Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

"............... (Utter amazement)"

Since the Sands of Time first came out I have been patiently awaiting each installment of the Prince of Persia Trilogy by (The Godlike) Ubisoft. It would be untrue to say that Warrior Within was not a little disappointing (though I still think it is an exceptionally good game). The combat system was great and the possibilities it opened up for the final installment were great, but it lacked the heart and texture of the story began in Sands of Time. I was slightly concerned that The Two Thrones might follow in the path of lack luster music and story of its immediate predecessor. Let me just say that not only did Two Thrones not fall into that trap, is cleared it with such ease that I was struck senseless by amazement.

(f.y.i.: My descriptions on each aspect of the game are brief, not because there is so little to say, but because I prefer letting people see for themselves.)

Story: 10/10
Amazing, simply amazing living up not only to SOT but also many of the RPGs that are story driven. Discover the past, present, and future of the Prince, his alter ego, and several old and new friends and enemies.

Gameplay: 10/10
Some people prefer SOT for the puzzles that it provided, others prefer WW for the intense and nearly continuous combat. TT delivers the best of both of its predessesors plus some of its own magic. Puzzles are back in force and to make it better combat has been integrated to provide a ready platform for the new speed kill system. This allows a player to quickly kill an enemy without having to get into a big fight that may consume time providing an intriguing and fun way for players to mess with their enemies, though if you prefer a straight fight you can reveal your self and have some fun jumping and slashing like a maniac. The controls in TT are much smoother than either of its predessesors players do not have to worry that they will slide of the edge or something because they pressed too many buttons at once and jump off. There is the ability to hitch a ride on chariots and various beast, this provides an alternative to the usual run and slash game play.

Graphics: 10/10
A spectacular mix of SOT and WW, TT is neither as dark and grainy as WW or as quasi-cartoonish as SOT, a real treat for the eyes. The quick kill system provides many impressive visuals as well. As for the cinematics... wow, just wow. Prepare for a visual treat. (There are a couple of minor glitches, but hey, I have yet to see a game that does not.)

Sound: 10/10
By the end of WW I was ready to smash any electric guitar I could find, the constant and repetitive rock-like music left alot to be desired. TT goes back to SOT with the orchestrated music, and it is great. There is much more diversity allowing the music to portray the many moods that the prince and probably the player will feel. Beautiful, just beautiful. The voice acting and sound effects are well done with high quality and an attention to authentic sounds that avoid sounding dull or over exaggerated.

Prepare yourself that you will enjoy, and if you enjoy the game half as much as I have you will not readily forget.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/05/05