Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands

63%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,102 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands Game Cover
The Forgotten Sands is a great addition to the Prince of Persia franchise. It has the same old great gameplay but this time with a better plot and a wonderful sound track.
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In Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands, the player controls the Prince as he battles through a sand-filled environment to save his kingdom. Utilizing acrobatic moves and combat skills, the Prince fights enemies and solves puzzles to progress. The game features a rich storyline with ties to the original Prince of Persia games, making it a must-play for fans of the series.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

63%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,102 reviews
story257 positive mentions
stability98 negative mentions
  • The game features enjoyable parkour mechanics and fluid gameplay that captures the essence of the Prince of Persia series.
  • Stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience.
  • The addition of elemental powers adds depth to platforming and puzzle-solving.
  • The combat system is overly simplistic and lacks the depth of previous entries in the series.
  • The story is weak and feels disconnected from the overarching narrative of the Sands of Time trilogy.
  • Numerous bugs and glitches, including a game-breaking issue where the character can get stuck on the ground after being knocked down.
  • story860 mentions

    The story of "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" is generally viewed as the weakest in the series, often described as predictable, shallow, and lacking depth compared to its predecessors. While some players appreciate the emotional dynamics between the prince and his brother, many criticize the narrative for being disjointed and unengaging, with a rushed ending that fails to connect meaningfully to the overarching trilogy. Overall, the story is seen as a forgettable side tale that does not live up to the rich storytelling of earlier titles.

    • “While the storyline in Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands may not be as compelling as previous entries in the series, it still offers an engaging narrative with memorable moments and surprising twists.”
    • “The relationship between the prince and his brother adds emotional depth to the story, while the overarching conflict with the evil army provides plenty of opportunities for epic battles and dramatic confrontations.”
    • “The story is actually not bad and has nice progression and had me actually caring for a side character, but it got a little underwhelming towards the end.”
    • “Sadly the weakest story out of the entire series.”
    • “The story is completely banal, the soundtrack is completely average, and the mechanics are fairly standard.”
    • “The story was probably the weakest aspect about the game, very predictable and non-interesting compared to what the series set-out to be.”
  • gameplay465 mentions

    The gameplay in "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" features a blend of classic parkour mechanics and new elemental powers, such as freezing water, which enhance traversal and puzzle-solving. However, many players find the combat system to be a significant downgrade from previous titles, often feeling repetitive and lacking depth. While the game offers enjoyable platforming and visually appealing graphics, it suffers from issues like clunky mechanics and a weak story, leading to mixed reviews overall.

    • “The gameplay in Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands retains the core mechanics of the series, with fluid platforming, challenging puzzles, and intense combat encounters.”
    • “The addition of elemental powers, such as the ability to freeze water and create ice platforms, adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to solve environmental puzzles and traverse obstacles in creative ways.”
    • “With its fluid gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging level design, it's a worthy addition to the franchise that will satisfy fans of action-adventure games.”
    • “The game mechanics (especially the shallow combat system) haven't aged well compared to the Prince of Persia reboot in 2008, and the story is undeniably lackluster compared to the rest of the installments in the series.”
    • “Not going to lie, I love Prince of Persia games, but this is awful. Stupid game mechanics make this game a pain in the ass. When you get knocked down, it takes you forever to get back on your feet and resume your game, so you'll be laying down for quite some time unable to move. Next, everything is so repetitive; you'll be doing the same thing over and over throughout the game. Loads of bugs and graphical errors, even fighting isn't enjoyable. This game has none of the parkour, puzzles, and fun fighting areas that Prince of Persia is known for.”
    • “In detail: the gameplay is boring and repetitive because the combat is basically a downgrade from before, way simpler and less engaging.”
  • graphics405 mentions

    The graphics of "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" are generally praised for their impressive visuals and detailed environments, showcasing the beauty of the game's world despite being over a decade old. However, many users note the lack of customizable graphics settings, leading to issues like screen tearing and visual artifacts. Overall, while the graphics hold up well for their time, some players feel they appear dated compared to more recent titles, and technical glitches detract from the experience.

    • “The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a truly immersive experience.”
    • “Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands features impressive graphics and visual effects, with detailed character models, realistic environments, and impressive elemental effects that bring the world of the game to life.”
    • “Stunning visuals and detailed environments that showcase the beauty and grandeur of the kingdom.”
    • “Even on sale, don't waste your money on this one... the graphics are horrendous, the mechanics in general are clunky, the story makes very little sense, the maps feel reused from 'Sands of Time', the animations are beyond lazy, and there are bugs galore that actually make the game unplayable.”
    • “This game is 12 years old and still a broken mess which could be fixed easily by adding a primitive options menu for graphics settings - but no!!!”
    • “There are no graphics options at all, and the graphical options are severely limited, requiring you to run a config executable within the game's folder just to change your resolution, enable vsync, and adjust graphical quality settings.”
  • music118 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the atmospheric soundtrack enhances immersion, it lacks the memorability and impact of previous installments like "Sands of Time" and "Warrior Within." Some describe the music as epic and fitting for the game's setting, while others find it bland and forgettable, failing to leave a lasting impression. Overall, the soundtrack complements the gameplay but does not reach the heights of earlier titles in the series.

    • “The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a truly immersive experience.”
    • “The music is both haunting and epic, enhancing the sense of adventure and wonder as you explore the ancient ruins and face off against formidable foes.”
    • “It has one of the best and very immersive soundtracks and audio design.”
    • “The music is painfully bland, and the reduction of time powers in exchange for these painfully overpowered and blandly executed djinn powers is the icing on top of this mediocre cake.”
    • “There's no memorable music and the combat is the most watered down simple system I've ever seen.”
    • “The music is pretty forgettable, just like the game itself.”
  • stability102 mentions

    The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous players reporting a plethora of glitches and bugs that significantly hinder gameplay, including freezing issues and game-breaking errors. While some users claim to have experienced minimal problems, the overall consensus indicates that the game is plagued by instability, making it frustrating and often unplayable. Despite occasional positive remarks about performance on specific platforms, the overwhelming feedback highlights a need for urgent updates and fixes from the developers.

    • “Runs great on Steam Deck at 60 fps, no issues so far.”
    • “Runs great”
    • “Runs great on Steam Deck at 60 fps, no issues so far.”
    • “Too bad this game is so broken and buggy; it's practically unplayable.”
    • “This game is filled with glitches and is barely playable.”
    • “Unfortunately, some interesting mechanics are ruined by crippling glitches.”
  • optimization46 mentions

    The game's optimization is highly inconsistent, with many players reporting severe performance issues such as low frame rates, stuttering, and lack of support for modern gaming features. While some users praise the game's performance on certain platforms, others describe it as a "buggy mess" that struggles on contemporary hardware. Overall, the optimization appears to vary significantly across different systems, leading to a mixed reception.

    • “Optimization: 10/10”
    • “Also, this game is optimized extremely well and the graphics are fantastic.”
    • “Good PC optimization with good graphics and level design, nice improved acrobatic moves just like previous Prince of Persia games.”
    • “It's truly astonishing how poorly optimized this game is.”
    • “An older card to be sure, but a mid to higher end card released half a decade after this game came out, and I get poor frame rates, stuttering, and strange artifacting.”
    • “Just grab it on those consoles than suffer through this poorly optimized mess.”
  • atmosphere34 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive audio design, and a soundtrack that enhances the game's Persian setting, creating a captivating experience. While some reviewers note that it lacks the iconic quality of previous titles, the detailed graphics and authentic architectural elements contribute to a vibrant and engaging environment. However, a few critiques mention that certain character and plot elements detract from the overall atmosphere, suggesting a mixed reception in that regard.

    • “The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a truly immersive experience.”
    • “The audio design in Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is well-done, with an atmospheric soundtrack and immersive sound effects that enhance the tension and excitement of the gameplay.”
    • “Well-detailed graphics make the locations you traverse eye-catching and add to the atmosphere of Persia.”
    • “Imo the whole atmosphere of the game is ruined by characters and plot points that are not believable, even in a fantasy story.”
    • “Gone is the enjoyable combat from the Warrior Within, the varied bosses from the Two Thrones, and the atmosphere of Sands of Time.”
    • “But the general atmosphere is colorful with here and there some parts with more muted colors.”
  • humor26 mentions

    The humor in the game is described as inconsistent, with some players finding it reminiscent of Marvel-level comedy—often not funny—and detracting from the story's seriousness. While there are moments of humor, such as witty dialogue and amusing level design, they are not frequent enough to significantly alter the game's tone. Overall, the humor is seen as a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the lighthearted moments while others feel disappointed by the lack of comedic depth.

    • “The dahaka is pursuing the prince the whole game, but as the city is full of water everywhere, the dahaka is not even bothering and is waiting outside, which is hilarious to think about.”
    • “It actually made me laugh at first because the enemies just drop down dead like they're drunk, but you get used to it as you keep playing.”
    • “The prince still has the original voice actor and still has his funny personality from Sands of Time; you get to hear his witty comments and funny remarks all the time.”
  • replayability18 mentions

    Overall, "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" has limited replayability once the main story is completed, with many players noting a lack of significant incentive to return. While completionists may find enjoyment in uncovering secrets and collectibles, and the challenge mode offers some replay value, the general consensus is that the game does not provide enough motivation for multiple playthroughs.

    • “Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands offers limited replay value once the main story is completed, but completionists may enjoy replaying the game to uncover all of its secrets and collectibles.”
    • “Additionally, the game's challenge mode and unlockable bonuses provide some incentive for replayability.”
    • “Really enjoyed it, not so much to return to in replay value.”
    • “Lack of significant replay value once the main story is completed.”
    • “Buy it when it's heavily discounted since it has no replay value.”
    • “Story isn't thrilling, 0 replayability.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted through the relationship between the prince and his brother, which adds depth to the narrative. However, many players find the overall story to be boring and simplistic, detracting from the emotional impact despite the potential for dramatic confrontations with the evil army.

    • “The relationship between the prince and his brother adds emotional depth to the story, while the overarching conflict with the evil army provides plenty of opportunities for epic battles and dramatic confrontations.”
    • “Not fun, boring story.”
    • “Instantly familiar, begins like Sands of Time but drifts into a different, boring story.”
    • “Simplistic combat and a boring story.”
  • grinding12 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be overly tedious and repetitive, with combat and puzzles quickly losing their initial appeal. Many express frustration that upgrades and powers are now tied to a leveling system, necessitating extensive grinding to unlock content that was previously accessible through exploration. Overall, the grinding experience is described as dull and exhausting.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The enemies are very repetitive, and some of the puzzles are more tedious than fun.”
    • “The horde-based combat is cool at first but gets tedious quickly.”
    • “Finally, upgrades and powers that in previous games could be unlocked through exploration are now locked behind a leveling system, which means unlocking everything means going through repetitive grinding.”
  • monetization8 mentions

    The monetization strategies of the games reviewed are criticized as blatant cash grabs, particularly in the case of titles released alongside movies, such as Ubisoft's project linked to "Sands of Time." Additionally, the closure of "Might & Magic Duel of Champions" highlights the risks of free-to-play models with microtransactions, as it not only removed the game from stores but also erased player achievements and statistics, leaving users with a sense of loss and frustration.

    • “It was made alongside the movie that dropped around the same time, so it's evidently kind of a cash grab.”
    • “A more serious case was that of Might & Magic: Duel of Champions, a free-to-play game with microtransactions, whose closure not only removed the game from stores but also erased achievements and statistics from accounts, rendering important player information inaccessible.”
    • “Could have been so much more, but ended up being nothing more than a cash grab.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Character development in the game is mixed; while the prince's growth into a hero is highlighted as a positive aspect, many reviewers criticize the overall writing and character design, deeming them subpar. The dialogue is seen as competent but lacking depth, with some arguing that it fails to provide meaningful character progression. Overall, the character development does not significantly enhance the game's narrative experience.

    • “The character development of the prince is notable, as we see him grow into a true hero throughout the game.”
    • “The dialogue is competently written, but 'get the macguffin' hardly qualifies as a plot and a character saying 'oh golly I feel less anxious about _____ now' hardly qualifies as character development.”
    • “Character design and writing both suck.”
    • “Wouldn't definitely recommend it, maybe not for the story or the bad prince character design, but for how fun it can be.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

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Play time

7hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
8hMain story
11hCompletionist
6-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

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