late 80s and early 90s.

In 2003, Ubisoft took over the franchise and introduced Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. This marked a pivotal moment as it revitalized the platforming genre, which was experiencing a lull due to a lack of innovation. Despite classics like Sands of Time and the original Prince of Persia, not every game in the series has achieved the same level of success.

Updated on January 26, 2024, by Mark Sammut: Ubisoft has released Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, and the franchise's first new console project in more than a decade has garnered critical acclaim. Still, how does it rank among the best Prince of Persia games?

13 Prince of Persia 3D

Metascore: 58 (Arabian Nights Version)

Amidst the industry's transition from 2D to 3D gaming, Prince of Persia 3D represented the franchise's initial foray into this new dimension. However, the game fell short in this transition, residing closer to the realm of Bubsy 3D rather than the groundbreaking Super Mario 64.

12 Prince of Persia: The Fallen King

Metascore: 64

Developing an action-adventure game for the Nintendo DS presented significant challenges, and unfortunately, Prince of Persia: The Fallen King did not overcome them. With lackluster controls and gameplay, this spin-off failed to leave a lasting impression.

11 Battles of Prince of Persia

Metascore: 64

Another Nintendo DS entry, Battles of Prince of Persia, ventured into turn-based tactics, offering a different direction for the franchise. Although not widely praised, it introduced a unique spin-off with its turn-based combat mechanics.

10 Prince of Persia: Escape 1 & 2

Google Play Store: 4.5/5

Prince of Persia: Escape entered the mobile gaming space as a single-player endless-runner, offering a casual gaming experience with nostalgic nods to the franchise's history. Its sequel continued in a similar vein with enhanced visuals and engaging gameplay.

9 Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Metascore: 77

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands marked a significant improvement in the series, offering fresh storylines and gameplay mechanics. With a leap in quality, this release revitalized the franchise and garnered positive reception.

8 Prince of Persia Classic

Metascore: 83

A reimagination of the original Prince of Persia, Prince of Persia Classic successfully blended the old and new, catering to fans of the classic side-scrolling gameplay while incorporating modern controls and mechanics.

7 Prince of Persia (2008)

Metascore: 85

The 2008 reboot of Prince of Persia introduced a visually stunning cel-shaded art style, offering a refreshing take on the series. Despite mixed reception, it remains a visually appealing entry with solid platforming and parkour gameplay.

For the complete article, please visit the original source.