The Rogue Prince of Persia Review (PC, Steam Deck)
Summary: The Prince is back in the Rogue Prince of Persia as the roguelike genre meets a classic
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Classic Rogue!
The Rogue Prince of Persia is a new and exciting roguelike entry into the iconic series developed by the talented team at Evil Empire. This studio is well-known for their work on post-launch content for the hugely successful Dead Cells and their experience in the genre is immediately apparent from the get go. The game brings the classic acrobatic platforming and fluid combat of Prince of Persia to a 2D roguelite format creating an experience that feels fresh and familiar all at once, including brutally challenging at times… And UbiSoft just done a shadow drop that would make the Assassin’s proud!
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Although the game’s narrative is simple, it goes hand-in-hand with the gameplay as we discover that the Prince has accidentally provoked a powerful Hun army led by their chief Nogai and his city Ctesiphon is under siege from possessed soldiers. Of course the gods are on the side of the Prince as he discovers a mysterious artifact that allows him to rewind time after each death returning him to a hub known as The Oasis. This time travel mechanic is the perfect excuse for the roguelite genre as it provides a constant motivation to push forward even in defeat as you’re always gaining knowledge and unraveling more of the story with each run.
Gameplay is where The Rogue Prince of shines and it distinguishes itself from other roguelites. The core parkour mechanics are incredibly fluid and responsive, including wall running, wall jumping and swinging from poles. You can seamlessly chain these moves together to traverse the procedurally generated levels and outsmart your enemies. The combat is fast-paced and a perfect blend of melee and ranged attacks. You can kick enemies to knock them back or vault over them to dodge attacks. This encourages an active offensive style of play where you are constantly moving and thinking on your feet.
As a roguelite the game’s progression is tied to each run. You collect medallions to augment your weapons and coins to buy new gear and health items. The weapon variety is solid and each new discovery can significantly change your approach to a given level. Further, the combination of dynamic movement and adaptable combat makes every run feel different and challenging. It’s also a game that rewards skill and improvisation while offering a steep but fair challenge.
Graphics & Audio
The visuals feature a striking colorful art style that is reminiscent of a Saturday morning cartoon yet manages to be both vibrant and detailed. The aesthetic is distinct and sets it apart from other Prince of Persia titles while still feeling true to the series’ spirit. Additionally, the soundtrack is equally impressive with an excellent score by artist ASADI that perfectly captures the high-energy acrobatic action and adventure – and lastly, the sound design is crisp and provides great feedback for every jump kick and wall run… oh, the soundtrack kicks the ass of the enemies of Persia (see below).
Final Thoughts?
Ultimately The Rogue Prince of Persia is an exceptional roguelite that honors the legacy of its franchise while forging a new identity that boasts stylised graphics, decent audio and strong gameplay that works perfectly on both the Steam Deck and a PC that will make you come back for more, provided you don’t get too frustrated from the roguelite nature – kudos to Evil Empire!
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