Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones Reviews have begun popping up

[Everlost_MI]

Prince of Persia:The Two Thrones reviews have begun popping up online and here's a sampling of them.

TeamXbox (http://www.teamxbox.com/) has given it a 9.1 out of 10. (http://reviews.teamxbox.com/xbox/1088/Prince-of-PersiaThe-Two-Thrones/p1/) Here's a bit from the review:
If you’re a fan of the series, then Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones is a must buy. Those checking out the PoP franchise for the first time can do no wrong with Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, but it’s probably better to start with Sands of Time if you’re more Disney than you are Miramax, or if you want to follow the storyline from day one.
Xbox.IGN (http://xbox.ign.com) gave it an 8.8 out of 10 (http://xbox.ign.com/articles/673/673220p1.html) and has this to say about the title:
Two Thrones is great. The story is cool, the heroes are likable, the weak are pitiable, the villains are bastards, the major plot points are exciting, the art is grand, the sound is wonderful...and then the gameplay comes. The established Prince platforming is terrific! The new emphasis on acrobatics as a means to extend combat (and vice versa) is exactly where the series needs to go, too. But there can't be so much light without touches of darkness.
Finally, Gamespot (http://www.gamespot.com/) gave it an 8.6 out 10 (http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/princeofpersia3/review.html) and gave these parting words on the title.
Though some new gameplay mechanics have been introduced, such as the speed kill and the new tricks of the Dark Prince, The Two Thrones is still basically very similar to the other two games--if you didn't like those for some reason, this game's not likely to pull you in. But for those of us who love solving the environmental puzzles and seeing the beautiful environments that the series is known for, The Two Thrones delivers in spades.
Anyone planning on picking up this title?

[The Iron Weasel]

Anyone planning on picking up this title?

Yes, I do.

[Stormwatcher]

HELL YEAH!
they theoretically made the prince a cool guy again, and removed the Heavy Metal crap. It is the return of the prodigal son. Literally.

[The Iron Weasel]

HELL YEAH!
they theoretically made the prince a cool guy again, and removed the Heavy Metal crap. It is the return of the prodigal son. Literally.

NO SIR! THAT WAS NOT METAL! THAT WAS BUTT-ROCK! I KNOW METAL AND THAT WAS NOT METAL!

[Taco]

Godsmack is hardcore.

[The Iron Weasel]

Godsmack is hardcore.

No...no they're not...and that game wasn't "metal", it was goth.

[StoneGut]

Getting mine today after work!

Can't wait!!!

[RandomViolence]

I'd love to play this one, as it sounds like they've trashed the baditude, but will the story contuinity be too fucked after not playing the second?

[MaiXu]

I am really interested in this game, especially since a lot of reviews suggest it returns to the sublime experience that was The Sands of Time, and smartly ignores a lot of the darker crap implemented in Warrior Within. I'd love to add this game to my library, but sadly, I know that I won't pick it up until a price drop comes. I just can't justify $50 on this game when I know that a) it will be so short, and b) it will be anywhere from $10-$30 cheaper come January.

Here's hoping Ubisoft lets the guys responsible for PoP take some time off and develop a killer next-gen installment. As much as I love this series, I think three titles in three years is making it wear thin. A re-evaluation for the next-gen consoles will really help keep the experience fresh.

[*Legion*]

I want to believe.

[crashedout]

Played two hours last night, much better than WW... allmost as good as the first. The story is a little confusing at first, pay attention. I got sick of the butt-rock, the horrible voice and the Dahaka in WW and stopped playing. So far this one has be hooked.

[The Iron Weasel]

I am really interested in this game, especially since a lot of reviews suggest it returns to the sublime experience that was The Sands of Time, and smartly ignores a lot of the darker crap implemented in Warrior Within. I'd love to add this game to my library, but sadly, I know that I won't pick it up until a price drop comes. I just can't justify $50 on this game when I know that a) it will be so short, and b) it will be anywhere from $10-$30 cheaper come January.

Here's hoping Ubisoft lets the guys responsible for PoP take some time off and develop a killer next-gen installment. As much as I love this series, I think three titles in three years is making it wear thin. A re-evaluation for the next-gen consoles will really help keep the experience fresh.

Gamespot said its like 15 hours long.

[thecrazyd]

I don't trust them. They are still focusing on combat. I will play when they remove the combat completely.

[Mr.Green]

I want a 360 version. I'm kinda getting used to paying $10 more.

[TheKeck]

I got the first two for my brother for Christmas. From people's comments, it sounds like I should have gotten Sands of Time and.... some other game. :(

Oh well.

[Kentlad]

Anyone know if this will run on the 360?

[MaiXu]

Gamespot said its like 15 hours long.

Assuming I'd play it like I play other game I really enjoy, that translates in an 8-12 hour experience for me. Which isn't really that short, but still too short for $50. Plus, there are far too many games on my plate right now for me to finish, and far too little time for me to play.

I'll get it, that's for sure ... but not in 2005.

[EternalGamer]

That is my question, whether or not it is 360 compatible. That stopped me from a near purchase today when I saw it today having devoured the previous two games (yes the style of the second one was a bit lame, but the platforming was still great). I am not going to unpackage my original Xbox and try to find a place to put that behemoth back into my entertainment system just to play one game.

Dan

[Worldcrafter]

Played two hours last night, much better than WW... allmost as good as the first. The story is a little confusing at first, pay attention. I got sick of the butt-rock, the horrible voice and the Dahaka in WW and stopped playing. So far this one has be hooked.

That's good to hear. I loved playing the first one, but wasn't as excited about the second, especially with the prince's character turning into an asshole. The main thing that prevented me from finishing WW was a bug that corrupted my save file, randomly turned me into the dark prince, and trapped me in a room because a critical scripted event didn't happen.

I'll probably pick this one up for the PC.

[sflufan]

How do these games play on the PC anyway? I'd imagine it's a fairly cumbersome experience with the mouse and the keyboard.

[Taco]

PC's have had gamepads for a good 15 years or so.

[Grimgrock]

How do these games play on the PC anyway? I'd imagine it's a fairly cumbersome experience with the mouse and the keyboard.

This would be my opinion as well though I've never actually tried it.

As for picking this up, I want to do that but I have too many other titles on my plate (like so many others). The first and formost is my addiction WoWcrack.

---

edit: A gamepad would work but as I don't own one, I would be stuck with mouse/keyboard movement. Definitely not ideal.

[MaiXu]

That is my question, whether or not it is 360 compatible. That stopped me from a near purchase today when I saw it today having devoured the previous two games (yes the style of the second one was a bit lame, but the platforming was still great). I am not going to unpackage my original Xbox and try to find a place to put that behemoth back into my entertainment system just to play one game.

Dan

I'll take it. How much?

[crashedout]

If you are good platformer, the speed kills remove 75% of the fighting. Will see how it shapes up. I cannot imagine playing thing without a gamepad, pc or console. Good luck.

You guys are right, it will be 20-30 by the end of Jan. I would wait if you want to buy or rent it now.

[G-Man]

NO SIR! THAT WAS NOT METAL! THAT WAS BUTT-ROCK! I KNOW METAL AND THAT WAS NOT METAL!

Yeah, the music did suck...but I got a bone to pick with you. I think to myself, "Self, Iron Weasel's a cool dude. Lets check out this alexisonfire he references in his sig."

After waking up from a coma two hours later, I wiped the spittle off of my mouth and snapped the cd in two. I'm not saying I could do better...but wow...I'd listen to Linkin Park before that crap again, and they're dead to me.

[Wadmaasi]

PC's have had gamepads for a good 15 years or so.
I couldn't get the Sands of Time demo to work with my Xbox controller + adapter + driver. Windows sees it just fine, all the buttons respond, but when I went into SoT's control configuration it wouldn't accept input from any of the sticks\buttons\etc. This was last weekend. *grrr*

After finishing Fable: The Lost Chapters for PC last night, I'm thinking a wired 360 controller to use on my PC has inched its way onto my Xmas wishlist.

[The Iron Weasel]

Yeah, the music did suck...but I got a bone to pick with you. I think to myself, "Self, Iron Weasel's a cool dude. Lets check out this alexisonfire he references in his sig."

After waking up from a coma two hours later, I wiped the spittle off of my mouth and snapped the cd in two. I'm not saying I could do better...but wow...I'd listen to Linkin Park before that crap again, and they're dead to me.

How dare you.....you've insulted me sir...you'd rather listen to those HACKS linkin park before a truley talented screamo/emo-core band...you sir...you...

*dies due to overload of hate*

[Bishop]

Already picked it up and this game is as good if not better than the previous two.

[Taco]

To be fair, I think he'd rather have his nose ripped off by a hawk than listen to Linkin Park.

[The Iron Weasel]

To be fair, I think he'd rather have his nose ripped off by a hawk than listen to Linkin Park.

I'm ashamed that I used to like linkin park, I'LL NEVER GO BACK TO THAT MUSIC EVER!

[thecrazyd]

I would say that "emo-core" is on about the same level musically as Linkin Park.

[TheKeck]

I would say that this thread has been derailed.

[Taco]

Not really. There is a very intense discussion about whether or nor Warrior Within could of been salvaged with some rockin emo-core tunes.

By the way, what's emo-core again?

[The Iron Weasel]

I would say that "emo-core" is on about the same level musically as Linkin Park.

You.....bastard.....

I would say that this thread has been derailed.

And without Kelegacy's aid!

[FunkyPoopMonkey]

How do these games play on the PC anyway? I'd imagine it's a fairly cumbersome experience with the mouse and the keyboard.
I used a PS2 controller adaptor. I mapped all the buttons and sticks exactly the same as the PS2 version of the game. I had a blast playing the best looking version of Sands of Time.

[Rakael]

I dunno, but anything "emo" I have ever heard made me want to randomly kill old people. Well, that and most forms of modern punk/metal/hardcore. Not saying its bad music, just that I can't listen to it for the old folks' sake.

On the other hand, there is still some really good stuff out there, you just have to hunt it down.

[enversi]

How do these games play on the PC anyway? I'd imagine it's a fairly cumbersome experience with the mouse and the keyboard.


Not really. I beat both of the previous games using the keyboard/mouse controls. Although I am a life long PC gamer and am used to this setup. Can't wait to get my hands on this title.

[Murmillo]

Reviews sound much better for this one (and like for the first one) then they did for the 2nd one.. I think I"ll be picking this one up.

[MrPinchy]

I couldn't stand Warrior Within, but when forums on gamefaqs.com seemed to consistently say Two Thrones was better than Warrior, I had to try it, and they were right. I actually picked this up late Wednesday, beat it earlier today. It's definitely not a 15 hour game... actually was fairly short. Didn't feel as short as Sands of Time, but was just long enough to keep me happy.

The story is well done, and the graphics and sound are great. The controls are fluid and responsive, just what you'd expect if you've played the first two. They picked up the same voice actors supposedly as the first one, which helped a lot. The method of storytelling is similar to Sands of Time, with a narrator telling the tale, and the re-inclusion of the Prince's inner-dialogue. Oh, and they got rid of that annoying heavy distorted music and the obnoxious crap the enemies would shout spam in Warrior Within.

All in all, the gameplay felt MUCH more like Sands of Time, with the majority of the environmental puzzles making sense (at least, as much sense as a crazy castle can make). There wasn't nearly as much of an emphasis on the obnoxious combat that Warrior Within had, and the stealth/speed kills added much needed variety and promptness to the gameplay.

Oh, and the Dark Prince.. he plays a little strange at first, but after a bit, he controls just as well as the Prince, and he definitely kills stuff insanely fast when you get his combos down. In the end, he was a good excuse to add a few more types of environmental obstacles to the mix. Some people are trying to relate controling the Dark Prince to the way God of War played, but he definitely doesn't. God of War was much more action oriented and fast paced with crazy juggle combos, but Dark Prince really just plays like a slightly amped up version with longer range of the regular Prince.

Anyway, for what it's worth, I would highly recommend this to anyone who loved the first one. Though I would say it helps to have at least some background on what happened in Warrior Within to completely understand the story...

[Spigot]

I've got my copy arriving from the rental service on Monday, most likely. I'm going to work on Warrior Within some more (if I can figure out where the heck to go) on the weekend. If Two Thrones is what Warrior Within should have been, as these reviews seem to indicate, well, I'll be happy. I don't have a problem with a darker story. I did have a problem with the way Warrior Within executed it (and it is Butt-Rock).

[Manzy]

NO SIR! THAT WAS NOT METAL! THAT WAS BUTT-ROCK! I KNOW METAL AND THAT WAS NOT METAL!

American crap metal or European metal?

[dr_wily]

heh im finally forcing myself through the first game. Pretty damn good, however the fighting is really clunky. Can't do anything but run up them and slash from behind, specially when everyone surrounds you.

[Worldcrafter]

I used a PS2 controller adaptor. I mapped all the buttons and sticks exactly the same as the PS2 version of the game. I had a blast playing the best looking version of Sands of Time.

Yup, that's how I played the PoP games as well. The PS2 adapter I have works extremely well in every game I've used it with, and it only cost a few bucks. I recently bought an adapter for Xbox controllers as well, though I think I prefer the PS2 controller.

[Kelegacy]

I'd love to play this one, as it sounds like they've trashed the baditude, but will the story contuinity be too fucked after not playing the second?

Hey, to you fuckwits in this thread, could you answer this chap? I'd like to know the same thing, not read about emo-metal bands.

I don't even know what the fuck emo is. But it sounds gay.

[T-Dub]

heh im finally forcing myself through the first game. Pretty damn good, however the fighting is really clunky. Can't do anything but run up them and slash from behind, specially when everyone surrounds you.
I had the same problem until I took a look at the manual. towards the end they have all the moves (including ones not described in the game). having that i was able to master the moves and truely enjoy the fighting.

[Oblivion]

To the man who said he was sick of Dahaka in the "warrior within", I dont't get you man. Dahaka was one of the best parts of that game, platforming on crack!

[mister_slim]

I'll probably rent this eventually. After buying WW day one, Ubisoft has to earn my respect back. I did play through Sands of Time again the other day though.

[G-Man]

Hey, to you fuckwits in this thread, could you answer this chap? I'd like to know the same thing, not read about emo-metal bands.

I don't even know what the fuck emo is. But it sounds gay.

First, yes emo is gay.

Second, I've once again provoked the wrath of the Weasel and derailed this ride. You would have thought I said the 360 sux or something...gawd...

[Taco]

Dude the 360 does not suck. Seriously.

[Spigot]

To the man who said he was sick of Dahaka in the "warrior within", I dont't get you man. Dahaka was one of the best parts of that game, platforming on crack!

Amen. Dahaka is one of the main reasons I continue to play Warrior Within. Those segments rock.

And for those of you complaining about the combat in Sands of Time, well, the game is not really about combat in the first place. That's a good half of the reason that Warrior Within's focus on combat was so jarring.

[Spigot]

Hey, to you fuckwits in this thread, could you answer this chap? I'd like to know the same thing, not read about emo-metal bands.

I don't even know what the fuck emo is. But it sounds gay.

Isn't Emo the guy on UHF who slices off his finger?

[thecrazyd]

Amen. Dahaka is one of the main reasons I continue to play Warrior Within. Those segments rock.

And for those of you complaining about the combat in Sands of Time, well, the game is not really about combat in the first place. That's a good half of the reason that Warrior Within's focus on combat was so jarring.
Which is why they should remove combat all together. I would be all up ons if it was nothing but sweet sweet platforming.

[Stormwatcher]

I finished PoP SoT on the PC with mouse and keyboard. It rocked. I never really got into WW, and after I tried the GC versio, I was scared at how terribly inferior the console versions are in relation to the PC. I'm DEFINITELY getting the pc version of 2T, as it will surelly beat the crap out of the consoles.

BTW, emo is not gay (as seinfeld says, there is nothing wrong with gay people [and i'm not gay, btw]), emo is just crap. And Heavy Metal, Speed Core, DeathDoom, whatever teenager music they had in WW, it sucks. Bad.

[Rirath]

I dunno, but anything "emo" I have ever heard made me want to randomly kill old people. Well, that and most forms of modern punk/metal/hardcore. Not saying its bad music...

I'll say it. It's bad music. Awful, awful "music". Typing the word "music" in relation to it is hard to do, in fact. *shudder* I'd nearly rather listen to Country. It's a really tough choice, but either way at least they'd be "singing" about the pain it makes me feel inside to listen to it.

Emo: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=emo

Genre of softcore punk music that integrates unenthusiastic melodramatic 17 year olds who dont smile, high pitched overwrought lyrics and inaudible guitar rifts with tight wool sweaters, tighter jeans, itchy scarfs (even in the summer), ripped chucks with favorite bands signature, black square rimmed glasses, and ebony greasy unwashed hair that is required to cover at least 3/5 ths of the face at an angle.

Now laugh til it hurts -- How to be: Emo
http://www.somethingdirectory.com/main_emo.htm

[Taco]

If it wasn't for emo there would be a lot less funny on the internet. We must give props to emo for that.

[The Iron Weasel]

American crap metal or European metal?

Huh....I like both American and European (god in flames rules).

First, yes emo is gay.

Second, I've once again provoked the wrath of the Weasel and derailed this ride. You would have thought I said the 360 sux or something...gawd...

Yeah, some emo is gay, you know the stuff thats about how their girlfriend left them and now they're sad. But some of it is really good. Also, am I that obviously in love with the 360?

[Last of the Red Hot Mamas]

I won't buy another PoP game until they add a breakcore soundtrack.

[RandomViolence]

Breakcore! Now that shit I could get behind.

[Kelegacy]

Breakcore! Now that shit I could get behind.

You sure can get behind a lot of stuff, Random. Last night it was me, now it's breakcore soundtracks. When is it ever going to end?

[RandomViolence]

You didn't say the safe word. I don't stop until I hear the safe word! :D

[Manzy]

Huh....I like both American and European (god in flames rules).



As much as I hate derailing threads, I hope you don't mean new In Flames. Old Inflames rocks the house, but new In Flames is like stabbing yourself in the bowels with a red hot poker.

[Pornstar_NL]

Pfff, I think its just more of the same, when reading the reviews I don't see much innovation, it looks like they mashed the first two titles together to create a bastard-child third

[Spigot]

Breakcore! Now that shit I could get behind.
OK. Now people are just making up genres...

[Manzy]

Now, if Prince of Persia had utilized the Power Violence genre, they would have something wicked on their hands....

[The Iron Weasel]

As much as I hate derailing threads, I hope you don't mean new In Flames. Old Inflames rocks the house, but new In Flames is like stabbing yourself in the bowels with a red hot poker.

Old In Flames is MUCH better, but I enjoy the new stuff aswell. (CLAYMAN FUCKING RULES!)

[RandomViolence]

OK. Now people are just making up genres...

Not an electronic music fan, eh? :)

[Stormwatcher]

I've played PoPTT for hours today, it really rocks. I'm pretty happy with it.

[Groo]

Does anyone know if the new Prince of Persia works on Xbox 360? I don't want to plug my Xbox 1 back in.

[dead]

PoP:WW just didn't make any sense. Even after finishing the game i still didn't know who the birdman was and why was he there.

I might have missed something along the line but how did the prince get that time badge thing on his armour?

[Spigot]

Not an electronic music fan, eh? :)

Actually, I do quite enjoy electronica... I just never bother to pay attention to what kids are labelling its various subgenres.

*shakes cane at passersby*

[Spigot]

PoP:WW just didn't make any sense. Even after finishing the game i still didn't know who the birdman was and why was he there.

I might have missed something along the line but how did the prince get that time badge thing on his armour?

To my knowledge, this was one of the major flaws of Warrior Within (well, one of many). They would set up these major fights with people like the Raven King and not give any rhyme or reason to who the character was or why he was bothering you so much.

As to the life/time badge thingy, I have no idea. Heck, I was playing WW yesterday and found my first life upgrade and this was right before the big battle with the Empress.

I have to say that all of the Dahaka sections rock. They're frustrating to play when you have the sun shining on the TV and a toddler playing 'Let's flick the analogue stick' but they are indeed Platform Gaming on crack.

Did anyone see the G4 special on The Two Thrones last night? I saw some of it and it was interesting to see them try to semi-apologize for Warrior Within.

[Carnisaur]

I had the same problem until I took a look at the manual. towards the end they have all the moves (including ones not described in the game). having that i was able to master the moves and truely enjoy the fighting.

On top of that, every enemy in the game has a one-hit kill weakness. People trash the combat engine in that game so much, but I liked it. Discovering the weaknesses of the enemies was fun.

[IagoTheHunted]

eh these games have never held my attention gameplay-wise more than halfway through, boreing IP at this point