Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones

About

In Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, the Prince returns to his kingdom of Babylon, only to find it under threat from a brutal enemy. Assumed dead, he must now fight to reclaim his throne, aided by an alter-ego that embodies his darker side. This installment introduces a new combat feature, the Speed Kill, and features improved visuals and complex puzzles.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones screenshot

80%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,728 reviews

story189 positive mentions

stability139 negative mentions

Engaging storyline that ties up the trilogy nicely.
Innovative gameplay mechanics, including the Dark Prince transformation and stealth kills.
Beautiful visuals and atmospheric soundtrack that enhance the immersive experience.

Numerous bugs and glitches, particularly with camera control and character movement.
Lack of proper controller support and issues with keyboard and mouse controls.
Some boss fights and combat mechanics can feel tedious and unbalanced.

story
517 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
37%
59%
4%
The story of "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" is generally praised for its engaging narrative and character development, effectively concluding the trilogy with a satisfying resolution that ties up loose ends from the previous games. While some critiques highlight issues with writing quality and pacing, many players appreciate the blend of light-hearted and darker themes, as well as the emotional depth brought by the prince's struggle with his alter ego. Overall, the storyline is seen as a highlight of the game, offering a nostalgic and immersive experience for fans of the series.
- “The storyline in Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones is a highlight of the game, with its compelling narrative and well-developed characters drawing players into the world of ancient Persia.”
- “The struggle between the prince and his darker alter ego adds depth and complexity to the story, leading to emotional moments and surprising revelations that keep players engaged until the very end.”
- “The story is well crafted and manages to bring the trilogy to a satisfactory close, though the strength of the game is really its gameplay.”
- “The story is written poorly, like a cartoon for small children.”
- “The story is also very boring, especially when you compare it to the first Sands of Time game.”
- “I literally forced myself just to see where the story ends but sorry I couldn't do it, it was that bad.”
gameplay
442 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
63%
8%
The gameplay in "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" combines elements from its predecessors, introducing new mechanics like stealth kills and the ability to switch between the Prince and the Dark Prince, which adds variety and strategic depth. However, players have noted issues with clunky controls, frustrating camera angles, and tedious boss fights, leading to mixed feelings about the overall execution of these mechanics. While the game offers engaging platforming and a compelling narrative, it struggles with technical flaws and a lack of innovation compared to earlier titles in the series.
- “The dark prince mechanic adds a unique twist to the classic Prince of Persia formula.”
- “The addition of the speed kill system allows for more stealth-based gameplay, adding variety and tension to the action.”
- “The gameplay in Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones builds upon the mechanics established in Sands of Time and Warrior Within, with new features such as the ability to switch between the prince and the dark prince.”
- “The gameplay felt beyond clunky; the camera is a disaster, the movement is unresponsive, and the combat feels really strange. It does have somewhat of a combo system, but that doesn't really matter since the enemies have invincibility frames when you hit them a certain number of times. Apart from that, the combat is extremely easy, and the stealth kills are even easier. I think I'd regard it more like a puzzle platformer than an action game given how little variety there is in the combat.”
- “Gameplay is atrociously bad, and the year of release is no justification.”
- “Though some new gameplay mechanics have been introduced, such as the speed kill and the new tricks of the dark prince, the two thrones is still basically very similar to the other two games. If you didn't like those for some reason, this game's not likely to pull you in.”
graphics
210 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
63%
12%
The graphics of "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that while the visuals were impressive for a 2005 title, they have not aged well compared to modern standards. Some appreciate the atmospheric environments and improved lighting effects, while others criticize graphical glitches and a lack of significant upgrades from its predecessors. Overall, the game's art style captures the essence of its setting, but technical issues and outdated visuals detract from the experience for some players.
- “The game's beautiful visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a truly immersive experience.”
- “Stunning visuals and atmospheric environments that capture the beauty and chaos of ancient Babylon.”
- “Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones features improved graphics and visual effects compared to its predecessors, with detailed character models, realistic environments, and impressive lighting effects that bring the world of Babylon to life.”
- “This game is ugly; the second you are taken out of the cinematic, you notice the 'worse than CS 1.6' graphics.”
- “It is playable, but is also chalk-full of visual and graphical bugs.”
- “The graphics obviously look like crap compared to the games of today, but graphics don't 100% make a game, and the gameplay is what makes the game, and boy does it not fail to disappoint.”
stability
143 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
97%
The game is plagued by numerous stability issues, including frequent glitches, freezing, and unresponsive controls, making it frustratingly unplayable for many users. Players have reported that various bugs, particularly with parkour mechanics and loading screens, significantly detract from the experience, often requiring troubleshooting and adjustments to settings like refresh rates to mitigate problems. Overall, the game's stability is a major concern, overshadowing its nostalgic value and gameplay potential.
- “I have had no issues on Windows 7 Pro 64; aside from that, the game booted right up and runs great.”
- “I have had no issues on Windows 7 Pro 64; aside from that, the game booted right up and runs great.”
- “Can't play it as it freezes and bugs out so much.”
- “Was utterly disappointed to find it filled to the brim with bugs that make the game literally unplayable at times, enemies' corpses not properly despawning, glitches in quick-time combat input registration.”
- “The bugs, glitches, and terrible port of this game make it nigh unplayable.”
music
125 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
53%
3%
The music in the game has received praise for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many reviewers highlighting the return to a more traditional, Persian-inspired soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. While some fans feel it lacks the distinctiveness of previous titles, the soundtrack is generally considered good, fitting well with the game's narrative and visuals. Overall, the music is seen as a significant improvement over the more aggressive styles of earlier entries, contributing positively to the game's ambiance.
- “The audio design in Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones complements the game's visuals and gameplay, with a dynamic soundtrack and immersive sound effects that enhance the atmosphere and intensity of the experience.”
- “They did succeed a lot with the music, having the great idea to bring Stuart Chatwood back on board; the soundtrack is once again worth listening to.”
- “A game to find success, to create the story, develop and give emotion to characters and situations needs a good fitting soundtrack, and this game delivers it wonderfully by going back to the roots.”
- “Unfortunately, the music got a bit thrown under the bus with nothing really memorable.”
- “I found the soundtrack to be lacking in this game, it's really disappointing compared to the previous two soundtracks.”
- “Ps: I don't know if this is a glitch or if it is supposed to be, but when you reach the end at the middle tower, an ambient music starts to play that is absolutely atrocious to listen to. It's horrible; it has this god-awful saxophone blazing in my ear, and it was all made worse with a glitch where I got stuck in the air and had to replay the whole section again and listen to this piece of trash.”
atmosphere
56 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
59%
5%
The atmosphere in "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" is widely praised for its beautiful visuals and immersive soundtrack, effectively capturing the essence of ancient Babylon while blending elements from both "Sands of Time" and "Warrior Within." Reviewers note a shift towards a lighter, more adventurous tone compared to the darker atmosphere of the previous installment, enhancing the overall experience despite some lingering bugs. The combination of improved combat mechanics and a return to a more enchanting ambiance makes it a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.
- “The game's beautiful visuals and atmospheric soundtrack create a truly immersive experience.”
- “Visually, the game continues to impress with its detailed environments and fluid animations, while the soundtrack perfectly complements the atmosphere.”
- “Stunning visuals and atmospheric environments that capture the beauty and chaos of ancient Babylon.”
- “It's maybe just the fact that I had issues with Warrior Within on Steam which ruined the atmosphere for me.”
- “Platforming is improved, but without the magical atmosphere or long elopements into silence that made the original so haunting.”
- “Although some people may be able to handle it, I just feel like I can't honestly recommend this bugged version; the bugs really chip away at the feel and dark atmosphere of the game.”
humor
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of dark comedy and quirky interactions, particularly through the prince's conversations with his dark alter-ego, which add depth to the narrative. While some players find the prince's melancholic demeanor tiresome, others appreciate the return of the clever humor reminiscent of earlier titles in the series. Overall, the game successfully balances serious themes with lighthearted moments, ensuring that players remain engaged throughout their adventure.
- “With the series' clever design and sense of humor fully restored, The Two Thrones is a stellar return to form for Prince of Persia.”
- “The voice acting harkens back to the more subtle days of Sands of Time, and the schizophrenic conversations between the prince and his dark alter-ego are funny, illuminating, and cleverly deployed in support of the game’s overall narrative.”
- “There's an immediate connection with the first game with the return of the original voice actor and the constant conversations between characters and head narration just like Sands of Time; there's never a dull moment thanks to the random serious or funny interactions, and it feels much more personal.”
grinding
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate that while the game has made improvements in combat and parkour, grinding remains a significant issue, particularly due to poorly placed checkpoints and tedious boss fights. The stealth mechanics can be inconsistent, leading to repetitive gameplay, although some players found the addition of stealth kills and more checkpoints helped alleviate some of the tedium. Overall, while the game is less tedious than its predecessors, certain levels and boss encounters still feel cheap and frustrating.
- “The only negative thing I have to say about the game is that there are quite a few levels and boss fights that feel cheap or tedious.”
- “Normal gameplay was the same as 'Prince of Persia: Warrior Within', so it was alright, but the new quick-time stealth kill was tedious, and the boss battles were just plain bad (though the final boss was better than the rest). The story wasn't that good in my opinion.”
- “Main thing is the stealth mechanic which sometimes works, sometimes doesn't, and that in combination with the tradition of stupidly placed checkpoints will make you go over the same tedious fighting over and over. Boss fights are Ubisoft's attempt at creating the worst and most tedious boss fights in history, and they succeeded admirably.”
replayability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
72%
17%
The replayability of "Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones" is generally considered limited, primarily due to its linear structure and single ending, which contrasts with previous entries in the series. While completionists may find value in uncovering secrets and collectibles, the overall consensus suggests that once the main story is completed, there is little incentive to replay the game.
- “This game is very replayable; I played this game more than I could count.”
- “Additionally, the game's multiple endings and optional content provide some incentive for replayability.”
- “Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones 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.”
- “Otherwise, replayability is limited, as unlike the previous game, the story only has one ending and the game world is linear.”
- “While I appreciate the story and linearity for a better-told tale, the duration for the game suffered greatly, just being a little bit longer than the first one and two times shorter than the second one. There really is no replayability, and while I could see myself replaying the game for its story, I doubt I ever will.”
optimization
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, particularly on modern gaming PCs, with a lack of support for contemporary display resolutions and persistent technical problems across various platforms. While some players report satisfactory performance after adjustments, the overall consensus highlights that the game has not been adequately modernized for current hardware.
- “Game runs well performance-wise.”
- “Still a nice story, but it's poorly optimized for PC.”
- “Technical issues and performance optimization problems on certain platforms.”
- “The optimization for newer rigs is pretty bad.”
- “This game may be old, it may have been poorly optimized, it may take a bit of time to get it to work the way it's supposed to, but man do I love this game.”
character development
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
30%
30%
Character development in the game is noted for its engaging storyline and emotional depth, particularly in "Sands of Time" and "Warrior Within." However, many reviewers criticize the execution as contrived and clichéd, with abrupt changes in the protagonist's character driven by his sidekick, Farah, leading to a forced redemption arc that lacks subtlety and depth. Overall, while there are attempts at character growth, they often feel rushed and poorly integrated into the narrative.
- “Engaging storyline with compelling character development and emotional depth.”
- “Especially 'Sands of Time', with its clean and vivid style, and 'Warrior Within', with its stunning landscapes and character design.”
- “I like that they try to give the prince some character development, but it's very cliché. I mean, at the start of the game, he says he cares about his people but doesn't do much about it. Then we have to believe that the alter ego is making him act poorly, and when he meets Farah, he realizes that and starts the road to hero cliché redemption.”
- “They try to force some sort of character development on him, mainly through his sidekick Farah, who pressures him to be less egoistic and more empathetic towards other people, but that literally happens all of a sudden during the last few hours of the game, so it ends up pretty contrived.”
- “I like that they try to give the prince some character development, but it's very cliché. I mean, at the start of the game he says he cares about his people but doesn't do much about it. Then we have to believe that the alter ego is making him act poorly, and when he meets Farah, he realizes that and then starts the road to hero cliché redemption.”
- “They added quick-time events, changed the original story into something half-baked, changed character designs for questionable reasons, and shoehorned characters in which sort of belong there but not really.”
emotional
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game features an engaging storyline with strong character development and emotional depth, particularly through the prince's struggle with his darker alter ego, which creates impactful moments and surprising twists. However, while it evokes nostalgia and a range of emotions for players, some feel that the exploration of deeper themes, such as the prince's bloodlust, is insufficiently developed, leading to a less satisfying emotional conclusion compared to other titles like Bioshock. Overall, it offers a mix of emotional highs and lows, making for a memorable experience.
- “Engaging storyline with compelling character development and emotional depth.”
- “The struggle between the prince and his darker alter ego adds depth and complexity to the story, leading to emotional moments and surprising revelations that keep players engaged until the very end.”
- “Over the past week, this game has taken me on an emotional roller coaster ride because I went from remembering it to playing it with my long-lost friends, reminding me how we feel about the graphics and thinking that this was the best game of that era.”
monetization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
20%
60%
The monetization of the game is viewed critically, with many users perceiving it as a cash grab aimed at capitalizing on nostalgia rather than offering genuine value. Unlike some modern titles, it is appreciated for lacking loot boxes and excessive microtransactions, which enhances its appeal compared to more recent franchises.
- “I love the Prince of Persia franchise more than Assassin's Creed because it was responsible for creating the Assassin's Creed franchise, and it didn't have any loot boxes or excessive microtransactions.”
- “This seems to have been put on Steam as a nostalgia gouge, or just a cash grab to try to profit from abandonware.”
- “I love the Prince of Persia franchise more than AC because it was responsible for creating the AC franchise and it didn't have any loot boxes or too many microtransactions.”
- “Decent enough, I'd take this over AC's repetitive generic releases and microtransactions any day, but it's definitely starting to show its age both in graphics and gameplay.”