A true classic game which has seen dozens of ports onto various consoles, PCs, and handhelds. Prince of Persia is a true classic that just seems to play well and last through the ages. The premise of the story is quite simple. In the sultan's absence the grand vizier Jaffar rules with the iron fist of tyranny. Only one obstacle remains between him and the throne, the sultan's daughter, or so he thinks. Having put you away in the deepest dungeon he gave the sultan's daughter one hour to marry him or die, she would rather die. So, the idea of the game is quite simple. Get through the many stages ahead of you before her hour is up. The question though is if the Gameboy Color game is worth the buy since the original Gameboy had a version too.
Graphics
The graphics in this game are pretty good, though in the beginning somewhat drab leaving for a mixed bag. In the lower catacombs and dungeons there is very little to see at all. There are some skeletons, lots of stone, rubble, a few guards, and some spike traps. But in the later stages in the palace and areas there are many more colorful sights including details tapestries. The main character, and the other enemies move quite well due to the fact in the original copy of the game they had the idea to motion capture people for more fluid movement. Though the main character isn't that very detailed, the enemy guards tend to be more detailed and even their garbs flow a little as they move around. Sadly though I found that the blood that should leak out when you get speared or cut up in a trap is no longer present, same goes with the time you end up with a sword through you. It's not really a loss as it isn't needed for the game, like it is in a war game.
Rating: 3.5
Sound
Sound is something this game somewhat tends to really lag in, but it is sort of forgivable considering the mood the game tries to set. Music in this title is not all that existant, though from the beginning you are led to believe otherwise. After the title theme, menu, and intro piece the game will go silent on you for a long time. So what do you have to rely on, the sound effects. There are good effects for all the interaction you do with the game. Honestly I find that it maybe better without music as it makes the sound effects more effective as something to spook you, or give you a better sense of being in the game. Whether you take a decent fall, a spike trap is set off, swords clash, or a fall to your death all have their own effect which sound very good.
Rating: 3.5
Theme & Fun
The idea of this game when it came out was very fresh and new, and I feel that it still holds up even to this day. Few people if any at all have made a game along the genre of the arabian period aside from the merchandise out of the Disney's Aladdin movie in the 1990s. Though the concept of saving the girl is nothing new then or now, the time period and plot behind it set this game apart from the others. The realisitic movements of the characters interacting with the environment really captivated people including myself. This version of Prince of Persia comes with an extra level as well to add to the fun to the title making it stand out as something just a little new.
Rating: 4.0
Play Control
The play control of this version of Prince of Persia is nothing short of excellent. It is very easy to manipulate your character through all the areas of the game without any great problems. A nice feature I felt must be brought up is that in the game you have the ability to walk, run, and inch forward. Inching forward in this game was conquered very well unlike in the older copy by allowing the user to use one of the buttons to do that action. The ability to also inch forward while crouching is an option as well. You character can also grab onto ledges, grab them while jumping in air, and lower yourself as well. All the actions given to you including sword fighting with the enemy leaves you with many moves at your disposal so if you get killed, you really can not blame the game. You chose the wrong move in that case, or just very poorly timed it.
Rating: 4.5
Challenge
Prince of Persia is an incredible challenge that awaits you. Not only do you have to be able to take out all the bad guys in a level and navigate passed all the traps, you must also get to the end within one hour or its over. It is a good thing the game is equipped with a password system as you will need it. In the game you start with 3 spots on your life bar, but it can be made much larger. You will need to find this life vials because as time passes the enemy will get stronger and smarter. If you die in this game you don't just pick up where you left off, you have one life and have to start over at the start of the area again.
Rating: 4.0
Replay Value and Closing Notes:
Because of the unique feeling this game gives, and with the great set of challenges set forward for you, this game is surely going to have some good replay value. Many people adore this game and play it over and over through the years so my advice is to try it out as it can last you a long time too.
This was one of my favorite games for the PC many years. Recently I found that it didn't work on my PC anymore and went for the Gameboy Color version. Needless to say it was converted extremely well and I had no trouble adapting to the layout of the controls. Everything was captured well and if you really want a portable version of the game, this is the one to buy.
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