Released on May 18, 2010, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands stands as a swashbuckling action-adventure title developed by Ubisoft Montreal. Serving as a direct narrative successor to The Two Thrones, this installment shifts focus back toward the series core identity by emphasizing complex platforming, precise environmental navigation, and fast-paced combat. Available on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3, the game delivers a polished third-person experience that balances acrobatic traversal with tactical puzzle-solving.
Story & Setting Overview
The narrative continues after the events of the previous entry, with the Prince traveling to the kingdom of his elder brother, Malik, to train in martial arts. Upon arrival, he discovers the realm under siege. In a desperate attempt to repel the invaders, Malik wields an ancient mystic medallion that inadvertently frees Solomon’s ancient army. Rather than fighting as intended, the awakened forces turn the kingdom’s inhabitants into sand statues. The Prince must navigate this perilous landscape, relying on his agility and newly discovered abilities to stop the army from destroying the realm and undoing the catastrophic damage caused by the medallion.
Gameplay Mechanics & Genre
Categorized as an action-adventure experience, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands leans heavily into its platforming heritage. Players control the Prince through a series of temple-like environments filled with deadly traps, environmental puzzles, and combat encounters. The gameplay loop revolves around mastering aerobatics, wall-running, and precise leaping across chasms. As the journey progresses, the Prince unlocks control over four nature elements: fire, earth, water, and air. These powers are essential for manipulating the environment, solving puzzles, and gaining a tactical advantage in combat. The game features a complex fighting system that requires players to seamlessly blend magic skills with melee combat to efficiently take down enemy waves.
Notable Features & Platform Availability
- Cross-Platform Release: Available on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3
- Time Manipulation: A signature series mechanic allowing players to rewind time by several seconds to recover from mistakes or avoid fatal traps
- Elemental Powers: Mastery of fire, earth, water, and air to interact with the environment and overcome obstacles
- First-Class Level Design: Linear, carefully crafted stages that emphasize momentum, flow, and precise timing
- Acrobatic Combat: Fast-paced swordplay combined with environmental traversal, pitting the lone prince against hordes of sand-warriors
The game maintains a structured progression where players cannot freely roam open worlds. Instead, designers guide players through a predetermined path that rewards mastery of movement and environmental interaction. While the Metacritic score reflects mixed critical reception, reviewers noted that the title serves as a nostalgic diversion that prioritizes solid combat and platforming over groundbreaking narrative innovation.
Who It Appeals To
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is designed with multiple types of players in mind. For newcomers to the franchise, the game serves as an accessible entry point, offering a forgiving difficulty curve and intuitive controls that introduce the series signature parkour and puzzle-solving without overwhelming the player. Veterans of the earlier Sands of Time era will appreciate the return to the series classic style of play, though some may find the story and character development somewhat shallow compared to earlier entries. The game strongest appeal lies with platforming enthusiasts who enjoy the rhythmic flow of momentum-based traversal and well-crafted environmental challenges. Ultimately, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a focused, acrobatic adventure that prioritizes fluid movement and tactical environmental manipulation.
