Is The Rogue Prince Of Persia on PS5 the Ultimate Roguelite Experience?

The Rogue Prince of Persia is a new 2D roguelite platformer developed by Evil Empire, offering a fresh take on the classic franchise while incorporating elements reminiscent of Dead Cells. Players explore procedurally generated levels filled with combat, platforming, and a time-loop mechanic that encourages repeated attempts to save Persia. The game features a unique blend of gameplay mechanics, skill trees, and a captivating story, making it an exciting addition to the roguelite genre.

Last updated: 11 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• The Rogue Prince of Persia blends classic platforming with roguelite mechanics.
• Players control the Prince through precise movements and unique abilities, including wall runs and skill trees.
• Each run features procedurally generated levels with a mix of handmade sections, ensuring varied gameplay.
• The game encourages experimentation through its risk vs. reward system with currency collection.
• Despite its similarities to Dead Cells, The Rogue Prince introduces fresh mechanics and a unique aesthetic.

Introduction to The Rogue Prince of Persia

The Rogue Prince of Persia marks a significant evolution in the long-standing franchise, reimagining the classic gameplay with modern roguelite elements. This new title, released on 20th August 2025, is a product of Evil Empire, a studio that has been closely associated with the critically acclaimed Dead Cells. The game takes the core mechanics familiar to fans of the genre and infuses them with a narrative and aesthetic that pays homage to the rich history of Prince of Persia.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, The Rogue Prince of Persia retains the engaging gameplay mechanics that players expect from a modern 2D platformer. The combat system is fluid and responsive, allowing players to feel in complete control of the Prince's actions. Unlike its predecessor, Dead Cells, which heavily relied on parrying, The Rogue Prince introduces a different approach to combat.

Dynamic Combat and Movement

Players can wield a melee weapon and a tool simultaneously, offering a fresh combat experience. The Prince must use the left-hand melee weapon to build an energy meter, which can then be spent on powerful tools such as bows or oscillating saw blades. This dual-wielding mechanic adds layers of strategy to combat encounters, encouraging players to experiment with different combinations.

Roguelite Elements and Progression

As is common with roguelites, each run through the game features a random assortment of weapons, medallions, and levels. However, the game’s design prevents complete randomness by assembling levels from handcrafted sections. This ensures that players encounter thoughtfully designed environments rather than repetitive layouts.

Currency and Risk vs. Reward

During their journey, players collect soul cinders, the in-game currency that can be used to unlock new weapons, tools, and buffs. A unique risk vs. reward system allows players to bank their soul cinders before entering a level or retain them for potential bonuses. This choice introduces a thrilling layer of tension: should they play it safe or gamble for greater rewards?

Character Abilities and Skill Trees

One of the notable additions in The Rogue Prince is the introduction of skill trees that were absent in Dead Cells. These trees allow players to tailor their abilities based on their chosen approach for a particular run. Whether the objective is to defeat a challenging boss or accumulate the most soul cinders, players can adapt and reset their skills as needed, promoting experimentation and diverse play styles.

Aesthetic and Audio Design

The visual and audio design of The Rogue Prince of Persia stands apart from Dead Cells, with a more subdued colour palette and an art style reminiscent of 1960s animation. This artistic approach lends the game a unique charm, although it may not appeal to everyone. The environments are less vibrant, yet they evoke a sense of nostalgia for classic platformers.

Soundtrack and Audio Experience

The game's music composition takes on a darker, electronic dance music (EDM) vibe, incorporating Middle Eastern influences. While it diverges significantly from the iconic score of Dead Cells, it contributes to the atmosphere of the game. Players may find themselves missing the catchy melodies that were a hallmark of the previous title, but the new soundtrack still effectively enhances the gameplay experience.

Innovative Mechanics and Features

The Rogue Prince of Persia introduces several innovative mechanics that set it apart from its predecessor. Players can kick rocks to stun enemies or remove shields, adding an extra layer of strategy to combat. Foggy sections of levels challenge players to clear areas of all enemies before the fog dissipates, creating intense moments of action.

Nods to Prince of Persia Legacy

The game pays homage to previous entries in the Prince of Persia series with clever callbacks. Players will encounter familiar elements such as swinging blades, flag pole jumps, and disappearing floor panels, all of which evoke the nostalgia of the franchise's storied past. These nods enrich the experience for long-time fans while introducing newcomers to the legacy of the Prince.

Conclusion: A Promising Start

While The Rogue Prince of Persia may draw comparisons to Dead Cells, it successfully carves its own niche within the roguelite genre. The game’s engaging mechanics, combined with a compelling narrative and unique aesthetic, suggest a promising future for the franchise. As the game evolves and receives updates, it may develop into a title that stands independently, offering even greater depth and variety.

As players delve into this new adventure, they are encouraged to explore the myriad possibilities and strategies presented. The Rogue Prince of Persia is not just a homage to its predecessors but a potential cornerstone for future titles in the series. Will it find its footing and grow to be a beloved title in its own right? Only time will tell. #PrinceOfPersia #Roguelite #Gaming

FAQs

What platforms is The Rogue Prince of Persia available on?

The Rogue Prince of Persia is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The release date for Nintendo Switch has yet to be confirmed.

Is The Rogue Prince of Persia a sequel to Dead Cells?

No, The Rogue Prince of Persia is not a sequel to Dead Cells, but it shares similar gameplay mechanics and design philosophies, as it is developed by the same studio, Evil Empire.

How does the currency system work in the game?

Players collect soul cinders during their runs, which can be used to unlock new weapons, tools, and upgrades. They can choose to bank these cinders for safety or risk losing them if they die before completing a level.

What are the main gameplay mechanics in The Rogue Prince of Persia?

The game features a dual-wielding combat system, procedurally generated levels, skill trees for character progression, and unique mechanics like kicking rocks to stun enemies and managing foggy areas.

Does The Rogue Prince of Persia have a storyline?

Yes, the game features a storyline that unfolds as players progress, with new scripted events and character interactions that help advance the narrative while battling through levels.