Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Lore & Background

Chronologically, all versions of the game are set between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within (2004). The stories follow an unnamed Prince on adventures through the lands of ancient Persia, dealing with magical threats with the aid of different djinn. In the console and Windows version, the Prince is sent by his father Sharaman to learn leadership from his brother Malik at the ancient city of Rekem, where Malik releases Solomon's Army. The Prince is aided by Razia, queen of the Marid djinn, and must stop the Ifrit Ratash. The Wii version has the Prince and a djinni called Zahra explore a ruined kingdom while fighting a sentient plant. In the PSP version, the Prince seeks the fire spirit Ahihud, allied with the time spirit Helem. In the DS version, the Prince is kidnapped by a cult whose master wants his blood and Razia's magic; Razia ultimately sacrifices her life.

Reader's Guide

Gameplay varies across versions but all revolve around platforming, puzzle solving, and magical powers based on time or elemental manipulation. The main versions for PS3, Xbox 360 and Windows feature 3D environments with acrobatics, arena combat, and powers including a rewind function, water freezing, earth restoration, and wind/fire combat spells. The PSP version is a 3D side-scroller with time manipulation powers. The DS version is a side-scroller controlled via touch screen with a rewind ability limited by sand charges. The mobile version is a side-scroller with nine stages and time/elemental abilities. The web browser version is a side-scroller similar to the original Prince of Persia with rewind and elemental powers.

Did You Know?

• Development of The Forgotten Sands began alongside the 2008 series reboot to correspond with the movie adaptation of The Sands of Time.
• After the film was delayed, the games' concept was reworked to be in the same series rather than a direct tie-in.
• The game received mixed to positive reviews for most platforms, with the PSP and DS versions faring the worst.
• After the release of Forgotten Sands, the series went on hiatus until the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown in early 2024.