Prince of Persia is a fantasy platform game
originally developed by Jordan Mechner and released in 1989 for the
Apple II that represented a great leap forward in the quality of
animation seen in video games. After the original release on the
Apple II Prince of Persia was ported to a wide range of platforms.
The game managed to surprise and captivate the player despite being
at first glance repetitive. This was achieved by interspersing
intelligent puzzles and deadly traps all along the path the
player-controlled Prince had to take to complete the game—all this
packaged in fluid lifelike motion. Prince of Persia influenced a
sub-genre known as the cinematic platformer which imitated the
sprawling non-scrolling levels fluid animation and control
style.
The game is set in ancient Persia. While the sultan is fighting a war in a foreign land his vizier Jaffar a wizard seizes power. Jaffar's only obstacle to the throne is the Sultan's daughter (although the game never specifically mentions how). Jaffar locks her in a tower and orders her under threat of execution to become his wife. The game's nameless protagonist whom the Princess loves is thrown into the palace dungeons. The player must lead the protagonist out of the dungeons and to the palace tower defeating Jaffar and freeing the Princess in under 60 minutes. In addition to guards various traps and dungeons the protagonist is further hindered by his own doppelgänger an apparition of his own self that is conjured out of a magic mirror.
The game is set in ancient Persia. While the sultan is fighting a war in a foreign land his vizier Jaffar a wizard seizes power. Jaffar's only obstacle to the throne is the Sultan's daughter (although the game never specifically mentions how). Jaffar locks her in a tower and orders her under threat of execution to become his wife. The game's nameless protagonist whom the Princess loves is thrown into the palace dungeons. The player must lead the protagonist out of the dungeons and to the palace tower defeating Jaffar and freeing the Princess in under 60 minutes. In addition to guards various traps and dungeons the protagonist is further hindered by his own doppelgänger an apparition of his own self that is conjured out of a magic mirror.
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