Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed and published by Ubisoft. Released in 2010, the game marked a triumphant return to the beloved Sands of Time storyline after the 2008 reboot. Set in the narrative gap between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, the game offers fans a seamless continuation filled with parkour, elemental powers, and epic battles.
Table of Contents
Overview of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Release Date: May 18, 2010
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation Portable (PSP), Wii, Nintendo DS
In The Forgotten Sands, the Prince visits his brother Malik’s kingdom, only to find it under siege. Malik, in desperation, unleashes Solomon’s Army—an ancient force of destruction. Now, the Prince must master new magical powers, battle supernatural enemies, and undo the chaos.
Storyline and Setting
The story begins with the Prince arriving at Malik’s palace during an attack. Hoping to gain an advantage, Malik releases Solomon’s Army, a legion of deadly sand creatures. Unfortunately, this action endangers the entire kingdom.
With the help of Razia, a mystical djinn, the Prince gains elemental powers to fight the army and rescue his brother. The story explores themes of brotherhood, power, sacrifice, and responsibility, all while filling in narrative gaps between the earlier games.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Gameplay Mechanics
1. Acrobatic Movement and Parkour
- The Prince excels in parkour: running on walls, swinging across gaps, and leaping over chasms.
- Platforming is central to gameplay and demands timing, rhythm, and precision.
2. Time Manipulation
- Players can rewind time to avoid death or correct mistakes.
- This mechanic is critical in both platforming and combat.
3. Elemental Powers
As the Prince progresses, he unlocks elemental abilities:
- Water Freeze: Turn water into solid surfaces for movement.
- Stone Armor: Boosts defense for limited periods.
- Dash Attack: Enables fast bursts to reach enemies or platforms.
- Earth Lift: Summons pillars to ascend new heights.
4. Combat System
- Fight multiple enemies with fluid swordplay and acrobatic moves.
- Use elemental powers strategically in battle.
- Upgrade health, powers, and abilities through a light RPG system.
Visuals and Sound Design
The Forgotten Sands uses Ubisoft’s Anvil engine, delivering visuals that impressed at the time:
- Persian-inspired architecture, ancient temples, and crumbling ruins.
- Dynamic camera work adds cinematic depth.
- Magical effects enhance immersion in both combat and exploration.
The soundtrack combines Middle Eastern motifs with orchestral layers, reinforcing the game’s mystical tone. Voice acting is emotionally resonant and helps drive the story.
Here’s a well-formatted System Requirements section you can add under a new heading (like after “Where to Buy or Download”):
System Requirements (PC Version)
Minimum:
- OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz or AMD Athlon X2 2.4 GHz
- Memory: 2 GB RAM
- Graphics: 256 MB DirectX 9.0–compliant with Shader Model 3.0 (NVIDIA GeForce 6800 or ATI Radeon X1600)
- DirectX: Version 9.0c
- Storage: 8 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX 9.0–compliant
Recommended:
- OS: Windows 7 / 10
- Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.6 GHz or AMD Phenom X3 8750
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: 512 MB DirectX 10–compliant (NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT or ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT)
- DirectX: Version 10
- Storage: 8 GB available space
- Sound Card: Surround Sound 5.1 supported
Platform Differences
Different platforms offer varied versions of the game:
- PC/PS3/Xbox 360: Full cinematic experience with all features.
- Wii: Unique storyline and motion-based gameplay.
- PSP/DS: Side-scrolling/top-down perspectives with simplified mechanics.
These differences give each version a unique identity.
Critical Reception
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands received favorable reviews:
- Metacritic Score: Around 75 across platforms.
- Praised for returning to the classic Sands of Time formula.
- Critics appreciated the emotional story and parkour mechanics.
- Minor criticisms included repetitive combat and lack of innovation.
Despite this, it remains a fan favorite in the franchise.
Pro Tips for Players
- Use Water Freeze creatively to navigate complex areas.
- Always rewind time when facing tricky platforming or death.
- Focus on upgrading health and elemental powers early.
- Search for hidden experience sarcophagi to level up faster.
Where to Buy or Download
Although more than a decade old, the game remains accessible:
- Ubisoft Store
- Steam (PC)
- PlayStation/Xbox digital stores (availability varies by region)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is The Forgotten Sands a reboot?
No, it continues the Sands of Time narrative, placed between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within.
Q2: Can I run the game on a modern PC?
Yes, but you may need to apply compatibility settings or unofficial patches.
Q3: Is a remake of this game planned?
Currently, only The Sands of Time remake is confirmed.
Q4: How long is the game?
Approximately 7–10 hours for a full playthrough.
Q5: Is multiplayer available?
No, it’s single-player only. However, the Wii version offers limited co-op functionality.
Conclusion
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a refined entry in the franchise, blending iconic platforming with mystical powers and emotional storytelling. With its fluid gameplay and immersive world, it offers a rich action-adventure experience for both series veterans and newcomers.
If you enjoy games with puzzle-solving, agile movement, and a narrative rooted in legend, this title is worth revisiting or discovering for the first time.
