by MORGAN Jack - Published 3 months ago

Prince of Persia Games: Ranked (Best to Worst)

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Prince of Persia is a game series known for its inconsistent quality, showcasing moments of brilliance alongside missed opportunities.
The Lost Crown breathes new life into the series, blending classic elements with modern sensibilities.

Prince of Persia, making its debut in 1989, tends to resurface every decade or so, reminding everyone of its status as one of the most iconic but inconsistent platformer series of all time. The series, known for its peaks and valleys, has a history of losing momentum, whether in the '90s or 2000s. However, when it hits its stride, it surpasses almost every other game in its genre.

One of Ubisoft's most beloved franchises, Prince of Persia has been on hiatus since 2010. However, the series made a grand return with The Lost Crown. Spanning over three decades, Prince of Persia has experienced its fair share of highs and lows. But which entry reigns supreme?

Updated on September 26, 2024 by Asad Mubeen: For over a decade after The Forgotten Sands, it seemed like the Prince of Persia's story had come to an end. In 2024, the series made a surprise comeback with the release of The Lost Crown, a Metroidvania game that borrowed the best elements of the original entry and incorporated modern design sensibilities. This was followed by the Early Access release of The Rogue Prince of Persia. With two new titles breathing life back into the series, we revisited this list to see where they rank.

15 Battles Of Prince Of Persia

Taking place between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, Battles of Prince of Persia replaces the franchise's signature platforming with grid-based combat and a heavy reliance on cards. While Ubisoft Montreal deserves recognition for trying something new with the series, the novelty of Battles of Prince of Persia fades rather quickly.

The gameplay and narrative suffer from persistent inconsistencies as the card system feels unrelated to the plot. Battles of Prince of Persia's uninspired presentation and gameplay appear mundane compared to other handheld strategy games.

14 The Forgotten Sands

Nintendo DS version

In a bewildering decision, Ubisoft created four distinct versions of The Forgotten Sands. The versions for home consoles and PC are decent, but the same cannot be said for the one released on the Nintendo DS.

A 2D side-scroller with forgettable levels and visuals that leave much to be desired, the DS's Forgotten Sands relies heavily on the stylus for its controls. This reliance ultimately hinders the game. This version can be safely deemed inessential, as even the most dedicated fans won't find anything of value in playing it.

13 Prince Of Persia 3D

The 1999 Prince of Persia attempted a 3D adventure but fell short, even compared to other games of its era.

The game has nice environments, but its gameplay is frustrating. For a series known for smooth controls, this game feels stiff and clunky. Dreamcast owners should look elsewhere.

12 The Forgotten Sands

PSP Version

The PSP's Forgotten Sands is a 2.5D platformer that blends 3D console elements with side-scrolling, resulting in a mixed outcome.

The PSP version is playable but forgettable, both as a Prince of Persia game and a PSP platformer. It feels like a downgrade compared to its console counterparts on the same handheld.

11 The Fallen King

The Fallen King, released alongside the 2008 Prince of Persia reboot, is a decent handheld platformer, but its controls are a drawback. While character redesigns are subjective, the game features impressive backdrops. The Fallen King is visually appealing and makes good use of the Nintendo DS's capabilities.

However, the stylus controls are a hindrance. The Fallen King is better than the DS version of Forgotten Sands but still lacks a truly satisfying Prince of Persia experience on the Nintendo DS.

10 The Forgotten Sands

Wii Version

The Wii version of The Forgotten Sands is distinct from the seventh-generation console versions. While not as visually impressive as the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, the Wii's Forgotten Sands makes good use of the system's motion controls and stands out for that reason.

The Forgotten Sands is a good game for any home console, although it could be even better. With better camera controls and more variety in platforming, it could have been excellent.

9 The Forgotten Sands

PS3, Xbox 360 And PC version

After Prince of Persia's 2008 reboot wasn't well-received, Ubisoft tried to improve the franchise by bringing back The Sands of Time's protagonist and look. Of all the versions of The Forgotten Sands, the one released on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 is the best.

The Forgotten Sands is a well-made game that provides a typical modern Prince of Persia experience, although it includes too much combat. It feels more like a reaction to past criticism than a natural evolution of the series.

8 The Rogue Prince Of Persia

As a roguelike Metroidvania, The Rogue Prince of Persia is decent and free of bugs even in Early Access. The soundtrack is enjoyable, and the art style is charming. However, it's short on content, and the parkour platforming isn't as smooth as it could be.

Following the successful launch of The Lost Crown just months earlier, The Rogue Prince of Persia feels like a step back. As an Early Access release, it's uncertain how it will rank upon its full release. For now, it's a better introduction to roguelites than to Prince of Persia.

7 The Two Thrones

The Sands of Time trilogy originally ended with its safest installment. While Warrior Within's aggressive tone, violent combat, and unusual music drew attention, The Two Thrones opted for a lighthearted adventure with strong platforming and beautiful environments.

The Two Thrones is the most polished entry in the Prince's trilogy and has few flaws. It lacks personality compared to its predecessors and successor; however, it's a satisfying conclusion to one of the sixth console generation's most beloved trilogies.

6 Prince Of Persia

2008 Reboot

The 2008 Prince of Persia reboot, while well-received by critics, divided fans. It introduced a new protagonist and focused on Elika, a secondary character who enhanced the hero's role.

Prince of Persia's vibrant and timeless art style has aged better than any other in the series. However, the gameplay falls short in terms of challenge, lacking tension and excitement despite its functionality.

5 Prince Of Persia

The 1989 Original

The original Prince of Persia, created by Jordan Mechner, stands among the most influential platformers ever, comparable to Nintendo's top-tier titles and Sonic the Hedgehog. Its realistic visuals and smooth animations for the time set it apart from games like Super Mario.

Prince of Persia, a challenging yet rarely unfair game, has aged better than most of its contemporaries. While its age might deter newcomers, the 2007 Prince of Persia Classic successfully modernizes the 1989 title.

4 Warrior Within

Warrior Within, a sequel to The Sands of Time, takes inspiration from the original 2D games, emphasizing combat while retaining the signature creative platforming. The Prince's movement feels more responsive in Warrior Within, and its complex and satisfying combat system allows players to pick up a second weapon from enemies, creating dynamic and fluid battles.

Despite its over-the-top violence and adult themes, which may cause a tonal shift, Warrior Within serves as a nostalgic piece of the 2000s with its excellent heavy metal soundtrack.

3 The Shadow And The Flame

The Shadow and the Flame, a sequel to the original Prince of Persia, improves upon its predecessor's features. Players must complete levels within a time limit, traversing expertly designed areas filled with enemies and traps.

While "The Shadow and the Flame" is more challenging than "Prince of Persia" (1989), it is still an excellent sequel, larger and better in all aspects.

2 The Sands Of Time

"The Sands of Time" revived the "Prince of Persia" franchise after a long hiatus. Ubisoft's 2003 reboot is a well-paced adventure, brimming with new ideas and personality. The combat system requires some adjustment, but the game's setting and parkour elements are exceptional.

"The Sands of Time" was perfectly timed and proved that "Prince of Persia" had a place in modern gaming. It's hard to believe now, but its contemporaries lacked the smooth, satisfying movement mechanics that this game offered. It took a few years for games like "Tomb Raider: Legend" and "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune" to achieve similar levels of movement.

1 Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown

The idea of a "Prince of Persia" Metroidvania might seem unexpected, but it makes sense considering the series' roots as a 2D puzzle game that emphasized map exploration and difficult challenges.

"The Lost Crown" incorporates classic elements from the series while providing a satisfying experience. The game surprisingly focuses on platforming, which makes sense considering its developer, Ubisoft Montpellier, created "Rayman Origins" and "Rayman Legends", two of the best modern 2D platformers.