Prince of Persia

Prince of Persia: The Cinematic Platformer That Changed Everything

Released in 1989, Prince of Persia was a groundbreaking title that brought fluid animation, precise controls, and cinematic storytelling into the platform genre. Designed and developed almost entirely by Jordan Mechner, the game debuted on the Apple II—a surprising platform for such an ambitious title—but quickly spread to nearly every popular system of the era.

Screenshots from the Amiga version

A Little History: From Rotoscope to Royal Legacy

Prince of Persia began life on the Apple II, where Jordan Mechner used a technique called rotoscoping—filming his brother performing movements and translating them frame-by-frame into animation. The result was a protagonist who moved more realistically than anything seen in platformers at the time.

Mechner had previously released Karateka, but Prince of Persia took things to another level with its blend of trap-dodging, sword fighting, and puzzle solving—all under the pressure of a ticking clock. The game's success turned it into a franchise, eventually leading to sequels, 3D reboots, and even a Hollywood film adaptation.

I remember reading early previews of Prince of Persia in the specialized press, followed by overwhelmingly positive reviews. The character animation was something unbelievable for its time and easily the game's standout feature. It somewhat reminded me of the fluid movement in the Mission Impossible game for the Commodore 64, but this was on an entirely new level—far more realistic, and truly a feast for the eyes.

As soon as I got my hands on the game, I finished it in just a few days. It was a wonderfully enjoyable experience from start to finish. The level design was engaging and never dull. Honestly, this was one of those rare games with barely any flaws. A timeless classic.

Combat System

While most of Prince of Persia is about exploration and precision platforming, the game also features a simple yet tense sword-fighting mechanic. When you encounter a guard, the Prince automatically draws his sword and engages in a one-on-one duel.

You can attack, block, or retreat. Timing is crucial—pressing forward too aggressively leaves you open to counterattacks, while hesitating too much lets the guard advance. Later enemies become faster and more dangerous, forcing you to learn when to strike and when to defend. It's a minimalist system, but one that adds rhythm and drama to the adventure.

Gameplay: One Hour to Save the Princess

The premise is simple: the evil vizier Jaffar has imprisoned the princess and given her one hour to marry him—or die. You play as the nameless Prince, trapped in a dungeon, racing against time to reach her before it’s too late.

What makes Prince of Persia special is its pacing and challenge. The Prince runs, jumps, climbs, and fights through 12 levels of increasing difficulty. You’ll face collapsing floors, spike traps, deadly drops, and elite palace guards. Each movement requires precision, and the controls, though floaty at first, reward mastery.

Animation and Presentation

Even today, the rotoscoped animation stands out for its fluidity. The Prince’s movements—his cautious steps, vaults, and sword duels—look incredibly lifelike for their time. While graphics vary across versions, the minimalist, mysterious atmosphere remains intact.

The game also introduced cinematic cutscenes and brief moments of storytelling without dialogue, letting the tension and visuals do the talking. Combined with an atmospheric score (on systems that supported it), it delivered an immersive experience few games could match in 1989.

Prince of Persia: Platforms & Ports

Originally released on the Apple II, Prince of Persia was so successful that it was ported to nearly every gaming platform of its era. Each version has its strengths and quirks, and some added unique features or enhancements. Here's a list of the most notable ports:

• Apple II – The original version; smooth animation, but limited audio and graphics.
• MS-DOS – One of the most popular versions, widely played and very faithful.
• Amiga – Excellent graphics and audio, considered one of the best ports.
• Atari ST – Good version, slightly less polished than the Amiga port.
• Commodore 64 – Impressive technical feat, though more limited in visuals.
• NES – Heavily redesigned with new level layouts, more arcade feel.
• Super Nintendo – Longer game with 20 levels, new music, and visuals.
• Game Boy / Game Boy Color – Simplified versions, playable but limited.
• Macintosh, FM Towns, PC-98 – High-res ports popular in specific regions.

No matter the version, the soul of Prince of Persia remains the same: precise platforming, atmospheric design, and that constant ticking clock pushing you forward.

Verdict

Prince of Persia is a masterpiece of design, animation, and storytelling. Its tight mechanics, innovative visuals, and unforgiving—but fair—difficulty curve helped define an entire genre of cinematic platformers. Whether you played it on an old Apple II or later on Amiga or MS-DOS, the thrill of narrowly escaping a trap or surviving a duel remains unmatched.

Pros

✔ Groundbreaking animation and movement.

✔ Clever, challenging level design.

✔ Unique atmosphere and story progression.

✔ Strong sense of urgency with the 60-minute timer.

Cons

✘ Controls feel slippery at first.

✘ Some versions lack music or smooth scrolling.

✘ Very little margin for error—brutally punishing in later levels.

Final Scores

Apple II: 90%

Amiga: 91%

PC (MS-DOS): 88%

Super Nintendo: 80%

If You Liked Prince of Persia… Try Another World

If cinematic animation and smart platforming is your thing, you absolutely need to try Another World (also known as Out of This World). With its silent storytelling, rotoscoped visuals, and unforgettable atmosphere, it took the genre into a new emotional dimension.

👉 Read the full review