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{{Short description|2008 video game}}
{{redirect|The Fallen King|the album|Frozen Crown}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox video game
{{Infobox video game
| image = Prince of Persia The Fallen King.jpg
| image = Prince of Persia The Fallen King.jpg
Line 7: Line 10:
| artist = Sanaa Mejjadi
| artist = Sanaa Mejjadi
| programmer = Idir Boumahdi
| programmer = Idir Boumahdi
| composer = [[Inon Zur]]<br>[[Stuart Chatwood]]
| composer = [[Inon Zur]]<br />[[Stuart Chatwood]]
| series = ''[[Prince of Persia]]''
| series = ''[[Prince of Persia]]''
| engine =
| engine =
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|December 2, 2008|EU|December 5, 2008}}
| released = {{vgrelease|NA|December 2, 2008|EU|December 5, 2008}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure game|Action-adventure]], [[Platform game|Platform]]
| genre = [[Platformer|Platform]], [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
| platforms = {{nowraplinks|[[Nintendo DS]]}}
| platforms = {{nowraplinks|[[Nintendo DS]]}}
}}
}}


'''''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King''''' is a [[third-person perspective|third-person]] [[Action-adventure game|action-adventure]] video game developed by Ubisoft Casablanca.<ref name="IGNreview"/> The game was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in December 2008, as a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of ''[[Prince of Persia (2008 video game)|Prince of Persia]]''. The plot, taking place in ancient Persia, concerns the player character's role in a celestial battle between two gods; [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]] and [[Ahura Mazda|Ormazd]]. The player assumes the role of the [[Prince (Prince of Persia)|Prince]], and [[List of Prince of Persia characters#Zal|Zal]], fighting Ahriman's forces with a variety of different physical and magical attacks. ''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' has received mixed reviews, with the most agreed-upon problem being the control scheme.<ref name="IGNreview"/><ref name="gamespotreview"/><ref name="1UP Review"/>
'''''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King''''' is a 2008 [[platformer|platform game]] developed and published by [[Ubisoft]].<ref name="IGNreview" /> The game was released for the [[Nintendo DS]] in December 2008, as a [[Spin-off (media)|spin-off]] of ''[[Prince of Persia (2008 video game)|Prince of Persia]]''. The plot, taking place in ancient Persia, concerns the player character's role in a celestial battle between two gods: [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]] and [[Ahura Mazda|Ormazd]]. The player assumes the role of the [[Prince (Prince of Persia)|Prince]] and [[List of Prince of Persia characters#Zal|Zal]], fighting Ahriman's forces with a variety of different physical and magical attacks. ''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' has received mixed reviews, with the most agreed-upon problem being the control scheme.<ref name="IGNreview" /><ref name="gamespotreview" /><ref name="1UP Review" />


==Gameplay==
== Gameplay ==
[[Image:Princeofpersia-thefallenkingss.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Gameplay screenshot with Zal using his magic.]]
[[File:Princeofpersia-thefallenkingss.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Gameplay screenshot with Zal using his magic.]]
The main objective of the game is to collect four pieces to a magical seal which will banish the evil god [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]] from the region. The [[Nintendo DS]] [[Stylus (computing)|stylus]] is used to maneuver the Prince by touching the [[touchscreen]]. The stylus is used to move the Prince, to do acrobatic moves, in combat, and to use Zal's magic. As the Prince and Zal progress in their adventure, Zal becomes Corrupted at certain points, in which the Prince has to pursue and defeat him. Sometimes, after being defeated, Zal gains new powers. These powers allow him and the Prince to perform gradually more advanced platforming maneuvers.
The main objective of the game is to collect four pieces to a magical seal which will banish the evil god [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]] from the region. The [[Nintendo DS]] [[Stylus (computing)|stylus]] is used to maneuver the Prince by touching the [[touchscreen]]. The stylus is used to move the Prince, to do acrobatic moves, in combat, and to use Zal's magic. As the Prince and Zal progress in their adventure, Zal becomes Corrupted at certain points, in which the Prince has to pursue and defeat him. Sometimes, after being defeated, Zal gains new powers. These powers allow him and the Prince to perform gradually more advanced platforming maneuvers.


Platforming is done by using the Nintendo DS stylus, and tapping the touchscreen in the direction the player wants the Prince to move. For example, if the player wants to run up a wall, and jump back onto a rope, the player must first tap up the wall, then tap the rope. Sometimes, platforming implements combat as well. Combat is also done using the Nintendo DS stylus. There are three combat options; a sword strike, which causes the Prince to swing his sword to damage enemies; a block move, where the Prince defends himself against enemies; and a magic power triggered by Zal that does no damage, but causes the enemy to recoil, pushing them back should the duo be overwhelmed.
Platforming is done by using the Nintendo DS stylus, and tapping the touchscreen in the direction the player wants the Prince to move. For example, if the player wants to run up a wall, and jump back onto a rope, the player must first tap up the wall, then tap the rope. Sometimes, platforming implements combat as well. Combat is also done using the Nintendo DS stylus. There are three combat options; a sword strike, which causes the Prince to swing his sword to damage enemies; a block move, where the Prince defends himself against enemies; and a magic power triggered by Zal that does no damage, but causes the enemy to recoil, pushing them back should the duo be overwhelmed.
{{Clear}}


==Plot synopsis==
== Plot synopsis ==
=== Setting and characters ===

===Setting and characters===
{{main|List of Prince of Persia characters}}
''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' is set in ancient [[Persia]], in a fictional city-state called the City of the New Dawn, where [[Zoroastrianism]] is the dominant religion. In the City of the New Dawn, the recently liberated primary antagonist of the game, the god [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]], runs rampant and begins infecting the land. The game primarily focuses on the [[Prince (Prince of Persia)|Prince]] character, and his companion, Zal, as the duo attempt to locate the king of the land, who they suspect can help stop Ahriman.
''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' is set in ancient [[Persia]], in a fictional city-state called the City of the New Dawn, where [[Zoroastrianism]] is the dominant religion. In the City of the New Dawn, the recently liberated primary antagonist of the game, the god [[Angra Mainyu|Ahriman]], runs rampant and begins infecting the land. The game primarily focuses on the [[Prince (Prince of Persia)|Prince]] character, and his companion, Zal, as the duo attempt to locate the king of the land, who they suspect can help stop Ahriman.


===Story===
=== Story ===
Following the events of Prince of Persia and Prince of Persia Epilogue, the story begins with the split of the Prince and Elika. While Elika stays with the Ahura, leading the resistance against Ahriman, the Prince departs in search of the king of The City of New Dawn, in the hope that he can summon Ormazd, due to his affinity for the remnants of Ormazd's power. But here, the Prince finds a new ally, Zal, who introduces himself as one of the king's Magi and teams up with Prince to save the City of New Dawn from corruption and ultimately stop Ahriman.
Following the events of ''Prince of Persia'' and ''Prince of Persia Epilogue'', the story begins with the split of the Prince and Elika. While Elika stays with the Ahura, leading the resistance against Ahriman, the Prince departs in search of the king of The City of New Dawn, in the hope that he can summon Ormazd, due to his affinity for the remnants of Ormazd's power. Here, the Prince finds a new ally, Zal, who introduces himself as one of the king's Magi and teams up with Prince to save the City of New Dawn from corruption and ultimately stop Ahriman.


Later on, Zal reveals that the King was split in two by the Corruption: into a corrupted beast and into himself. The Ancestor, a character that had occasional helped the Prince and Zal, guides them to find a special power to save the city. This power then fuses the Prince and Zal into one being that preserves both Zal's powers and the Prince's acrobatics. Together they face and defeat the king's monstrous half. The defeat of the beast frees Zal from the Corruption, but also causes him to perish. The Prince then frees the land from the Corruption by reaching the city's seal. In the end, the Ancestor leaves a message of hope for the Prince, promising that, in time, an inner power would be revealed and new ally would be found.
Later on, Zal reveals that the King was split in two by the Corruption: into a corrupted beast and into himself. The Ancestor, a character who occasionally helped the Prince and Zal, guides them to find a special power to save the city. This power then fuses the Prince and Zal into one being that preserves both Zal's powers and the Prince's acrobatics. Together they face and defeat the king's monstrous half. The defeat of the beast frees Zal from the Corruption, but also causes him to perish. The Prince then frees the land from the Corruption by reaching the city's seal. In the end, the Ancestor leaves a message of hope for the Prince, promising that, in time, an inner power would be revealed and new ally would be found.


==Reception==
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
{{Video game reviews
| GR = 64.63%<ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/945944-prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king/index.html|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[GameRankings]]}}</ref>
| GR = 64.63%<ref name="gamerankings">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/945944-prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king/index.html|access-date=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[GameRankings]]|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013205843/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/945944-prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| MC = 64/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS Reviews|url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref>
| MC = 64/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS Reviews|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|access-date=June 3, 2014|website=[[Metacritic]]|archive-date=December 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218104017/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1UP = C<ref name="1UP Review">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/prince-persia-fallen-king|archive-url=https://archive.is/20110524014556/http://www.1up.com/reviews/prince-persia-fallen-king|dead-url=yes|archive-date=May 24, 2011|first=Anthony|last=Gallegos|date=December 17, 2008|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref>
| 1UP = C<ref name="1UP Review">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.1up.com/reviews/prince-persia-fallen-king|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110524014556/http://www.1up.com/reviews/prince-persia-fallen-king|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 24, 2011|first=Anthony|last=Gallegos|date=December 17, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2014|website=[[1UP.com]]}}</ref>
| GI = 6/10<ref name="gireview">{{cite journal|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/prince_of_persia_the_fallen_king/b/nintendo_ds/archive/2009/09/23/review.aspx|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King - Fallen Indeed|accessdate=November 12, 2014|last=Vore|first=Bryan|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=190|date=February 2009|page=87|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223180849/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF5C616B-9C71-4BF4-BEE5-BE622D169C6F.htm|archivedate=February 23, 2009|deadurl=no}}</ref>
| GI = 6/10<ref name="gireview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/prince_of_persia_the_fallen_king/b/nintendo_ds/archive/2009/09/23/review.aspx|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Fallen Indeed|access-date=November 12, 2014|last=Vore|first=Bryan|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|issue=190|date=February 2009|page=87|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223180849/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/FF5C616B-9C71-4BF4-BEE5-BE622D169C6F.htm|archive-date=February 23, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GSpot = 6/10<ref name="gamespotreview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/1900-6202181/|first=Carolyn|last=Petit|date=December 10, 2008|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[GameSpot]]}}</ref>
| GSpot = 6/10<ref name="gamespotreview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/1900-6202181/|first=Carolyn|last=Petit|date=December 10, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2014|website=[[GameSpot]]|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412101202/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/1900-6202181/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GameZone = 6.5/10<ref name="gamezonereview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King - NDS - Review|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/prince_of_persia_the_fallen_king_nds_review|first=Greg|last=Nicksarlian|date=December 8, 2008|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[GameZone]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211010441/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r35784.htm|archivedate=December 11, 2008|deadurl=no}}</ref>
| GameZone = 6.5/10<ref name="gamezonereview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King NDS Review|url=http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/prince_of_persia_the_fallen_king_nds_review|first=Greg|last=Nicksarlian|date=December 8, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2014|publisher=GameZone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211010441/http://nds.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r35784.htm|archive-date=December 11, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref>
| IGN = 6.8/10<ref name="IGNreview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/10/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=December 10, 2008|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref>
| IGN = 6.8/10<ref name="IGNreview">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/10/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review|first=Matt|last=Casamassina|date=December 10, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2014|website=[[IGN]]|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725090717/https://www.ign.com/articles/2008/12/10/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NP = 7/10<ref name="npreview">{{cite journal|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=236|date=January 2009|page=89}}</ref>
| NP = 7/10<ref name="npreview">{{cite magazine|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=236|date=January 2009|page=89}}</ref>
| ONM = 80%<ref name="onmreview">{{cite web|title=Prince Of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/6610/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|first=Tom|last=East|date=December 3, 2008|accessdate=November 12, 2014|publisher=''[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]''|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008175304/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/6610/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|archivedate=October 8, 2014|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
| ONM = 80%<ref name="onmreview">{{cite magazine|title=Prince Of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/6610/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|first=Tom|last=East|date=December 3, 2008|access-date=November 12, 2014|magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008175304/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/6610/reviews/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|archive-date=October 8, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PALGN = 6.5/10<ref name="palgnrev">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/13533/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|first=Jeremy|last=Jastrzab|date=February 1, 2009|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[PALGN]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523203937/http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/13533/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|archivedate=May 23, 2010|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
| PALGN = 6.5/10<ref name="palgnrev">{{cite web|title=Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review|url=http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/13533/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|first=Jeremy|last=Jastrzab|date=February 1, 2009|access-date=June 3, 2014|website=PALGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523203937/http://palgn.com.au/nintendo-ds/13533/prince-of-persia-the-fallen-king-review/|archive-date=May 23, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| VG = 6/10<ref name="vgreview">{{cite web|title=PoP: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ds/pop_the_fallen_king/review.html|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|date=December 18, 2008|accessdate=June 3, 2014|publisher=[[VideoGamer.com]]}}</ref>
| VG = 6/10<ref name="vgreview">{{cite web|title=PoP: The Fallen King Review|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ds/pop_the_fallen_king/review.html|first=Wesley|last=Yin-Poole|date=December 18, 2008|access-date=June 3, 2014|publisher=VideoGamer.com|archive-date=May 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514101150/http://www.videogamer.com/ds/pop_the_fallen_king/review.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}
}}
''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' was met with modest reviews by critics, earning a score of 64.63% on [[GameRankings]]<ref name="gamerankings"/> and 64 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic"/> The main gripe among reviewers seemed to be the control scheme.<ref name="IGNreview"/><ref name="gamespotreview"/><ref name="1UP Review"/> [[IGN]] reviewer Matt Casamassina called the control scheme, "ultimately passable, even allowing for some fun moments... [but] not superior to traditional controls". Casamassina elaborated saying, "Indeed, I've found it to be less responsive and reliable on most occasions... not an issue with a button".<ref name="IGNreview"/> [[1UP.com]] reviewer Anthony Gallegos also criticized the control scheme, and lack of control options saying the controls were "more immediately intuitive... [but not] necessary". Gallegos elaborated further, stating that he would have appreciated the option for a D-pad controlled game.<ref name="1UP Review"/>
''Prince of Persia: The Fallen King'' was met with modest reviews by critics, earning a score of 64.63% on [[GameRankings]]<ref name="gamerankings" /> and 64 out of 100 on [[Metacritic]].<ref name="metacritic" /> The main gripe among reviewers seemed to be the control scheme.<ref name="IGNreview" /><ref name="gamespotreview" /><ref name="1UP Review" /> [[IGN]] reviewer Matt Casamassina called the control scheme "ultimately passable, even allowing for some fun moments... [but] not superior to traditional controls". Casamassina found it less responsive and reliable on most occasions.<ref name="IGNreview" /> [[1UP.com]] reviewer Anthony Gallegos also criticized the control scheme, and lack of control options saying the controls were "more immediately intuitive... [but not] necessary". Gallegos elaborated further, stating that he would have appreciated the option for a D-pad controlled game.<ref name="1UP Review" />


Another criticism was the length of the game, with some reviewers citing that it was too lengthy. 1UP.com reviewer Gallegos said he enjoyed the game initially, but it quickly got old and began to "[feel] artificially long, as though a few good ideas were tossed into a random level-generator and then slapped together until a game of desirable length formed".<ref name="1UP Review"/> He further admitted that "If the team behind ''The Fallen King'' had just made it a lot shorter and perhaps added some additional challenges, like time trials, it might have helped with the diminishing returns I felt from each successive level".<ref name="1UP Review"/>
Another criticism was the length of the game, with some reviewers citing that it was too lengthy. 1UP.com reviewer Gallegos said he enjoyed the game initially, but it quickly got old and began to "[feel] artificially long, as though a few good ideas were tossed into a random level-generator and then slapped together until a game of desirable length formed".<ref name="1UP Review" /> He further admitted that "if the team behind ''The Fallen King'' had just made it a lot shorter and perhaps added some additional challenges, like time trials, it might have helped with the diminishing returns I felt from each successive level".<ref name="1UP Review" />


An aspect that was liked, however, by [[GameSpot]] reviewer Carolyn Petit, was the Prince character. She proposed that he was, "a good deal more likable than ... in the console game".<ref name="gamespotreview"/> She also said that, "you ... get the sense that, despite his constant wisecracks, he's fighting for something he cares about deeply".<ref name="gamespotreview"/> IGN reviewer Casamassina, however, criticized the way the Prince was portrayed, saying, "[The] DS Prince ... just doesn't exude much visual charm", and that, "in contrast ... he's the worst looking iteration of the character since the franchise's reboot a generation ago".<ref name="IGNreview"/>
An aspect that was liked, however, by [[GameSpot]] reviewer Carolyn Petit, was the Prince character. She proposed that he was "a good deal more likable than ... in the console game".<ref name="gamespotreview" /> She also said that despite Prince having constant wisecracks, he's fighting for something he cares about deeply.<ref name="gamespotreview" /> IGN reviewer Casamassina, in contrast, criticized the way the Prince was portrayed, saying that "the DS Prince ... just doesn't exude much visual charm", and that, "in contrast ... he's the worst looking iteration of the character since the franchise's reboot a generation ago".<ref name="IGNreview" />
{{clear}}


==References==
== References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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[[Category:Nintendo DS-only games]]
[[Category:Prince of Persia games]]
[[Category:Prince of Persia games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]
[[Category:Ubisoft games]]
[[Category:Ubisoft games]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iran]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video game sequels]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Morocco]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Inon Zur]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Stuart Chatwood]]
[[Category:Video games set in Iran]]
[[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]]
[[Category:Video games with cel-shaded animation]]

Latest revision as of 07:22, 19 November 2024

Prince of Persia: The Fallen King
Developer(s)Ubisoft Casablanca
Publisher(s)Ubisoft
Producer(s)David Blanchard
Designer(s)Abdelwahed Benyahya
Programmer(s)Idir Boumahdi
Artist(s)Sanaa Mejjadi
Composer(s)Inon Zur
Stuart Chatwood
SeriesPrince of Persia
Platform(s)Nintendo DS
Release
  • NA: December 2, 2008
  • EU: December 5, 2008
Genre(s)Platform, action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Prince of Persia: The Fallen King is a 2008 platform game developed and published by Ubisoft.[1] The game was released for the Nintendo DS in December 2008, as a spin-off of Prince of Persia. The plot, taking place in ancient Persia, concerns the player character's role in a celestial battle between two gods: Ahriman and Ormazd. The player assumes the role of the Prince and Zal, fighting Ahriman's forces with a variety of different physical and magical attacks. Prince of Persia: The Fallen King has received mixed reviews, with the most agreed-upon problem being the control scheme.[1][2][3]

Gameplay

[edit]
Gameplay screenshot with Zal using his magic.

The main objective of the game is to collect four pieces to a magical seal which will banish the evil god Ahriman from the region. The Nintendo DS stylus is used to maneuver the Prince by touching the touchscreen. The stylus is used to move the Prince, to do acrobatic moves, in combat, and to use Zal's magic. As the Prince and Zal progress in their adventure, Zal becomes Corrupted at certain points, in which the Prince has to pursue and defeat him. Sometimes, after being defeated, Zal gains new powers. These powers allow him and the Prince to perform gradually more advanced platforming maneuvers.

Platforming is done by using the Nintendo DS stylus, and tapping the touchscreen in the direction the player wants the Prince to move. For example, if the player wants to run up a wall, and jump back onto a rope, the player must first tap up the wall, then tap the rope. Sometimes, platforming implements combat as well. Combat is also done using the Nintendo DS stylus. There are three combat options; a sword strike, which causes the Prince to swing his sword to damage enemies; a block move, where the Prince defends himself against enemies; and a magic power triggered by Zal that does no damage, but causes the enemy to recoil, pushing them back should the duo be overwhelmed.

Plot synopsis

[edit]

Setting and characters

[edit]

Prince of Persia: The Fallen King is set in ancient Persia, in a fictional city-state called the City of the New Dawn, where Zoroastrianism is the dominant religion. In the City of the New Dawn, the recently liberated primary antagonist of the game, the god Ahriman, runs rampant and begins infecting the land. The game primarily focuses on the Prince character, and his companion, Zal, as the duo attempt to locate the king of the land, who they suspect can help stop Ahriman.

Story

[edit]

Following the events of Prince of Persia and Prince of Persia Epilogue, the story begins with the split of the Prince and Elika. While Elika stays with the Ahura, leading the resistance against Ahriman, the Prince departs in search of the king of The City of New Dawn, in the hope that he can summon Ormazd, due to his affinity for the remnants of Ormazd's power. Here, the Prince finds a new ally, Zal, who introduces himself as one of the king's Magi and teams up with Prince to save the City of New Dawn from corruption and ultimately stop Ahriman.

Later on, Zal reveals that the King was split in two by the Corruption: into a corrupted beast and into himself. The Ancestor, a character who occasionally helped the Prince and Zal, guides them to find a special power to save the city. This power then fuses the Prince and Zal into one being that preserves both Zal's powers and the Prince's acrobatics. Together they face and defeat the king's monstrous half. The defeat of the beast frees Zal from the Corruption, but also causes him to perish. The Prince then frees the land from the Corruption by reaching the city's seal. In the end, the Ancestor leaves a message of hope for the Prince, promising that, in time, an inner power would be revealed and new ally would be found.

Reception

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Prince of Persia: The Fallen King was met with modest reviews by critics, earning a score of 64.63% on GameRankings[4] and 64 out of 100 on Metacritic.[5] The main gripe among reviewers seemed to be the control scheme.[1][2][3] IGN reviewer Matt Casamassina called the control scheme "ultimately passable, even allowing for some fun moments... [but] not superior to traditional controls". Casamassina found it less responsive and reliable on most occasions.[1] 1UP.com reviewer Anthony Gallegos also criticized the control scheme, and lack of control options saying the controls were "more immediately intuitive... [but not] necessary". Gallegos elaborated further, stating that he would have appreciated the option for a D-pad controlled game.[3]

Another criticism was the length of the game, with some reviewers citing that it was too lengthy. 1UP.com reviewer Gallegos said he enjoyed the game initially, but it quickly got old and began to "[feel] artificially long, as though a few good ideas were tossed into a random level-generator and then slapped together until a game of desirable length formed".[3] He further admitted that "if the team behind The Fallen King had just made it a lot shorter and perhaps added some additional challenges, like time trials, it might have helped with the diminishing returns I felt from each successive level".[3]

An aspect that was liked, however, by GameSpot reviewer Carolyn Petit, was the Prince character. She proposed that he was "a good deal more likable than ... in the console game".[2] She also said that despite Prince having constant wisecracks, he's fighting for something he cares about deeply.[2] IGN reviewer Casamassina, in contrast, criticized the way the Prince was portrayed, saying that "the DS Prince ... just doesn't exude much visual charm", and that, "in contrast ... he's the worst looking iteration of the character since the franchise's reboot a generation ago".[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Casamassina, Matt (December 10, 2008). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review". IGN. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e Petit, Carolyn (December 10, 2008). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review". GameSpot. Archived from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Gallegos, Anthony (December 17, 2008). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS". GameRankings. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King for DS Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 18, 2013. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  6. ^ Vore, Bryan (February 2009). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King – Fallen Indeed". Game Informer. No. 190. p. 87. Archived from the original on February 23, 2009. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  7. ^ Nicksarlian, Greg (December 8, 2008). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King – NDS – Review". GameZone. Archived from the original on December 11, 2008. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  8. ^ "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King". Nintendo Power. Vol. 236. January 2009. p. 89.
  9. ^ East, Tom (December 3, 2008). "Prince Of Persia: The Fallen King Review". Official Nintendo Magazine. Archived from the original on October 8, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
  10. ^ Jastrzab, Jeremy (February 1, 2009). "Prince of Persia: The Fallen King Review". PALGN. Archived from the original on May 23, 2010. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  11. ^ Yin-Poole, Wesley (December 18, 2008). "PoP: The Fallen King Review". VideoGamer.com. Archived from the original on May 14, 2016. Retrieved June 3, 2014.