Rogue Prince: Smooth Action and Seamless Gameplay

In the latest installment of the Prince of Persia franchise, Rogue Prince emerges as a thrilling modern mash-up, tackling the challenges of creating a seamless 2D action-platformer. Developed by Evil Empire and published by Ubisoft, this roguelite invites players into an engaging and fast-paced world, combining the best features of games like Dead Cells and Hades while maintaining its unique identity.

Gameplay Dynamics

The game introduces players to a magical pendant that allows the titular Prince to return from death each day, igniting a roguelite cycle that's both challenging and exhilarating. In each run, core abilities remain intact, providing a sense of progression as players unlock new weapons, tools, and the understanding of how best to utilize them.

Akin to Hades, Rogue Prince utilizes a central hub—an oasis in this case—where players can interact with rescued characters, unlocking various bounties and outfits that add personal flair to each playthrough. While this element is borrowed successfully, the dialogue can sometimes feel repetitive, lacking the witty charm that made Hades' interactions iconic.

Fluid Combat and Movement

Combining fluid combat and acrobatic movement, the game offers a range of dynamic interactions. Players can execute acrobatic flips to navigate behind foes, dash towards enemies, or deliver a stun-inducing kick. Each weapon features its own charged special attack, supporting the creative freedom that the traversal options—such as wallruns, chained jumps, and dashes—bring to the gameplay experience.

The excitement doesn't stop there; the game occasionally introduces set-piece chases and environmental hazards, keeping players on their toes and adding thrilling tension to each encounter. The rich combination of movement and combat mechanics results in an engaging experience that ensures the gameplay remains fresh with each run.

The Music and Atmosphere

A critical aspect of Rogue Prince is its vibrant and atmospheric soundtrack. Danny Asadi's Persian trap music, a fusion of Middle-Eastern instruments with modern electronic beats, provides an evocative backdrop that complements the game's fast-paced action. This auditory experience enriches the game world, bringing every skirmish and exploration to life.

Despite its strengths, some elements of the roguelite dynamics can feel disjointed. The inclusion of medallions that modify game mechanics doesn't always integrate fluidly with the available weapons or specific conditions of a run, sometimes detracting from the overall distinctness of the playthroughs.

While there's room for refinement in perfecting these interactions, Rogue Prince delivers a satisfying adventure that invites players into a modern, vibrant, and challenging take on the iconic Prince of Persia series, proving that even in its transformed state, the Prince continues to enthrall.

Update: 27 Aug 2025