Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™

Developer : Ubisoft
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Adventure
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™ Poster

" Engaging action-adventure with fluid parkour and mature story but problematic camera controls "

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™ Review

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within™ is a sequel to the beloved Sands of Time, offering a darker, edgier tone and more combat-focused gameplay. Players praise its engaging parkour mechanics and atmospheric music, which contribute to a unique and immersive experience. However, the game struggles with technical issues such as camera control problems, lack of controller support on PC, and compatibility challenges on modern systems. The combat system is divisive; while some enjoy its complexity, many find it tedious and less satisfying than its predecessor. The story, though darker and more mature, is considered less compelling by some players, with mixed reactions to its tone.

Despite its dated graphics, many players still find the visual design and environments appealing. The game’s difficulty is noted as challenging but rewarding for those who appreciate mental and skill-based tests. Save systems and healing mechanics receive criticism for being frustrating and unintuitive. Overall, the game holds nostalgic value and remains recommended for fans willing to navigate its flaws.

Highlights

Players especially praise the game’s engaging parkour mechanics and fluid movement, which remain a standout feature.

The atmospheric music and darker tone contribute to a unique experience different from the original Sands of Time.

Graphics, while dated, are still considered good and run well on low-end systems.

The storyline offers a mature, intense narrative that some players find interesting and worth exploring.

Combat complexity is appreciated by a subset of players seeking a challenge.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include camera control issues that hamper gameplay and cause frustration.

Many players report that the combat feels repetitive, floaty, and sometimes tedious rather than satisfying.

Lack of controller support on PC and difficulty running the game on modern systems detracts from accessibility.

The save system is inconvenient with no autosave and poorly placed checkpoints.

Some players find the story and tone less compelling, with an overemphasis on edgy aesthetics rather than narrative depth.

Pros

  • Engaging and fluid parkour mechanics enhance gameplay experience significantly.
  • Atmospheric and fitting music that complements the darker game tone.
  • Good visual design and environments despite dated graphics.
  • Mature and intense storyline offers a different narrative approach.
  • Challenging difficulty appeals to players who enjoy mental tests.
  • Runs well on low-end computers due to modest system requirements.
  • Multiple endings encourage replayability and exploration.

Cons

  • Camera controls are problematic and frequently hinder gameplay.
  • Combat system feels repetitive, floaty, and sometimes tedious.
  • No autosave and inconvenient checkpoint placement frustrate players.
  • Difficulties running on modern PCs without community patches or emulation.
  • Lack of native controller support on PC limits accessibility.
  • Healing mechanics are unintuitive and add unnecessary difficulty.
  • Story tone can feel forced and overly edgy for some players.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Enter the dark underworld of Prince of Persia Warrior Within, the sword-slashing sequel to the critically acclaimed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time™. Hunted by Dahaka, an immortal incarnation of Fate seeking divine retribution, the Prince embarks upon a path of both carnage and mystery to defy his preordained death.

Release Date Nov 21st 2008
Publisher Ubisoft
Developer Ubisoft
Required Age 17+
Platforms
Addictive
Challenging
Nostalgic
Camera Issues
Combat Flaws

User Reviews

Very Positive (1,590)
81% Positive 19% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
83