The Rogue Prince of Persia

The Rogue Prince of Persia, developed by Evil Empire (the studio known for their work on Dead Cells post-launch content) and published by Ubisoft, is a 2D action-platformer that successfully fuses the iconic acrobatic movement of the Prince of Persia series with the relentless, run-based structure of a roguelite. The full game was released on August 20, 2025, after an Early Access period of refinement.

The Roguelite Loop and Narrative

The game is set in a besieged Persia where an army of magic-wielding Huns, led by the ruthless Nogai, has overwhelmed the capital city of Ctesiphon. The protagonist, the titular Prince, possesses a magical bola necklace that serves as his only persistent advantage: upon death, it instantly transports him back to the safe haven of the Oasis, ready to start the day—and the run—anew.

The core gameplay loop is classic roguelite:

1. Start Run: Awaken at the Oasis and select your path through the procedurally generated biomes of the conquered city.

2. Explore and Fight: Traverse the levels, engage enemies, and collect temporary upgrades.

3. Die: Suffer a fatal blow and return to the Oasis.

4. Meta-Progression: Spend collected Spirit Glimmers on permanent upgrades in the hub, such as unlocking new weapons, medallions, and health buffs, before starting the next run.

The story is revealed over multiple runs, as the Prince gathers intelligence from allies and uncovers new paths and biomes, turning the investigation into a permanent form of meta-progression, akin to games like Hades.

Fluid Traversal and Combat

The Rogue Prince of Persia is defined by its incredibly fluid and fast-paced traversal. Movement is constantly integrated into combat and exploration, often requiring rhythmic execution of parkour skills:

• Wall-Running: The signature move is essential for both vertical climbing and evading enemy attacks, allowing the Prince to change direction mid-run.

• Acrobatics: Players seamlessly chain together wall-runs, pole-vaults, slides, and dashes, often needing to perform these maneuvers flawlessly to maintain momentum and survive deadly spike pits or moving traps.

The movement system extends directly into the combat, which is built around rapid melee attacks and strategic repositioning. The Prince wields a primary melee weapon (swords, axes, etc.) and a secondary ranged tool (bows, chakrams) for support. Key maneuvers include:

• Vaulting: Jumping over an enemy to stun them or reposition for a back attack.

• Kicks and Stomps: Utilizing knockback kicks to send enemies into environmental hazards, adding a layer of tactical environmental play.

Medallions and Run Customization

Temporary run progression is achieved through the Medallion System. Medallions are equippable chips found during a run that grant unique passive abilities and buffs, ranging from elemental damage boosts to life-stealing effects. Players can equip up to four Medallions, with the ability to synergize effects by matching types for powerful bonuses. This system encourages players to constantly adapt their playstyle based on the loot they discover, ensuring high build variety in every run.

By nailing the core platforming fantasy of the franchise and integrating a satisfying roguelite framework, The Rogue Prince of Persia offers a frantic, rewarding, and highly replayable action experience.