Prince of Persia 3D

The Classic PC game in 3D format.

Fans of the classic era of PC gaming can take a 3D trip down gaming memory lane with the 3D reincarnation of the side scrolling seminal platform based action game. The trap jumping, guard fighting swashbuckling game play of the early nineties era is translated to a more contemporary 3D format, in a manner which should be pleasing to nostalgic fans of the original series.

The 3D version was released in 1999, almost a full decade after the release of the original. It incorporates a strategic Role Playing Game (RPG) element as well as the 3D reworking of the original's sword play and high stakes stunt moves. However, even the most nostalgic game player would have to admit that the 3D version probably appears antiquated to younger gamers who have no memory of excitedly loading a floppy disk of the original Prince of Persia into a 486 Dos PC. The sound effects and graphics seem unimpressive, even when compared to other games released in 1999. The bodies of the characters seem disproportionate (especially the protagonist Prince himself) and often outright ugly (Assan, the nemesis of the titular Prince). Inexplicably, the prince himself is depicted as several years older when running up stairs, ramps or avoiding Assan's traps.

Disappointingly the game play itself is excessively sluggish, with the character unable to respond to two commands at once. Simultaneously drawing a sword while running or jumping is impossible in the 3D version, while ironically, multitasking was a notable feature which made the original 2D version so popular. In general the Prince feels unresponsive to controls and his running style seems unnatural and cumbersome.

During running sequences, the camera angle is positioned behind the Prince, shifting only as the hero clears obstructions and runs around blind corners. This angle can be awkward, if the user wishes to make the Prince jump a chasm with his back to the wall. However the camera angle reverts to a side angle view for fight sequences. However, it is difficult to position the Prince in line with opponents while fighting, which robs the fight sequences of any semblance of realism.

However, overall this nostalgic rebooted game should be viewed with affection rather than criticism, especially from anyone who played the original in their childhood.

Pros

• Nostalgic fun from the classic era of PC gaming
• Excellent Storyline
• Exciting action scenes

Cons

• Unresponsive controls
• Poor Graphics
• Possibly irrelevant to any gamer under 30!