Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is simply beautiful across all platforms

With Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, UbiSoft has completely eschewed its typical open world formula, instead choosing to narrow its focus building a side-scrolling, exploration-driven platform game - and it might just by my favorite thing the publisher has released in the last ten years. The Lost Crown is not pushing cutting-edge visuals, instead focusing on delivering a supremely polished, ultra smooth game that perfectly leverages every platform it has shipped on. That's right, no matter which platform you might choose to play this game on, you can expect something special.

The Lost Crown begins a new chapter in the storied history of Prince of Persia - and for UbiSoft Montpellier, the studio behind the game. Montpellier was previously responsible for the creation of Rayman Origins and Legends over a decade ago and I've awaited their return in the platforming space for quite a while. The Lost Crown does not disappoint. Compared to Rayman, the team has shifted towards a search/action design that tasks you with exploring a colossal, interconnected map while gaining abilities necessary to further your progress. Yes, there are passing resemblances to Metroid and indeed 'Vania - a genre that has perhaps worn out its welcome in recent years - and I was skeptical going in but in time, I became hooked.

Platforming ramps up beautifully with players asked to navigate increasingly intricate rooms and puzzles using a mix of jumps, dashes, wall runs and more. Just running through the world is a joy. Combat too, which is primarily melee based, is fast-paced and challenging - playing as Sargon, a warrior sworn to protect the Prince of Persia, enemies can wipe you out faster than you'd expect. You'll need to know how to evade and parry if you want to survive - the extra stakes keep you on your toes.

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