Prince of Persia

Game Description

Prince of Persia, released in 1989 by Brøderbund and created by Jordan Mechner, is a revolutionary cinematic platformer that set new standards for animation and storytelling in video games. Originally developed for the Apple II and later ported to numerous platforms, the game is widely regarded as one of the most influential titles of its era.

The story places you in the sandals of an unnamed hero—the titular Prince—who must escape a treacherous dungeon and rescue the Princess from the evil vizier Jaffar, who has given her a grim ultimatum: marry him or die. You have just 60 minutes to overcome deadly traps, fight sword-wielding guards, and navigate a maze of perilous corridors to save her and defeat the villain.

What truly made Prince of Persia stand out was its groundbreaking animation. Mechner used rotoscoping—an animation technique based on live-action footage—to create incredibly lifelike movement for the Prince. This realism added both immersion and a level of precision that made gameplay uniquely challenging and rewarding.

The game blends puzzle-solving and action in a side-scrolling environment. Timing, patience, and pattern recognition are key as you leap across platforms, avoid pressure plates and spikes, and engage in tense sword fights. Combined with an eerie, atmospheric soundtrack and minimalist storytelling, the game offers a haunting yet elegant adventure experience.

Prince of Persia has been ported to nearly every platform imaginable and has spawned a successful franchise including sequels, reboots, and even a feature film. Yet this original version still holds a special place in gaming history for its innovative design and artistic ambition.