In an unexpected twist that’s got gamers doing a double wall-run, Ubisoft has partnered with Evil Empire to bring the iconic Prince of Persia franchise into the realm of roguelikes. The Rogue Prince of Persia, currently in early access, offers a fresh take on the beloved series, blending familiar acrobatics with procedurally generated challenges. But does this new direction stick the landing, or is it a leap of faith too far?

A Time-Bending Tale with a Roguelike Twist

Set against the backdrop of a Hun invasion in 395 AD, our agile prince finds himself armed with a mystical Bola capable of rewinding time. This clever narrative device seamlessly integrates the series’ time manipulation mechanics with the roguelike genre’s “die and retry” philosophy. While the story takes a backseat to gameplay, it provides just enough context to keep you invested in each run.

Parkour Perfection in Procedural Playgrounds

The heart of The Rogue Prince of Persia lies in its traversal system. The fluid wall-running, precise jumps, and acrobatic maneuvers that define the series are all present and accounted for. Across nine distinct biomes, from the rocky Zagros Village to the scholarly Academy, players will find themselves effortlessly chaining moves together in a ballet of pixelated parkour.

Combat: A Work in Progress

While the traversal shines, the combat system currently feels a bit rough around the edges. It’s serviceable but lacks the depth longtime fans might expect. However, the introduction of trinkets adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to customize their build and experiment with different playstyles. With some refinement during the early access period, the combat has the potential to evolve into something special.

Roguelike Elements: Building the Perfect Prince

True to its genre, The Rogue Prince of Persia emphasizes replayability and gradual mastery. Each run offers new weapon combinations and trinket configurations, encouraging players to fine-tune their approach. The Well of Dreams fast-travel system and incentivized exploration add depth to the procedurally generated levels, ensuring no two playthroughs feel quite the same.

A Royal Work in Progress

As an early access title, The Rogue Prince of Persia shows immense promise but isn’t without its rough edges. The current content may feel a bit sparse for some, and the lack of voice acting might disappoint those accustomed to the series’ cinematic flair. However, the core gameplay loop is undeniably addictive, offering bite-sized adventures perfect for quick gaming sessions.

For fans of the Prince of Persia series looking to experience the franchise from a new perspective, or roguelike enthusiasts seeking a fresh setting for their procedural adventures, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers an intriguing proposition. As the game continues to evolve through early access, it has the potential to become a crown jewel in both the Prince of Persia franchise and the roguelike genre.

So, grab your mystical Bola, channel your inner acrobat, and prepare to rewind time again and again. The Rogue Prince of Persia may just be the royal treatment your roguelike cravings have been waiting for.