In general the Prince Of Persia franchise is something I've overlooked and not took much interest in. But upon the release of The Two Thrones I decided to give it a chance and was not dissapointed. Prince Of Persia The Two Thrones is the final outing for the Prince in his attempt to stop the Vazir at all costs. But this time it's different you are corrupted by the Sands Of Time which gives you a darker self which I'll explain in more detail later.
What immediately struck me about the game is the cool puzzle and platforming sections that add to the action. Jumping from small crumbling ledges to navigating perilous traps to working out various puzzles it's really great to see a game for once not just being about the action but other elements aswell. It fondly reminds me of Tomb Raider's great days back on PSone of making puzzle solving fun. The setting adds to it further with the Arabian setting being right on from the dusty streets to the fanatstic music.
Combat is simple yet satisfying. Mainly I mashed the triangle and square buttons to take out enemies. You will come across many different enemies in the game to the Sand Guard who can only be defeated once his guards have been eliminated. Screeching ghosts, zombie-types and of course the odd boss. Also new for this iteration is the speed-kill ability. Basically you see the screen light up press the triangle button to initiate the sequence then when your weapon lights up hit the square button for the spectaculary satisfying finish all in slo-mo. That's if you time it right of course. If you don't you'll be thrown off the enemy and lose your chance. Also intergrated into combat is the Dark Prince. The Dark Prince uses the deadly daggertail as his weapon which makes it easier to slay your enemies. To compenstate though the Dark Prince loses life every precious second he dosen't retrieve sand which gives you a sense of urgency. Also you get chariot-racing which isn't invasive but is fun. Your being chased by guards and have to fend them off by any means possible.
The sound is great throughout from the voice of Kaileena telling the story to the Arabian themed music it's all there. The cut-scenes aren't that great for some reason you have to turn the sound up to here them. Then when you get back to the action it's loud enough to blow your ears off. Most cut-scenes are in game though and are fine. The funniest bit being Farah harping on about pomegranates!? The story is funny in parts and you will unlock an outakes style thing which is hilarious. Graphics-wise the game holds its own from luscious water to curtains mmmmm.... curtains.
The Prince Of Persia The Two Thrones is an excellent game with humor, satisfying combat and a great atmosphere. For me it's one of the most enjoyable games I've played in some time and a game that shoudn't be missed.
