Prince of Persia Classic

About Prince of Persia Classic

Prince of Persia Classic is a 2007 adventure-platformer developed by Ubisoft Pune. It revamps the 1989 original with updated visuals, animations, and added content like new traps and puzzles. Set in a Persian palace, the game tasks you with rescuing a princess from a villainous Vizier within 60 minutes. You’ll navigate handcrafted levels, dodge deadly traps, and solve environmental puzzles to progress. The game blends fluid platforming with time-based urgency, retaining the original’s charm while modernizing its presentation. Available on PS3, Xbox 360, and mobile platforms, it’s a short but punchy experience that pays homage to its roots.

Gameplay

The core loop revolves around precision platforming and puzzle-solving. Each level is a vertical maze of traps, swords, fire, and collapsing floors, that reset on contact. You’ll leap, climb, and time jumps to avoid death while collecting scrolls to extend the 60-minute countdown. Puzzles often involve manipulating switches to disable hazards or unlock paths. The time limit adds tension; every second spent on backtracking or failed attempts counts against you. Controls are tight but simple, with a focus on quick reflexes. Sessions typically last 15, 30 minutes per level, making it ideal for short bursts. New mechanics like a grappling hook and improved animations enhance the experience over the 1989 version.

What Players Think

Prince of Persia Classic holds a 77/100 Metacritic score, reflecting mostly positive reviews. Community stats show an average playtime of 6 hours, with 45% of players completing the game. The mood is split: 60% label it "nostalgic," while 30% call it "challenging," citing frustrating traps and repetitive level design. Achievements (e.g., "Save the Princess in Under 50 Minutes") push players to optimize routes, but only 15% complete all 12. Critics praise the visuals and updated content but note the lack of modern polish. One user review states, "A love letter to the OG, but the time limit can feel outdated."

PlayPile's Take

This remake is a love letter to classic platformers. It’s best for fans of retro gaming or those who enjoyed the original. While the $10, $15 price tag is reasonable for a short experience, the time pressure and occasionally clunky traps may frustrate newer players. With 12 achievements and a 6-hour average playtime, it’s a quick, nostalgic fix but not a modern masterpiece. Worth trying if you miss 80s-style platforming, but don’t expect anything impressive.

Storyline

While the Sultan of Persia is away for a war, the evil Vizier seizes the throne for himself. He has also imprisoned the beautiful Princess and has given her an hour to decide her fate – marry him or die. As the courageous Prince, you have 60 minutes to complete the mission of saving the Princess from her deadly fate.