Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review
Written & Produced by Devin M. Gabriel (Sage)
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a vibrant, modern take on the Metroidvania formula, blending fluid combat, clever traversal, and striking visual design into a journey that rewards both skill and curiosity. From the thrill of chaining air juggles and perfect parries to the satisfaction of revisiting familiar areas with new abilities, the game keeps momentum alive through every region of Mount Qaf. Distinct biomes, imaginative time-manipulation mechanics, and cinematic boss battles create moments that stick with you, while the story, layered with subtle character beats, leaves room for discovery and speculation.
The heart of The Lost Crown lies in its moment-to-moment gameplay. Combat allows enemies to be launched into air juggles, cornered in relentless strings, or felled with perfectly timed parries. Each successful parry delivers both a satisfying visual counterattack and builds a special meter for powerful, stylish moves.
This feedback loop feels rewarding on every level — it’s as much about the thrill of execution as it is about the spectacle on screen. And while combat offers depth, traversal feels equally refined. Parkour challenges, precision jumps, and clever routes transform movement into its own kind of puzzle, with the world responding fluidly to your skills.
The game’s design keeps encounters fresh by mixing combat with traversal, puzzles, and set-piece moments. Bosses are larger-than-life, offering dynamic patterns that push you to adapt, while standard enemies give plenty of room to practice and refine your combos.
One standout moment comes early on, when a main-story boss allows you to juggle them mid-air — a direct application of techniques honed against smaller foes. Later, a penultimate boss challenges you to use every mobility skill you’ve learned, turning the fight into a celebration of your entire journey.
Traversal itself is built for replay. The “Guided Mode” still leaves room for curiosity, letting you explore freely while maintaining a sense of direction. Personally, I found it perfect for carving out my own path while still feeling tethered to the story’s momentum.
A prime example of traversal design is the Sacred Archives. Here, the Jailer patrols with a shimmering bubble of detection, creating a tense game of stealth and timing. Early visits require careful navigation, using nooks and alcoves to avoid capture. Returning later with upgraded movement abilities transforms the encounter into a thrilling game of cat and mouse — a perfect showcase of how new abilities refresh old areas.
The game’s visual design is a constant highlight. Each biome feels distinct, alive with Persian-inspired details and memorable silhouettes. Time manipulation — a signature of the series — is used to remarkable effect. One particular level stands out for how freezing and unfreezing time reshapes the landscape and changes the rules of combat in an instant. It’s clever, visually striking, and unforgettable.
Boss battles are equally mesmerizing. Many encounters combine the kinetic energy of Dragon Ball Z with the weighty presence of Dark Souls, wrapped in the game’s own mythological identity. Athra magic, in particular, adds a dazzling flourish to these showdowns, making each clash feel like an event worth savoring.
