Summary
Though the genre technically dates back to the 1980s, roguelikes have seen a massive boom in popularity over the last decade or so thanks to some incredibly influential titles.Games likeSpelunky,Slay the Spire, and of course,Hadeshave all been instrumental in making the roguelike genre what it is today. 2018’sDead Cellsis another pivotal entry in the roguelike genre, and now one of the studios behind it has brought its roguelike expertise to thePrince of Persiafranchise.
Released onto Steam early access just a few days ago,The Rogue Prince of Persiais a roguelike action-platformer that’s being developed by Evil Empire, one of the studios made to help co-developDead Cellsduring its post-launch phase. From the moment players boot upThe Rogue Prince of Persia, the game’sDead CellsDNA will be immediately obvious, but there are quite a few ways in which this successor improves upon the formula.
WhileDead Cellswas technically an action-platformer, it definitely put more of an emphasis on the former component. Even though stages gradually added more verticality during the course of the game,Dead Cells' platformingoften boiled down to simple jumps across and up platforms.The Rogue Prince of Persiaputs a much greater emphasis on its platforming.
From the get-go, players can freely parkour on the majority of the screen’s background. Players can climb walls in any direction to reach greater heights and climb onto platforms, or they can run along the wall to cross gaps and avoid traps.The Rogue Prince of Persiaeven includes a handful of platforming challenges in which the player needs to string together some parkour and acrobatic moves to reach the end of the trial and earn some loot.
Platforming is also used frequently throughoutThe Rogue Prince of Persia’s combat sequences, where players will need to vault over enemies and climb up walls to avoid oncoming attacks. There was always a strong sense of forward momentum inDead Cells, with its fast-paced combat and level design encouraging the player to keep moving forward as fast as possible. This feeling is something thatThe Rogue Prince of Persiatakes to the next level thanks to its fluid and free movement.
The Rogue Prince of Persia Offers a Few Nice Additions to Combat
For the most part,The Rogue Prince of Persia’s combat mechanicsare fairly similar to those inDead Cells. Players have access to an array of weapons and gadgets that they find while on a run, and each of those delivers some kind of unique, fast-hitting combo. In both games, players need to avoid oncoming damage by dodging attacks.
An interesting evolution ofDead Cells' combatinRogue Prince of Persiais the Prince’s kick attack. InDead Cells, players can unlock a weapon known as the Spartan Sandals. These allow players to kick enemies into each other and environmental objects for additional damage. InThe Rogue Prince of Persia, players are just given this ability inherently, and it plays a much greater role in combat. Players are encouraged to kick enemies as much as they can inRogue Prince of Persia, with it being the most efficient way to reduce an enemy’s armor and stun them for a few seconds.
The Rogue Prince of Persia
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience a fast-paced, challenging but accessible roguelite as you master acrobatic moves and flow seamlessly between platforming and combat. Find new weapons, equip trinkets with special effects and upgrade them to make your own builds. Discover new characters, information and areas as you attempt to find a way to save Persia from a Hun invasion and become the hero you have always wanted to be.Lead the Prince in his fight against a Hun army corrupted by dark shamanic magic and find your place in the royal family as you explore a vibrant reinterpretation of Persia. Put the pieces of the puzzle together and discover new areas as you enter the fight again and again, meeting a cast of colorful characters through non-linear story progression.Flow seamlessly between platforming and combat, using your acrobatic moves to outmaneuver and outsmart your enemies. Use the iconic wall-run to open new routes of attack, avoid traps and explore hard to reach areas. Kick and dodge to manage groups of enemies when the odds are against you.Choose from a variety of deadly weapons and equip new medallions each run to unleash devastating effects, giving you the freedom to change your fighting style as you wish. Secondary weapons offer even more options, from bows to shields to grappling hooks. Switch your loadout mid-run to adapt to new challenges.
