Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

"My review is near / at the bottom AGAIN!"

I went round my mate's house once and noticed this game lying away from the others on the floor. It looked pretty cool so I asked to borrow it. He said he wasn't bothered because he hadn't played it yet (he got it free with his PS2) so I took it home and played. About 2 weeks later I returned it and got it for my Birthday soon after, I have played it almost non-stop since.

Gameplay

This game is a mixture of puzzle and combat. Each act is usually along the same lines, a puzzle and then some sand creatures to beat. The Prince has an acrobatic array of moves, and you must figure out how to use these moves in order to come to the next part of the act. Switches and gates are also scattered around here and there adding a slight variety to the challenges. Occasionally you will come across a rather large and frustrating puzzle which takes a bit of brainpower to work out (NOOOOOO!), but there are only three that I can think of the top of my head. The only complaint I have is that 50% of the time the puzzles are quite obvious. I mean, this wall is exactly the right distance away, or that bar there is in exactly the right place. How convenient. The combat is fun for a while, but after time can get slightly boring, but there are various sword upgrades scattered around and new dagger moves. The dagger acts like a mistake-undoer (whatever the hell THAT is) and you can rewind mistakes and even your own death. You can also use it to slow down time or do this really cool move that uses up all your power, and you must use it in order to kill sand monsters after they are floored (until you get the 4th sword upgrade, man that thing is sweet…)

Gameplay Rating: 81 %

Story

The beginning of the game places you in the middle of a war between Persia and India (I think). You take control of an acrobatic young prince (whose name is never mentioned by the way) desperate on getting his father's approval. He goes so far as to steal a Dagger from the Marharajah's treasure vault, the opposing country. However, this is no ordinary dagger, this is the Dagger of Time, and when the Vizier (whose name isn't mentioned either) tricks him into placing the dagger into the hourglass, the Sands of Time are Unleashed upon the Sultan's Palace of Azad, and all who are within it are turned into hideous imitations of their former selves. These Sand Creatures are undead and hell-bent on destroying anyone who isn't. The Prince escapes because of the dagger, along with Farah, the daughter of the Marharajah. Together, they go on a quest to find the hourglass and undo what the Prince has done. The story unfolds more as you play along and near the end it is fantastic, with some complicated things but nevertheless awesome.

Story Rating: 94 %

Graphics / Sound

The graphics in this game aren't anything special, but they aren't shabby or dodgy anyway. The cut scenes look good, but in the game there may be a few too many straight edges when they're supposed to be round. I've also noticed that his 3rd, 4th and last fingers are always jammed together. Anyway, the music in this game is really catchy, and as you progress it seems to get much cooler (at least in my opinion anyway). The prince's voice along with others can be muffled at times but hearable. There are a couple of good one-liners and quotes, and those of you who have played the game will probably agree with me about the baths quote. “I'll meet you at the baths!!! Who does she think I am??? She orders me around like a servant! I know! I'll just ask the first sand creature I run into! ‘Hello, could you direct me to the baths please? Why thank you.' ‘Don't mention it; you know I used to be a bathroom attendant back when I was alive!!!' OH STOP TALKING TO YOURSELF!!!” Ahhh, good times, that one made me laugh.

Graphics Rating: 62 %
Sounds Rating: 86 %

Controls

The controls in this game work rather well. I have no complaints and the camera angle is usually pretty good. Once or twice the camera has mucked up on me but using R3 will set it the way you want. And sometimes running across a wall (you have to run next to it and hold R1) is slightly tricky if you haven't much space. I also think that there could be more combat moves, but it's not a bad complaint.

Control Rating: 72 %

Play Time / Replayability

Depending on your skill this game can be either very long or very short. Some people find this game quite hard, but it wasn't too difficult for me. I only hate that chamber of infinite doors. Ughhh... You can play the original Prince of Persia (yippee!) but once you have completed the game there isn't much left to do.

Play Time / Replayability Rating: 70 %

Final Recommendation

Unlike other reviews, I do not include a buy or rent section. I believe it is up to you to make the final vote. Personally, I would buy (you can get it for about £10 online, NEW!), but the final recommendation is up to the person who reads and decides on the game review. I am not saying ‘buy this it's great' or ‘rent this game it's fun to try' or ‘don't even bother to do either, it's crap'. It is entirely up to you.

My Final Rating: 78%
The Official Gamespot Final Rating: 90 %

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 11/17/04