Summary
With the release ofPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownnow only a little over a month away, the newest game in the series is changing the usual formula fans are used to and opting for a side-scrolling platformer.The rebirth of thePrince of Persia franchisehas been anticipated for a long time, andThe Lost Crownhas the potential to be an exciting new take on the games' legacy. From the art style to the gameplay,The Lost Crownis setting itself up to push the boundaries of the franchise, but it also looks to be pushing the boundaries of side-scroller games in general.
WhenPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownwas first announced, it was a surprise for many fans of the games to see the next chapter in the series would partially return to the franchise’s side-scrolling roots, but with a twist. A more stylized look andembracing Persian mythologypromises a fun new approach toPrince of Persia, and early previews ofThe Lost Crown’s gameplay show that it could also be a game changer for how stories are told in the world of side-scrollers.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Promises a Cinematic Platformer
Trailers and early gameplay footage ofPrince of Persia: The Lost Crownshow that the game has included one feature that isn’t really embraced in side-scrollers; cinematic cutscenes. When it comes to a side-scroller platform, the story is usually told through the gameplay itself, and if the game has any type of cutscene, the camera angle is usually still kept at a side-scrolling angle. However,The Lost Crownis clearly steering away from this method and is using beautiful cinematic cutscenes to help move the plot forward.
The Lost Crown Could Signal a New Era for Side-Scroller Storytelling
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownusing side-scrolling gameplay while pushing the plot via compelling cutscenes could start a new chapter for this particular genre. There are manywaysThe Lost Crowndiffersfrom previousPrince of Persiaentries, but the side-scrolling aspect is without a doubt the boldest change to the franchise.
Even though the franchise started as a side-scroller, returning to this style was an unexpected development for many eager fans. When it was initially revealed thatThe Lost Crownwould be a side-scroller,somePrince of Persiafans were criticalof how Ubisoft chose to evolve the franchise. However, it’s clear that the developers aren’t letting this approach to platforming effect the game’s ability to tell an interesting story.
Subverting Expectations May Be What Prince of Persia Needs
Although this may not be the version ofPrince of Persiasome fans were expecting, mixing cinematic moments with the fun of side-scroller platforming has the potential to be something incredibly unique.The Lost Crowncould be a breath of fresh air forthePrince of Persiafranchise, which is something many gamers have been anticipating for thirteen long years.
TakingPrince of Persia’s original 2D platformerapproach and blending it with 3D cinematics could be an exciting way to bring a new story in the franchise to life. With a new protagonist in the form of Sargon and a blend of old-fashioned style platforming and cinematic narratives,Prince of Persia: The Lost Crownhas the potential to start 2024 off in a surprisingly great way.
