Prince of Persia Torrent brings back the storybook feel of Sands of Time, which was somewhat lost in the two sequels. But our new main character isn’t exactly a charming prince, instead, he’s a witty wanderer who cares more about his donkey named Farah and the treasures she carries. His royal background is mentioned but not explored fully, though his companion Elika is a princess.
As you play through the game and explore the detailed environments, you’ll encounter impressive-level design. Each area seamlessly transitions into the next, and although the design might seem a bit artificial at times, the platform placement and architectural features blend well. This becomes even more evident as you unlock Elika’s abilities by collecting glowing orbs called light seeds, allowing you to use colored plates on walls and ceilings.
There are four types of plates, each triggering different actions. Red and blue plates propel you to the next platform, while green plates help you climb walls quickly. Yellow plates initiate flight sequences where you navigate around obstacles. Many of these sequences are thrilling, and the utilization of all three dimensions in level design is impressive. Surprisingly, the camera rarely causes issues, which is commendable.
Combat is not the sole aspect that appears remarkable. Prince of Persia is visually stunning, owing to lively cel-shading and some lavish settings. Tentacles of decay extend towards you as you navigate the chilly, monochromatic caves of sterile regions. The distinction between these zones and the exquisitely illuminated panoramas and flourishing flora of rejuvenated areas is tangible, and the metamorphosis of a fertile terrain from shadow to radiance may evoke similar awe-inspiring moments in Okami. There are a few bumpy patches here and there, in terms of glitched animations and minor frame rate hiccups, but they scarcely diminish the enchanting visual craftsmanship.
Most players will likely complete Prince of Persia Torrent in roughly a dozen hours, although if you aim to gather every scattered luminescent seed and eschew fast travel (you can instantly teleport from one revitalized area to another), you could tack on a few more hours to the overall playtime.
Yet, while a handful of unlockable appearances might not appear to be sufficient incentive for a revisit, this game is so pleasurable and charming that you may find yourself drawn back to it as you would be to a cherished fantasy novel or film. While its lack of difficulty might placate aficionados, its user-friendly nature will enchant novices and captivate anyone who savors a hint of enchantment.
Prince of Persia Torrent System Requirements
- OS: Windows 7/8/10/11
- Processor: Dual core processor 2.6 GHz Intel Pentium D
- Memory: 2 GB
- Graphics: 256 MB DirectX 10
- DirectX Version: DirectX 9 or 10
- Hard Drive: 9 GB
