New Prince of Persia Video Game Set to Release in 2024, Promises Exciting Gameplay on PC

Rogue Prince of Persia: up against the wall

In: Prince of Persia, the player plays the prince of Persia. Alone, he wants to repel the invasion of the Huns whatever the cost. He then crosses hills and valleys to reach the kingdom. A wandering not without danger: the different biomes he crosses are filled with enemies. The Persian prince has multiple talents that he can use on this journey. This alternates between combat and platform sequences, both being at least as demanding as Dead Cells: you will (often) die, and each attempt will allow you to do better.

It is especially through his ability to walk on walls that the protagonist shines. This gives verticality to the exploration in addition to opening up the field of possibilities for platform sequences. And walking on walls remains just as useful in combat. The walls in the background can be decisive in combat since they allow the hero to bypass enemies or dodge their projectiles. A concept on which developers seem to rely heavily. During our hands-on, we were able to see two different environments: the second had fewer “load-bearing” walls. The same goes for the first boss who repeatedly smashes the wall during the encounter.

While it takes some time to become comfortable with this ability to walk on walls, it becomes essential and even addictive once understood. A feeling reinforced by the procedurally generated structure: during our big hour of play, none of our attempts resembled the previous one. It seems to be at the heart of the gameplay designed by the developers, and we can't wait to see how they worked around it to make it attractive throughout the game.

The Huns against 1

Wall walking isn't the only talent our Persian hero has in his arsenal. In addition to the double jump and the aerial rush, the prince has everything of the perfect fighter. He can push back enemies with a violent kick, who will be stunned if they encounter a wall or even dead if they fall into spikes. Rolling allows him to dodge blows to find himself behind his opponent. Perfect for stabbing his two blades into his back. His two daggers accompany him at the start of every adventure but are not irreplaceable. For example, we were able to try out a sword and an axe, each with a special move and different sequences.

In this early access, there are several types of items that allow for more style variety. The bow, the basic gadget, can be replaced by chakrams. Talismans complete the equipment by granting passives (more healing for example). The further the prince advances, the more powerful the objects he recovers: more damage, more passives… We quickly have to go around the map to discover chests or sacrificial altars. The latter, in exchange for a certain quantity of life points, offer a reward. Enough to play with fire and flirt with the promises of death.

This is not to be feared, on the contrary: what kills you makes you stronger. Or almost. During your journey, you may come across weapons manufacturing plans. You can then give them to the blacksmith, who has taken up his place in the Oasis: this is the starting hub, where you will return each time you surrender your weapons. He will be able to build them in exchange for currency, which you will also find on your journey. Enough to start exploring thoroughly.

A Franco-Belgian prince of Persia

Far from that of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, the artistic direction of Rogue Prince of Persia was something to catch the eye since it is inspired by the Franco-Belgian comic strip. It is clear that it will not please everyone. But it has the merit of being functional: each impact is represented on the screen with symbols understandable at first glance. Enough to feel controlled dynamism with the controller in hand. We contemplate with pleasure the illustrated backgrounds, at least those of the first two biomes. It must be said that they are not spoiled by the walls which serve as support for our acrobatics since they are put in the background. Added to this is the tension of the music. This gives the feeling of being in Persia at war. It has been modernized and has a more electro style. Added to the sound effects of weapons, kicks and projectiles of all kinds, the soundtrack simply fits the nervous gameplay of this new Prince of Persia.