Prince-of-Persia-2008
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Branching Dialogue: R.I.P. Death
Presenting Branching Dialogue, a weekly, wordy and often worryingly pedantic discussion of video game genres, trends and err ... stuff I didn't think to put in this introductory line. var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/The_End_of_Death_in_Video_Games'; If there's one thing the year 2008 has proven adept at, it's polarizing players with titles that seem to generate more discussion than actual sales. Much like Assassin's Creed before it, Ubisoft's Prince of Persia has been viciously yanking people off fences, this time with simplified controls, Open-World Lite™ platforming and sassy, cel-shaded protagonists. The game's difficulty (or supposed lack thereof) has also come under scrutiny, with some tough-guy gamers lamenting the Prince's newly found and quite convenient resistance to death. I don't wish to argue with the complaint ... but I do want to pluralize it. "This game is not difficult," and, "You can't die in this game," are two very different accusations, and one of them is more than a little unobservant of modern conventions. I hate to break it to you guys, but death has been pushing up daisies for years.
Prince of Persia producer says game's risks have gone unappreciated
Prince of Persia series producer, Ben Mattes, tells IGN that he was "expecting a few more virtual pats-on-the-back" for exploring some unbeaten paths in the Prince's latest outing, but said pats (virtual or otherwise) have yet to be felt. "We set out to keep a few core fundamentals but to re-imagine everything else, discarding some very well entrenched ideas not only about the brand but also about videogames in general," Mattes said. "What surprises me is how little these high level risks seem to be noticed and appreciated as attempts to shake up the industry and push things forward." Mattes doesn't concede failure – far from it – but does wonder if the games industry "has a stronger appetite for the familiar than it wants to admit."
Metareview - Prince of Persia (PC, PS3, 360)
Devoid of generic rage and frustrating deaths, Prince of Persia marks quite an easy, effortless end to 2008's video game gauntlet -- at least, according to reviewers. Though the platforming has been simplified, most seem to agree that the expansive world and chemistry between the two lead characters make for a worthwhile experience. We're also seeing the word "magical" appear quite often. IGN UK (94/100) calls Prince of Persia an "incredibly polished, tremendously enjoyable and utterly lovable experience." It supposedly builds on the best elements of previous games to create an "absolutely unforgettable adventure" that's "magical in every sense of the word." Well, probably not the Harry Potter sense of the word. Game Informer (87.5/100) notes that the simplified platforming is an "elegant and simple way to show off thrilling acrobatics, but it also steals control away from the player." However, it deems the tradeoff worthwhile, as "the more relaxed control input still demands skill and careful timing." Either way, it's "unlike any other game you'll play this year." 1UP (B+) approves of Princess rescuing Prince, pointing out that while "this human safety net may seem counterintuitive in offering a sense of challenge, the entire process functions similarly to most other death-checkpoint systems (you die, you go back to a nearby checkpoint), but with the added benefit of giving the action a more seamless feel." Gamespot (80/100) thinks the "easygoing joy and visual beauty will charm you into forgiving a sprinkling of flaws." They call it "one of the easiest games you'll play all year," but one boasting "some truly impressive level design."
Pretend you're Altair in Prince of Persia
We don't typically like to register our video game consoles with game publishers. After watching Enemy of the State, we like to stay off the grid, even if we don't exactly understand what the grid is or why it should be avoided. This may just be enough to turn us though: Ubisoft says that those who register their Gamertags or PSN IDs with Ubisoft.com will be able to download a free Altair skin to use in Prince of Persia. Or, if you demand a princely protagonist, you can download the hero from Sands of Time. Is it a classic example of brand dilution? Sure! But is it a cool enough case of brand dilution to make us ignore that? Absolutely. %Gallery-37668%
Joystiq interview: Prince of Persia producer Ben Mattes
Following our recent hands-on with the soon-to-be-released Prince of Persia, we sat down with series producer, Ben Mattes, to chat about how (and why) this new installment – and, in some respects, direction – for the iconic franchise came to be. Mattes wasn't afraid to cite his team's influences for the project, nor to lavish praise on the competition. He spoke about what wasn't quite right with follow-ups to the acclaimed Sands of Time and how, in a variety of ways, Ubisoft Montreal tried (and sometimes failed) to nail it this time around. Re-creating Guitar Hero-like Zen in the platforming? He thinks that worked. Read on for Mattes' insight into the game's creation; early hurdles (and lessons learned); the new prince (and what people think of him); and designing combat that doesn't try to compete where, in his words, God of War has already "won." %Gallery-23908%
Prince of Persia may have 'significant' DLC
The DLC planned for Prince of Persia is to be of "significant value," as noted by Ubisoft producer Ben Mattes in an interview with Gamercyde (at the 19:12 mark). Mattes doesn't believe the PoP DLC will be character skins or weapons, but will be "a new story, a new experience, maybe a prequel, maybe a sequel." This is all said under the caveat of "if" the team decides to do DLC. If the team does decide to do some DLC, it will arrive sometime next year, but the whole thing is "still in discussion." We'll worry about DLC later -- right now we're itching for the Prince and Elika to make their way onto our consoles in two weeks. Source - Ubisoft plans 'significant' PoP DLC [Eurogamer] Source - Video of interview [Gamesyde] %Gallery-23908%
Joystiq hands-on: Prince of Persia, the 'it's done!' version
click to enlarge Stick a fork "do not sell until Dec. 2" label in on it, because Prince of Persia is done. The game has been submitted to Sony and Microsoft for certification and will, we've been promised by series producer Ben Mattes, ship the first week of next month as planned. Mattes, seemingly as eager to get it in our hands as we were, freed up the controller for a private play session of the game in advance of last night's (for all intents and purposes) wrap party. We unfortunately had to put it down ... eventually. But not before taking in the beginning of the game as you'll experience it in only a few couldn't-be-longer weeks. %Gallery-23908%
Penny Arcade's Prince of Persia storybook begins
Just like every other game nerd worth his salt, we love the Penny Arcade guys when they're in comedy mode. But we're absolute suckers for when they throw their considerable literary and artistic talents into a more serious project. What appears to be just such an effort has recently been undertaken with this gorgeous Prince of Persia storybook. There are only a couple of pages available right now, but more are on the way, with a total of 16 available by the game's release on Dec. 2, which now seems further away than ever.
