Games Database
GBA
Platform
| Viewed: | 2D Side-on, Scrolling | Genre: | Platform |
| Arcade origin: | No | ||
| Developer: | Ubisoft | Soft. Co.: | Ubisoft |
| Publishers: | Ubisoft
(GB) |
Released: | 14 Nov 2003
(GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 7+ | ||
| No Accessories: | No Accessories | ||
Summary
The game that pretty much defined the modern day 2D platformer was the original Prince of Persia, back in the early '90s. It's therefore fitting that it should receive a re-make for the current crop of hardware at some point. As you would expect, the home console versions of Sands of Time are all in 3D, so it's this GBA version that truly retains the concept of the renowned original. Which is basically that of exploration, combat and perfectly timed jumping within a claustrophobic, maze-like 2D environment.
The game sets the scene amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, where a legend spun in ancient tongue tells of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. Within this war-torn land, a young Prince discovers a magic dagger and, drawn to its dark powers, is led to unleash an evil upon the reaches of his father's vast kingdom. Aided by a seductive princess and the absolute powers of the Sands of Time, you guide the young Prince on a quest to reclaim the Palace's cursed chambers and restore peace to the very fabric of Time itself. You must tread these dangers carefully, however, because in this world there is only one rule - master the Sands, or be buried.
And these 'Sands' are what make up a key element to the proceedings throughout the game. Amidst the general platform-jumping, combat and puzzle solving, you also have to master the ability to control time. Aided by the powers of the Sands, the Prince has the ability to perform a range of time-manipulating maneouvres, such as the Power of Revival (rewind up to two seconds), the Power of Delay (slow-motion), The Power of Restraint (Freeze enemies in time), and The Power of Gathering (rebuild specific objects). Making use of these powers is key to progression through the game and both your life gague and a number of the game's puzzles rely on them.
The Sands of Time is pretty faithful to the original, featuring the same intricate level design and detailed, fluid animation. There's also a whole lot more to it, though: the pace is much faster, there's more of an emphasis on combat, the Prince's roster of gymnastic abilities has been upped, and an extra dimension has been introduced by the concept of time control. So the game therefore makes for a competent re-make, considering the higher demands of the modern gamer.
The game sets the scene amidst the scorched sands of ancient Persia, where a legend spun in ancient tongue tells of a time borne by blood and ruled by deceit. Within this war-torn land, a young Prince discovers a magic dagger and, drawn to its dark powers, is led to unleash an evil upon the reaches of his father's vast kingdom. Aided by a seductive princess and the absolute powers of the Sands of Time, you guide the young Prince on a quest to reclaim the Palace's cursed chambers and restore peace to the very fabric of Time itself. You must tread these dangers carefully, however, because in this world there is only one rule - master the Sands, or be buried.
And these 'Sands' are what make up a key element to the proceedings throughout the game. Amidst the general platform-jumping, combat and puzzle solving, you also have to master the ability to control time. Aided by the powers of the Sands, the Prince has the ability to perform a range of time-manipulating maneouvres, such as the Power of Revival (rewind up to two seconds), the Power of Delay (slow-motion), The Power of Restraint (Freeze enemies in time), and The Power of Gathering (rebuild specific objects). Making use of these powers is key to progression through the game and both your life gague and a number of the game's puzzles rely on them.
The Sands of Time is pretty faithful to the original, featuring the same intricate level design and detailed, fluid animation. There's also a whole lot more to it, though: the pace is much faster, there's more of an emphasis on combat, the Prince's roster of gymnastic abilities has been upped, and an extra dimension has been introduced by the concept of time control. So the game therefore makes for a competent re-make, considering the higher demands of the modern gamer.
