Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, released in 2024, is an action-adventure game developed and published by Ubisoft as part of the renowned Prince of Persia series. Available across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, the game garnered favorable reviews from critics. Gameplay-wise, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown adopts a 2.5D side-scrolling approach within its action-adventure platforming framework. Players embody the protagonist, Sargon, who navigates the game’s world by employing a range of acrobatic maneuvers such as jumping, sliding, and air dashing between platforms. Armed with a pair of blades, Sargon engages adversaries in combat, with well-timed parries contributing to the charging of his special ability, Athra’s Glow. Additionally, Sargon harnesses various time-based powers, including Rush of the Simurgh for instantaneous forward dashes through time and Shadow of the Simurgh for creating temporary checkpoints known as “shadow markers.” The protagonist can also utilize talismans to modify his capabilities.
The Lost Crown integrates Metroidvania elements into its design, fostering an interconnected game world replete with shortcuts, hidden chambers, and puzzles that players must solve to advance. Throughout exploration, players discover Time crystals, currency used to acquire upgrades for Sargon’s weaponry. Challenges may initially seem insurmountable, but players can revisit them armed with newfound skills or tools. Notably, players can capture screenshots and affix them to the in-game map, aiding in identifying and recalling unresolved puzzles encountered during their journey.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown follows the journey of Sargon, a youthful member of The Immortals warrior clan, tasked with rescuing the abducted Prince Ghassan from the cursed city of Mount Qaf.
In a realm plagued by over three decades of drought, famine, and invasions from the Kushan Empire, the Persian Empire faces imminent collapse. The latest Kushan onslaught is thwarted by The Immortals, led by Sargon, who personally dispatches the Kushan general. Amidst celebrations, Prince Ghassan is snatched by Sargon’s mentor, General Anahita, prompting Sargon and The Immortals to pursue them to Mount Qaf’s sacred Citadel. Suspicions arise that Anahita seeks to utilize Ghassan’s royal blood to access the temple of the Simurgh and seize power from Queen Thomyris.
Entering the Citadel, The Immortals confront a time anomaly, leading to their separation in the search for Anahita. Sargon encounters undead soldiers, allies, and recovers Simurgh’s feathers imbuing him with divine abilities. Despite rescuing Ghassan, their leader Vahram reveals himself as the true conspirator, slaying Ghassan and framing Sargon. Surviving Vahram’s onslaught, Sargon meets Alkara, who offers a chance to reverse time through a pact with the serpent deity Azhdaha.
In his quest for redemption, Sargon gains the Celestial Guardians’ favor, returns to prevent Ghassan’s murder, and learns of Vahram’s true lineage and intentions. Pursuing Vahram to prevent his ascension to godhood, Sargon ultimately defeats him, prompting Vahram’s self-sacrifice to revive the Simurgh. Sargon and Ghassan return to Persepolis as heroes, with Ghassan abdicating his position and Sargon revealing Thomyris’ treachery. Departing the capital, Sargon entrusts The Immortals with the responsibility of guiding a youthful Vahram towards a different destiny.
