Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
A multi-platform return to the Sands of Time continuity.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a set of action-adventure games released in 2010, all developed and published by Ubisoft but created by different internal teams. The primary version came out for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Windows, while other editions were made for Nintendo DS, PlayStation Portable, mobile devices, web browsers, and a distinct version for the Wii. It belongs to the Prince of Persia series and takes place in the same storyline as *Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time* (2003). Every version of the game is set chronologically between *The Sands of Time* and *Warrior Within* (2004). The stories follow an unnamed Prince exploring ancient Persia, where he faces magical threats with help from various djinn. Although gameplay differs across platforms, all versions share platforming, puzzle-solving, and magical abilities tied to controlling time or the elements. Development started alongside the 2008 series reboot, originally meant to tie into a movie adaptation of *The Sands of Time*. When the film was delayed, the concept shifted to fit the existing series rather than being a direct movie tie-in. Different Ubisoft studios worldwide handled each version, with the Nintendo-based and PSP editions featuring unique stories and gameplay. The main goal for the developers was to return to the series' traditional style after the reboot's experimental approach. Reviews were mixed to positive for most platforms, though the PSP and DS versions received the worst reception, and the game was generally considered weaker than earlier entries. After *Forgotten Sands*, the series went on hiatus until *Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown* arrived in early 2024. Gameplay *Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands* consists of multiple action-adventure puzzle-platform games where the player controls an unnamed Prince navigating ancient Persian environments. All versions include platforming, magical powers often based on time manipulation, and limited combat. In the main versions for PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows, gameplay matches earlier *Sands of Time* titles, with the Prince moving through 3D spaces using acrobatics and magic. Threats come from enemies in arena-style fights and traps that must be avoided.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Prince of Persia: / The Forgotten Sands
- Publisher
- Ubisoft
- Artist
- Wilson Mui
- Series
- Prince of Persia
- Platforms
- Mobile · Nintendo DS · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation Portable · Web browser · Xbox 360 · Windows
- Genre
- Action-adventure, hack and slash, platform
- Modes
- Single-player
Facts from the source article.
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. While gameplay varies across the different versions, they all revolve around platforming and puzzle solving, in addition to magical powers based around the manipulation of time or the elements. 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 different versions were developed by different Ubisoft divisions worldwide, with the Nintendo-based and PSP versions having unique stories and gameplay. The development team's main goal was a return to the series' traditional roots after the reboot's period of experimentation.
Reader's Guide
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands received mixed to positive reviews for most platforms, with the PSP and DS versions faring the worst, and was generally seen as inferior to previous installments in the series. The game attempted to bridge the narrative gap between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, showing how the Prince's outlook changed over the seven-year period. Its development was shaped by the delay of the film adaptation, leading to a reworked concept that returned to the Sands of Time continuity rather than serving as a direct movie tie-in. The multiple versions, each with distinct stories and gameplay, reflected Ubisoft's strategy of having different internal teams handle different platforms. After the release of Forgotten Sands, the series went on hiatus until the release of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown in early 2024.
Did You Know?
- The main console version features UPlay rewards including costumes based on Ezio from Assassin's Creed.
- The Nintendo DS version is controlled exclusively through the touch screen using the stylus.
- The PSP version is played from a 3D side-scrolling perspective with time-manipulation abilities.
- The game's story was reworked from a movie tie-in to a return to the Sands of Time continuity after the film was delayed.
More in Video Games of the 2010s, Part 2 1-24
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