Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Prince of Persia Collection brings together two of the most influential platformers of the late ’80s and early ’90s, offering both the 1989 original and its 1993 sequel, The Shadow & The Flame. The core mechanics remain as sharp as ever: precise timing, carefully judged jumps, and split-second decisions to avoid deadly traps. Whether you’re lining up a leap over a bottomless pit or engaging in swordplay with palace guards, each movement feels weighty and deliberate, demanding focus and rewarding mastery.

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Prince of Persia 2 builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor by introducing new moves such as climbing along ledges, sliding under obstacles, and a broader range of sword techniques. These additions lend a fresh sense of verticality and exploration, giving veterans a reason to revisit the series. The precision-based combat remains challenging but fair, and the expanded moveset feels well integrated rather than tacked on.

Beyond the two classics, this compilation includes a making-of documentary video for Prince of Persia 3D. Though not a playable title, the documentary offers fascinating insight into the design challenges and creative ambitions behind the series’ first foray into full 3D. It’s a welcome bonus for fans interested in game development history, underscoring how the franchise has evolved from pixel art to polygonal worlds.

Graphics

Visually, the compilation stays true to the original pixel art, which is presented in crisp, unfiltered form. The animations retain their fluid, rotoscoped charm, and you can see every detail of the Prince’s acrobatic moves and the environments he traverses. Modern displays scale the graphics smoothly, eliminating the fuzziness sometimes encountered in emulation, so you can appreciate the artwork as it was intended.

Prince of Persia 2’s richer color palette and more intricate environmental details stand out in this collection. The game’s diverse locales—from sun-baked deserts to shadowy temples—feel vibrant and alive, even by today’s standards. Each background conveys a strong sense of place, immersing you deeper into the Prince’s journey through a mythical Persia.

The included documentary on Prince of Persia 3D features pre-release footage, concept sketches, and interviews with the developers. This video segment is well-edited and professionally produced, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glance at the pivot from 2D sprites to early 3D models. While the game itself struggled on release, the documentary highlights the team’s innovative spirit and lays bare the technical hurdles of early polygonal graphics.

Story

In the original Prince of Persia, the narrative is straightforward but compelling: you are the titular Prince, racing against the clock to rescue a captive princess and defeat the evil Grand Vizier. The sense of urgency is heightened by the 60-minute time limit, turning each screen into a puzzle-and-action hybrid. The minimal storytelling lets gameplay take center stage while still providing a narrative hook to keep you invested.

Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow & The Flame deepens the lore by revealing the Prince’s royal lineage and exploring themes of betrayal and redemption. As you traverse perilous landscapes, you unravel a plot involving dark magic and a devious sorcerer. This sequel takes greater risks with its script and characters, offering memorable set pieces—like dungeons filled with fireballs and boss encounters that test your reflexes and strategy.

The documentary on Prince of Persia 3D adds historical context, chronicling how the series’ narrative ambitions grew alongside its technological innovations. Hearing from the creators about their vision for a 3D storyline—complete with voice acting and cinematic cutscenes—underscores how storytelling in games was evolving at the turn of the millennium. It’s a fascinating complement to the classic plotlines of the first two titles.

Overall Experience

The Prince of Persia Collection is a treasure trove for both nostalgic fans and newcomers curious about gaming history. The tight controls and elegant level design of the first two games remain a benchmark for action-platformers, proving that solid gameplay transcends decades. Even with modern blockbusters vying for attention, these classics feel surprisingly resilient and entertaining.

This compilation’s added documentary enriches the package by offering a behind-the-scenes narrative that no modern re-release typically provides. It’s a reminder of the risks and creativity inherent in game development—especially when moving from proven 2D frameworks into the unknown territory of 3D engines. As a result, the collection feels like both a celebration and a museum exhibit of one of Ubisoft’s most enduring franchises.

For potential buyers, the value proposition is clear: you get two timeless platformers and a compelling historical documentary in one neat package. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the roots of narrative-driven action games, the Prince of Persia Collection delivers an engaging experience that stands up remarkably well today. It’s a must-have for anyone interested in the evolution of level-based design and game storytelling.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10