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CRITIK

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Item: Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2024

GenresAdventure, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player

AvailableJan 18, 2024

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 5

DeveloperUbisoft Montpellier

Overview

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.

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Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

62%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are varied. Many critics praise the engaging and intriguing narrative, with elements of Persian mythology and interesting plot twists. GameGrin, NME, and GamesHub highlight the enjoyable and coherent story, with NME specifically mentioning the presence of twists and betrayals throughout. These positive aspects of the story contribute to the overall enjoyment and captivation of players, as mentioned by Easy Allies. However, not all critics are as positive about the story. PCGamesN and Metro GameCentral criticize the narrative for feeling underdeveloped and confusing, respectively. PCGamesN specifically mentions that the story's potential is squandered, with ideas and setups that go nowhere. Game Informer also expresses disappointment in the story, noting that it falls into the background too often and lacks clarity. Worth Playing acknowledges that the plot is largely predictable but mentions that it is bolstered by excess and escalation, which could be seen as a negative aspect by some. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has its strengths and weaknesses. The engaging and intriguing aspects of the narrative, such as the incorporation of Persian mythology and the presence of plot twists, are appreciated by many critics. However, there are also criticisms regarding the underdeveloped nature of the story, confusion in the plot, and rushed conclusions. It is important to note that some critics, like GameStar, appreciate the story despite not playing as the Persian prince, while others, like VG247, find the story cheesy and complex. Ultimately, players' enjoyment of the story may depend on their personal preferences for narrative depth and execution.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the story of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Some praise its engaging narrative with Persian mythology and plot twists, while others criticize it for feeling underdeveloped and confusing. The story's strengths include captivating elements, but weaknesses like rushed conclusions and lack of clarity are noted. Overall, the narrative's reception varies among critics, with some appreciating its depth and others finding it cheesy and complex. Ultimately, player enjoyment may hinge on their preferences for narrative execution.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

97%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many praised the game's Metroidvania-inspired world design, which offered a seamless and interconnected environment with no loading screens. The parkour movement and combat were highlighted as challenging and skillfully designed, providing a great flow and mechanics. Critics such as GameGrin, Guardian, and Pure Nintendo specifically mentioned the enjoyable platforming segments and the blending of action-adventure and platforming mechanics. The traversal skills and abilities, including time and space manipulation, were also commended for their rewarding execution and sense of freedom. The combat system was described as deeply challenging and satisfying, with intricate combos and a variety of combat mechanics to explore. The smooth controls and fluid movement were consistently praised by critics like CGMagazine and TheSixthAxis. Overall, the positive opinions regarding the gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown emphasized its well-designed mechanics, engaging combat, and rewarding exploration. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the gameplay, there were a few mentions of potential negatives. Some critics, such as TrueAchievements and Press Start Australia, pointed out frustrating sections in the game. These sections might have posed challenges that could be seen as overly difficult or requiring trial-and-error. However, it is important to note that these criticisms were minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the gameplay. Additionally, the inclusion of cool accessibility features, as mentioned by TrueAchievements and Press Start Australia, aimed to address any potential frustrations and cater to players of different skill levels. In conclusion, the consensus among critics is that the gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is highly impressive and enjoyable. The majority of reviewers praised the game's Metroidvania-inspired design, challenging platforming sections, and deep combat mechanics. The seamless and interconnected world, along with the smooth controls and responsive movement, contributed to a rewarding exploration experience. The positive feedback from critics such as GameStar, God is a Geek, and Worth Playing further supports the overall sentiment that the gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is very good. While there were some mentions of frustrating sections, the inclusion of accessibility options aimed to mitigate any potential issues. Overall, the gameplay of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received high praise and is considered a standout aspect of the game.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown gameplay wows critics with its challenging parkour, seamless world, and rewarding combat. Critics love the Metroidvania-inspired design, intricate combos, and smooth controls. Despite minor frustrations in some sections, overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a standout experience for players of all skill levels.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

76%

Mixed (50-79)

24%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, with many highlighting its stunning and beautiful environments. GGRecon commends the game for its stylized, painterly aesthetic and the inclusion of Persian cities, forests, temples, and mountain peaks. GameGrin also mentions the highly detailed and gorgeous-looking environments inspired by Persian mythology, which immerse players in a visually appealing world. God is a Geek appreciates the superb world to explore, featuring multiple biomes and a fluid pace throughout. NME describes the game's scenery as a "gorgeous array," with towering libraries and interconnected areas that make exploration a joy. Shacknews adds that the art style is warm and storybook-esque, further contributing to the game's overall beauty. CGMagazine praises the top-notch 2.5D presentation and level design, making parkour feel natural and immersive. ZTGD highlights the impressive animations, particularly during boss fights, and considers them some of the best seen. However, there were a few critics who had some reservations about the Graphics and Visual Design. Metro GameCentral describes the game as having a generic visual design and lacking a unique look. Game Informer mentions that while the backdrops and painterly environments are gorgeous, the characters have a playdough-esque appearance. VG247 criticizes the graphics as gaudy, but still praises the map design as one of the best in the Metroidvania genre. Despite these criticisms, it is important to note that they are in the minority compared to the overall positive reception. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Graphics and Visual Design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are very good. The game is praised for its stunning and beautiful environments, with GGRecon, GameGrin, and NME specifically highlighting the visual appeal of the various locations and biomes. The art style, animations, and level design are also highly regarded by critics such as Shacknews, CGMagazine, and ZTGD. While there are a few critics who express some reservations, their opinions are outweighed by the majority who appreciate the game's visual presentation. The positive reception from the critics indicates that the Graphics and Visual Design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are a strong aspect of the overall experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about the stunning graphics and visual design of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, praising its beautiful environments inspired by Persian mythology. Despite some minor criticisms about character design, the majority applaud the game's top-notch presentation, immersive world, and fluid pace. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with critics lauding the game's gorgeous aesthetics and impressive animations.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

67%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are generally positive. GameGrin praises the game's soundtrack, describing it as great and enhancing the immersive experience. They also highlight the additional audio elements, such as birds chirping and wind chimes ringing, which add to the atmospheric feel of the cursed lands. Easy Allies also commends the game's soundtrack, stating that it is terrific and complements the gameplay, contributing to the overall experience. PlayStation Universe agrees, mentioning that the music is exceptional and the tracks fit the mood and location perfectly. They also praise the voice work, with the voice cast doing an excellent job bringing the characters to life. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the sound design and music in creating an immersive and atmospheric experience. However, there are some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. NME states that the voice acting is a mixed bag, with some incongruous accents. Daily Star also criticizes the voice acting, mentioning that it is a little ropey with English accents everywhere. ZTGD adds that while the voice acting for the main cast is great, some side characters have rough voice over work. These negative opinions indicate that there are inconsistencies and flaws in the voice acting, which may affect the overall quality of the game's audio experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are generally positive. The soundtrack is praised for its ability to enhance the immersive experience, with GameGrin, Easy Allies, and Gamepressure highlighting its effectiveness. The voice acting, on the other hand, receives mixed reviews, with NME, Daily Star, and ZTGD pointing out flaws and inconsistencies. However, the positive opinions from PlayStation Universe and Worth Playing suggest that the voice work is exceptional and quite good, respectively. Taking all opinions into account, it can be concluded that while there are some shortcomings in the voice acting, the overall sound design and music of the game are well-received by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise the sound design and music of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, with GameGrin, Easy Allies, and PlayStation Universe highlighting the great soundtrack that enhances the immersive experience. However, there are some negative opinions on the voice acting, citing inconsistencies and flaws. Overall, critics agree that while the voice acting has mixed reviews, the sound design and music contribute positively to the game's atmospheric experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown are varied. Some critics, such as CGMagazine and Gamepressure, praise the voice acting for adding depth to the game and creating a credible bond between the characters. CGMagazine specifically mentions the addition of compelling background characters that make the setting feel alive. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting successfully enhances the overall experience of the game. On the other hand, there are critics who express some negative aspects of the voice acting. NME points out that there are incongruously chirpy American accents in a Persian setting, which can be seen as a mismatch and detract from the authenticity of the game. Daily Star also criticizes the voice acting, mentioning that it feels ropey with English accents everywhere. These criticisms highlight the potential lack of immersion and believability in the voice performances. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a mixed bag. While some critics, like PlayStation Universe and Worth Playing, commend the voice cast for bringing the characters to life and delivering solid performances, others, such as ZTGD and WellPlayed, point out flaws in certain side characters or the English voice performances. However, it is worth noting that Gamepressure and WellPlayed highlight the option to turn on dialogues in spoken Farsi, which adds authenticity and enhances the overall experience for players. Despite the mixed opinions, it seems that the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has received more positive feedback than negative, with the main cast being praised for their performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Some praise it for adding depth and creating a bond between characters, while others criticize the incongruous accents that detract from authenticity. Overall, the voice acting is seen as a mixed bag with some flaws but more positive feedback than negative. Some highlight the option to hear dialogues in spoken Farsi for added authenticity.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received positive feedback from the majority of the critics across different gaming platforms. On the PC, God is a Geek noted that there were only a few minor bugs, indicating a generally smooth experience. Similarly, on the Xbox Series X, ZTGD mentioned some glitches and graphical issues towards the end of the game but clarified that no progress was lost, suggesting that the technical performance was still acceptable. On the PlayStation 5, the game received high praise for its technical performance. Game Informer highlighted that it runs at a smooth 120 frames per second with a 4K resolution, showcasing the platform's capabilities. Press Start Australia, VGC, WellPlayed, and Worth Playing all agreed that the game ran incredibly well on the PS5, with smooth performance, supporting the demanding platforming mechanics. These positive remarks from multiple critics emphasize the game's technical prowess on the PlayStation 5. Lastly, on the Nintendo Switch, both NintendoWorldReport and Pure Nintendo commended the game's technical performance. NintendoWorldReport praised the impeccable performance with short load times, attractive visuals, and a stable 60 FPS framerate. Pure Nintendo reiterated this sentiment, mentioning the smooth gameplay at 60fps, absence of lags or loading screens, and impressive optimization. These positive comments from critics specializing in Nintendo platforms highlight the game's success in delivering a technically impressive experience on the Switch. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the technical performance of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was very good across all gaming platforms. The game received praise for its smooth performance, high frame rates, and impressive visual quality. While there were some minor bugs and glitches mentioned by a few critics, these issues did not significantly impact the overall experience. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from multiple critics supports the notion that the technical performance of the game was a strong aspect and contributed to the overall enjoyment of the players.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for its top-notch technical performance on all gaming platforms. Smooth gameplay, high frame rates, and stunning visuals shine on PC, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Minor bugs noted but did not detract from the overall experience. Players enjoy a technically impressive and enjoyable gaming experience across the board.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The overall sentiment regarding the replay value of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is largely positive, with multiple critics highlighting the various elements that contribute to its replayability. GameGrin praises the game for its different game modes and difficulty levels, allowing players to customize their experience. They also mention the inclusion of side quests and special items to collect, providing additional replay value. God is a Geek echoes this sentiment by emphasizing the game's packed secrets, puzzles, challenges, and alternate routes, making it highly replayable. Guardian adds to this by mentioning the replay value offered through the exploration of new areas and the ability to upgrade the protagonist's abilities. However, there are a few critics who do not provide specific opinions regarding the replay value of the game. TrueAchievements only mentions the game's completion time and the presence of side quests and collectibles, without explicitly commenting on their impact on replayability. Carole Quintaine's opinion is simply "Belle durée de vie," which translates to "good lifespan," but does not provide any specific details or reasons for this assessment. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers significant replay value. Gamepressure highlights the presence of collectibles, secret rooms, side quests, and hidden levels, providing several additional hours of fun for those who want to fully explore the game. GamesHub mentions the game's encouragement of exploration, the Platform Assist Mode, and complex puzzles that challenge players mentally. TheSixthAxis and VG247 both mention the game's replayability through options to adjust difficulty and accessibility settings. VideoGamer and Worth Playing emphasize the exploration and challenging platforming sections as contributing factors to the game's replay value. Pure Nintendo further supports this by mentioning multiple difficulty levels, a guided mode, hidden treasures, side quests, and collectibles, all of which encourage exploration and multiple playthroughs. In conclusion, the overall sentiment among the critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown offers substantial replay value. The game's customization options, inclusion of side quests and collectibles, packed secrets and challenges, exploration opportunities, and various difficulty settings contribute to its replayability. While a few critics do not provide specific opinions on the replay value, the majority of them highlight the game's positive aspects in this regard.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics rave about Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown's high replay value, praising its customization options, side quests, collectibles, secrets, challenges, exploration opportunities, and difficulty settings. While some critics don't delve into specifics, the consensus is clear: this game offers substantial replayability for those seeking hours of fun and exploration.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

94%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple videogame reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, it is evident that the majority of critics had a highly positive view of the game. The game was praised for its bold and different approach, consistent and quality gameplay, challenging Metroidvania experience, engaging combat, and beautiful visuals. Critics such as GameGrin, God is a Geek, Guardian, and Pure Nintendo all highlighted the game's outstanding action platforming mechanics, captivating story, and impressive graphics. The gameplay was consistently commended, with critics like GGRecon, Shacknews, and WellPlayed emphasizing the game's rewarding exploration, challenging combat, and satisfying puzzles. The innovative accessibility features of the game were also appreciated by critics like Press Start Australia. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few reviewers. NME mentioned issues with tone and repetitive combat, while Gaming Age noted that the game may not appeal to those who are not already fans of the genre. VG247 criticized the combat as somewhat clumsy, and Daily Star considered the game to be a decent but difficult start to console gaming. These criticisms, however, were relatively minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a fantastic return to the franchise's roots and a strong entry in the Metroidvania genre. The game is praised for its bold reinvention, combining familiar elements with new genre mechanics. Critics like Gamepressure, PlayStation Universe, and NintendoWorldReport considered it an excellent title, highly recommended and even a candidate for game of the year. The game's success in nailing the fundamentals of combat, platforming, and exploration, as mentioned by PCGamesN, CGMagazine, and ZTGD, further solidifies its positive reception. The overall sentiment is that Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a must-have game, a splendid return to form, and one of the standout video games of the year, as stated by critics such as Worth Playing and Pure Nintendo. In conclusion, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. The game's bold and different approach, consistent and quality gameplay, challenging Metroidvania experience, engaging combat, beautiful visuals, and innovative accessibility features were highly praised. While there were some minor criticisms regarding tone, repetitive combat, and appeal to non-genre fans, these were outweighed by the overall positive consensus among the critics. The game is considered a fantastic return to the franchise, a successful reinvention, and one of the best Prince of Persia games in years. It is highly recommended for fans of the franchise and action platforming games, and it stands as a strong contender in the Metroidvania genre.

TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown for its bold reinvention, engaging combat, and beautiful visuals. While some minor criticisms were raised about tone and repetitive combat, the game is hailed as a fantastic return to the franchise's roots and a standout in the Metroidvania genre. Overall, it's a must-have title with a strong recommendation for fans of action platforming games.

CRITIK

Reviews

259 reviews found

100

GameGrin

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an outstanding action platformer that evolves the metroidvania genre. It offers engaging gameplay, beautiful visuals, and a captivating story. Highly recommended for fans of the franchise and action platforming games.

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Gamepressure

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer considers Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown to be an excellent title, one of the best in its genre. It is praised as a candidate for game of the year and is highly recommended.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a fantastic metroidvania game and a great addition to the series.

WellPlayed

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a confident and complete game that sets a new bar for the franchise and showcases Ubisoft Montpellier's expertise.

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Game Informer

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fascinating and highly successful reemergence for the beloved series

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NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is an absolute treat of a game that should be remembered as one of the standout video games of the year.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer loved their time with Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and considers it a must-have title. They didn't have much to complain about and celebrate the fantastic return to the franchise.

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God is a Geek

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is a fantastic return to the franchise's side-scrolling roots and one of the strongest examples of the genre.

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Easy Allies

PlayStation 5

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The Lost Crown is a successful reinvention of the franchise that carves out a marvelous new identity and marks an excellent start to 2024.

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GGRecon

Jan 11, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game is praised for its bold and different approach, consistent and quality gameplay, and challenging Metroidvania experience. It is recommended with a score of 4.5 out of 5.

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