XBOX LIVE ARCADE WEDNESDAYS – PRINCE OF PERSIA CLASSIC

Once again the Xbox Live Arcade is looking back in time for inspiration this week as Ubisoft brings us a re-imagining of Broderbund’s 1989 classic Prince of Persia in the form of Prince of Persia Classic.

While many may recognize the title from the more recent games in the series, long before the game was reincarnated as a 3D action trilogy during the sixth console generation, it was a highly successful 2D side scrolling title that graced many of the platforms of it’s day. It’s that older game that’s being given the high-definition treatment along with a few new surprises.

As with the original, you take the role of the prince as he attempts to save the princess from the evil usurper Jaffar. Jaffar has not only claimed the throne of Persia for himself, but has given the princess only 60 minutes to make a fateful choice – marry him or die. Yes, the game isn’t about surviving to the last level, it’s about completing the game in the time provided. While you may have an unlimited number of lives to get the job done, the guards, traps and puzzles that you’ll encounter can slow you down enough to make completing the game impossible.

Is the game worth the 800 points ($10) that the Live Marketplace is asking for the title? Well, I’m going to guess that it’s going to really come down to how well the game controls. Getting through the game in the time provided is largely dependent on being able to control the prince effortlessly, and given the control issues many Live Arcade titles have had, PoPC could very easily become an exercise in frustration. My advice is to download and play the demo before you make any kind of a purchasing decision.

Title: Prince of Persia Classic
Developer: Gameloft
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Xbox Live Arcade
Release Date: 6/13/07
Console: Xbox 360
Players: 1
Full Game: 800 points ($10)
Rating: T (Teen) – Blood & Violence
Demo?: Yes

From the Xbox.com product description;

"Prince of Persia® Classic is a remake of the original 1989 title, often referred to as THE game that kick-started the platforming genre. This new version features updated character designs, animations, visuals, and lighting effects, all transforming the game into a fresh, close to 3-dimensional look. New traps, puzzles, enemies, and achievements add to the excitement. It’s time to save the princess from her terrible fate!

• Updated and enhanced: All the character designs, animations, controls, and visuals have been completely updated to stunning effect.
• New content: In addition to the graphic refresh, new puzzles, enemies, and even helpful checkpoints further augment the classic experience.
• Athleticism and swordplay: Run, jump, and climb, showcasing your character’s athleticism, and buckle your swash with exciting sword battles.
• Three game modes: Normal Mode requires you to complete the game as fast as possible, with saves at the end of each level. Time Attack has you starting from the beginning if you fail to save the princess after the allotted sixty minutes. And Survival Mode challenges you to complete the entire game without dying. Good luck.
• Achievements: Twelve achievements are available, ranging from the simple (finding the sword in the first level) to the truly difficult (finding all the potions in the game, or finishing the game without dying)." – Xbox.com

Those of you interested in my thoughts on Pac-Man Championship Edition should check out my earlier post on the topic entitled First Impressions: Pac-Man Championship Edition. For those of you who don’t feel like reading through it, here’s the short version – let’s just say I really enjoy the game, but really wish they had also included a non-timed game mode.

KINGS QUEST III REMADE BY INFAMOUS ADVENTURES

The good folks at Infamous Adventures have completely remade Roberta Willams classic graphic adventure game King’s Quest III.

“Infamous Adventures is proud to present a Remake of Roberta William’s classic 1986 hit, King’s Quest III. Remade in VGA color to match later Sierra releases, and using the AGS engine by Chris Jones, IA promises to make an enjoyable 1:1 remake of King’s Quest III. In the tradition of recent remakes, King’s Quest I and II+ by Tierra/AGDI, Infamous Adventures hopes to create a new classic of the Beloved Series.” -Infamous Adventures website

In addition to a completely updated graphics, Infamous Adventures has also completely redone the soundtrack to the game, and according to a note on the site, a full voice pack will be available for the game shortly as well.

Once again, I’m absolutely in awe of those people who don’t feel the adventure game market is dead and are actively doing something to keep the interest in the genre alive. Huge kudos to the folks at IA and join me in wishing them the best of luck on their current project “Quest for Infamy” which appears to be mix of an RPG and graphic adventure game in which you get to play as the bad guy for once.

Head on over to Infamous Adventures website to check them out and download the Kings Quest III remake at this link.

EIDOS REMAKING THE FIRST TOMB RAIDER?

Kotaku is reporting that they’ve been tipped by an insider at Eidos Interactive that the company is working on a re-make of the original Tomb Raider for the PSP and perhaps the PS2. According to a quote attributed to the source over at Kotaku;

“Eidos/SCi are planning on celebrating Lara’s 10th birthday by releasing a remake of her original adventure. We are talking improved graphics, new moves, the lot. If there is time, the “new” game will feature a remake of both Tomb Raider and Tomb Raider II: The Dagger of Xian, but right now the developers are focusing on Lara Crofts first adventure.” – un-named source as per the Kotaku article

I was just thinking the other day that they really ought to update the original game as it’s certainly been long enough that it would in essence feel “new”. I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the rumor is true and that they do make a PS2 port, as the odds of me having a PSP anytime soon are pretty remote. Click here to head over to the Kotaku article.