Motion Twin and Evil Empire’s Dead Cells is arguably one of the best indie games, but after six years of post-launch support, its developers have decided to move on to their next project.
Last week we were invited to an exclusive remote hands-on event, which offered a sneak peek into an upcoming release. We can finally let you in that, after Ubisoft & partnering studio Evil Empire, announced The Rogue Prince of Persia™, during the Triple-I Initiative Livestream. The Rogue Prince of Persia is a 2D action-platforming rogue-lite game, which will be released in Early Access on Steam on May 14, 2024, and is also now available for Wishlist on Steam.
The announcement of The Rogue Prince of Persia caught us by surprise, as we never expected a new chapter of the series so soon. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown arrived earlier this year, and before it’s even completed its cycle, Ubisoft is preparing to strike again with the help of Evil Empire.
The Rogue Prince of Persia – Story
In a fictional adaptation inspired by Ctesiphon, the magnificent capital of the Persian empire, the city stands on the brink of invasion. A formidable force, composed of soldiers seemingly possessed by an unknown power, threatens its walls. Nogai, a notorious leader with a fearsome reputation, is at the helm of this malicious army, whose origins lie in mystery.
In this immersive adventure, players step into the shoes of the Prince, who is blessed with a mysterious bola that grants him the gift of revival upon each death. Empowered by this arcane artefact, he fearlessly embarks on a journey to hone his skills in acrobatics and combat, moulding himself into a formidable warrior.
The Rogue Prince of Persia – Gameplay
Run after run, the players will help guide the Prince through several diverse biomes, each overflowing with its own risks and mysteries waiting to be unravelled. Along this epic journey, players will wield a plethora of weapons, each with its unique properties, and collect precious trinkets that expand the Prince’s abilities and powers. The Prince will also have to master his weapons, equip new trinkets, upgrade his gear at the Oasis and rally his allies to save the city from destruction.
To master the platforming challenges, players must master the iconic wall run, allowing them to traverse chasms, evade hazards, and outmanoeuvre adversaries effortlessly. From crossing the aqueduct to navigating the grand academy and venturing through lush wild gardens, the Prince must employ his full acrobatic repertoire to chart a safe path through dynamically generated levels featuring diverse and vibrant biomes, drawing inspiration from Persian architecture.
Besides navigating through environmental hazards, players will face off against a variety of adversaries, from Huns wielding dark shamanic abilities to creatures corrupted by their influence. A wide array of weapons is at players’ disposal, including twin daggers, spears, broadswords, and axes, allowing them to customize their combat strategy to match their individual preferences. Additionally, the use of secondary weapons like shields, bows, and grappling hooks adds depth to the combat mechanics, offering players even more ways of engaging.
Combining these tools with techniques like the wall run, shoulder vault, kick, and stomp transforms the Prince into a formidable fighter, ensuring each playthrough offers an entirely unique experience.
The Rogue Prince of Persia – Music
The soundtrack for the game is composed by Daniel Asadi, a Persian-American Electronic Music Producer and Performance Artist. His exceptional talent and innovative style will charm players into a modern and elegant interpretation of Persian folklore. The original soundtrack of The Rogue Prince of Persia seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary sounds, with beats that complement the movements and flow of the Prince.
The Rogue Prince of Persia – Steam Early Access
Evil Empire studio has a strong track record in developing 2D action-platforming rogue-lites. Eager to embark on a new venture, they approached Ubisoft with their unique vision for the Prince of Persia franchise, renowned for its innovation and gameplay excellence.
Ubisoft, serving as the publisher, and Evil Empire, as the developer, decided to launch the game in Early Access on Steam. This choice enables them to collaborate closely with the community, leveraging the existing polished core of the game as a foundation.
Over time, players can anticipate the introduction of new levels, bosses, weapons, enemies, and upgrades, in addition to incorporating feedback from the community. While the current storyline concludes within the game, future expansions are planned to extend upon the narrative.
We would like to thank Ubisoft and CD Media for allowing us to play the game before its official release.