Prince of Perisa - Review - April 24, 2003 System: Super Nintendo Entertainment System Publisher: Konami Developer: Brøderbund Software Creator: Jordan Mechner Origin: Denmark?/Japan Players: 1 Genre: Adventure Save system: Password, no battery Released in Japan: 3rd of July 1992 Released in Europe and the U.S as well Probably within a year later. I know so little about the history of this game, it makes me sad. I know that it was first released on some computer console, probably on the PC. This game version which I'm writing a FAQ and Review for is the Super Nintendo version. You shall as a young man, think and battle through several different levels under a strong time pressure. Story ----- Prince of Persia takes place in the old Persia, during the time when the land was grand and prosperous. The sultan is out on an expedition and as the rulers of Persia, he has left his daughter and his grand vizier Jaffar. Jaffar is evil and power hungry. His plans are to take control of whole Persia and become its sole ruler. The only thing that stands in his way is the Princess. Jaffar must marry the Princess, but she loathes Jaffar and has fallen in love with a young adventurer from a foreign country. The adventurer is thrown into the dungeons of the palace and the Princess is given an ultimatum. She has two hours to decide whether she should marry Jaffar or be executed. Now it's up to you, to take the role as the Prince, fight your way through the dungeons and save your Princess within two hours of time. Graphics 8/10 ------------- For being a Super NES game that was released in 1992, it's not bad, not bad at all. It flows nicely and there's no major cons to complain about. I especially like the oriental backgrounds and the prince's realistic movement. Sound 7/10 ---------- I think the oriental music is very atmospheric. I like it and I never think it's disturbing. For being released in 1992 the sound effect aren't bad. Gamplay/Controls 9/10 --------------------- Prince of Persia is about getting from point A to point B in 20 different levels. As one character you shall both use your thinking ability and your reflexes to perform many different tasks and at occasions fight guards stopping your advancing through the levels. The prince can use a large set of moves which are realistic and balanced. I don't think it's too much to complain about concerning the controls. It's mostly very accurate and even though the game is hard, you can seldom blame anyone else than yourself when losing. There's one or two moves that doesn't react as they should all the time, but these problems are overcome with some caution from the player. The controls may seem slow, but that's only because they're very realistic. I think you get used to them very fast. When it comes to the game objectives, it's just to proceed in the level. If there're bars covering the way, you must find a switch to open them. You must often calculate difficult jumps and other moves. A very important feature is the battle system, which is very simple but at the same time perfect. You use a sable to parry with one button and attack with another. Then it's up to your reflexes if you're the winner or the loser. You have 120 minutes to finish the game. This may put a lot of stress on you, but there is a way to avoid the time limit and still beat the game which most Prince of Persia players will discover. Lasting Appeal 9/10 ------------------- There are twenty tough levels to pass and you will not do it during an afternoon for the first time. It takes time and patience. When you've finished it once it's possible to do it many times to perfect your skills. Total 9/10 ---------- Prince of Persia is an old classic, where action and adventuring are combined in a terrific way.