Prince of Persia: First Impressions
It was my first time. Of course I was the only nervous one, fingers slick with sweat and brow furrowed in concentration. I instinctively knew what went where and how movement translated to results but at the same time didn't take the situation seriously. I was young and wanted to play.
As it happened my maiden voyage with a laptop coincided with my first exposure to Prince of Persia. While many of the details have been fogged by time, perhaps for the better, I do recall being particularly fond of that monochrome puzzle game with its falling tiles, fatal pitfalls, and limber protagonist. In all honesty this was not only the first time I participated in the franchise but also the last.
Having only recently returned to console gaming I've watched silently as nine iterations have appeared over the last two decades and it wasn't until I saw the leaked concept art that the saliva started to flow. I'd catch trailers as they were released, each exposure instilling fresh anticipation, but it was the latest that ensured my preorder (HD download here).
I fell in love with the rendition of a sprawling cityscape, tattered windmills turning with the promise of better times, and elegantly domed towers reaching up as fingers from a shallow grave. The path ahead was thick with wooden beams, mundane avenues all but forgotten hundreds of feet below.
Today I got to play it.
The artwork that previously lured now entranced, rich contrasting colors easily convincing that this new "illustrative" look was a success. Even without having experienced the acclaimed Sands of Time first impressions of the latest installment proved as fresh and graceful as the trailers promised.
I've put a few hours in and despite the continuous adrenaline-laced dread that accompanies even the most forgiving precision jumping (despite game mechanics that prevent death no matter how serious the attempt) I have genuinely enjoyed what was an eagerly anticipated experience. Movements are fluid, aesthetics pleasing, and execution of aerobatics satisfying. While I can see certain aspects becoming repetitive the further one delves, such as the incredibly out of place Americanized dialog (I didn't expect the Prince of Persia to sound like he's from the Midwest) or lackluster lighting, the progressive exposure to new locales and enemies is enough to compensate.
I'm more than fond of Elika, the Prince's "sidekick." I had read that the two were attached at the hip for even the basest of movements and was predictably dreading what was sure to be a token tag-along spouting conservative witticisms and battle advice. But no! The pairing is an elegant one from sweeping combat maneuvers to swapping places while clinging precariously to a ledge. The duo is organic, complimenting, and a lot of fun.
I was drawn in by little more than concept art and motion capture but have stayed for the immersing freedom of movement and mind-blowing visuals. Prince of Persia is far from perfect but has thus far succeeded in of allowing me to don the scarf and sword, wall-climb across a dusty pitfall, and shun gravity as I leap my way towards defeating a mythical evil.
