Mean Machines Sega
1st January 1993
Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Domark
Machine: Sega Game Gear (EU Version)
Published in Mean Machines Sega #4
Prince Of Persia
The poor old Sultan of Persia must feel like a complete prat at the moment. His great plan was to boost public support for his policies by declaring war on the infidels, leaving Grand Vizier Jaffar behind to look after home policy. But what a mistake that turned out to be! Jaffar has seized control of the country and is forcing the Sultan's daughter to marry him to give him a claim to the throne! Aiiee!
However, the traitorous Jaffar fails to take into account the fury of the captive maiden's boyfriend, who sets out to infiltrate the perverted politician's palace and rescue the princess. It's down to you to slip into the unfashionable Persian footwear of this lad and use your platform and swordfighting skills to work your way through the castle! Only by defeating Jaffar in a one-on-one battle to the death do you stand a chance of saving your true love from a fate worse than death!
Origin
Prince Of Persia is a conversion of the popular platform game first released on the Amiga, ST and PC.
How To Play
Solve puzzles and cut up evil Persians as you patrol the platform landscapes in search of the elusive exit.
Scrap! Scrap! Scrap!
Your sword-slinging skills come down to mastering two simple moves - the thrust and the parry. The thrust is used to take energy off your opponent (symbolised by a series of potions on the bottom of the screen). You can deflect blows by parrying, but if you much up your timing, it's curtains!
Plethora Of Princes
Prince Of Persia is one of the most converted games ever, with versions appearing on the Mega-CD, Super NES, NES, Megadrive, Master System, ST, PC, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, BBC Micro, Game Boy and Sharp X68000 as well as this new Game Gear version. Fans might like to know that Jordan Mechner (the game's creator) is currently programming Prince Of Persia II - although this will appear on the PC way before any console versions.
Jaz
Superb graphics and animation, plenty of depth and highly addictive gameplay make Prince Of Persia the game that's cost me a fortune in batteries!
It's simply brilliant, with enough challenge to test the mettle of even the most experienced Game Gear owners.
Rich
Prince Of Persia is a completely brilliant Master System title and this Game Gear conversion is virtually the same!
All of the brilliant graphics and animation have made it into the portable game, along with the decent, highly addictive gameplay that has made each version of the game a classic. For hours of superb, involving play, Prince Of Persia is a must!
Verdict
Presentation 69%
P. The game is very polished and the control method is decent.
N. Unfortunately, there's not much in the way of options.
Graphics 91%
P. Some of the most astounding animation yet seen on the Game Gear as your character runs, jumps, latches onto platforms and a lot more besides!
N. Unfortunately, the backdrops are drab.
Sound 69%
P. Very basic sound effects and mini-tunettes accompany the proceedings. However, the sound isn't really that important to the game.
Playability 93%
P. The game is incredibly good to play and runs at a very fast speed, making for fun, exciting play. There are loads of levels to conquer and cunning enemies to tackle. Brilliant!
Lastability 91%
P. The game is quite tough to get into and the vast amount of levels makes for months of highly rewarding gameplay.
Overall 91%
A completely brilliant conversion of the classic game, which you must have in your Game Gear collection! Need we say more?