The Rogue Prince of Persia Review (2025)

Ubisoft’s The Rogue Prince of Persia takes the legendary franchise into roguelite territory, blending fast-paced 2D combat, fluid parkour mechanics, and rich Persian-inspired artistry into one of the most addictive action games of the year. Developed by Evil Empire, the same team behind Dead Cells, this new entry borrows the successful roguelite framework but injects it with an identity all its own. Where Dead Cells leaned into gothic decay, The Rogue Prince of Persia thrives on vibrant Persian aesthetics, dynamic traversal, and a soundtrack that fuses traditional Middle Eastern instruments with electrifying modern beats.

The story begins in Ctesiphon, Persia’s grand capital, now under siege by the invading Huns. Their brutal shamanic magic overwhelms the Prince, who falls in battle, only to be resurrected days later in the Oasis thanks to the mysterious power of the Bola. This resurrection cycle sets the stage for the roguelite formula: die, revive, adapt, and try again. Each run sees you leaving the Oasis and choosing a biome, whether crowded city rooftops, torch-lit caverns, or enemy camps, each packed with unique enemies, traps, and rewards. Unlike simple backdrops, these biomes often hide quests, such as rescuing family members or finding relics, which add variety beyond pure combat.

Combat itself is tight and rewarding, with a wide range of weapons, tools, and medallions shaping each run. Weapons feel distinct, from the rapid-fire fists of the Caestus to longer-range blades and bows. Medallions act as perks, drastically altering playstyles—whether spreading pools of resin to slow enemies, boosting gold income, or enhancing critical hits. This layered customization ensures every run feels different, encouraging experimentation. Even when a weapon didn’t suit my style, there were always alternatives waiting, and the sheer variety guarantees that players will find a favorite loadout.

Where The Rogue Prince of Persia truly shines is its movement system. Parkour isn’t just a gimmick—it’s the backbone of the experience. Wall-running, vaulting, sliding, kicking, and chaining attacks into movement feels seamless, almost dance-like. This is amplified by the Vayu’s Breath system, a mechanic that rewards chaining slick movement combos with increased speed and dazzling animations. Simply moving through Ctesiphon feels exhilarating, and when paired with combat, the result is a game where exploration is as fun as fighting.

Progression unfolds through Soul Cinders, a currency dropped by enemies or discovered in caches. These can unlock weapons, medallions, and upgrades in the hub after each run. But there’s a catch: dying with unbanked Soul Cinders means losing them, unless you deposit them at an altar between zones. Greedy players can smash the altar instead for a big payout, creating a risk-reward loop that keeps runs tense. However, once the unlock pool begins to thin, progression can feel slower, with fewer meaningful upgrades left to chase. The skill tree provides permanent buffs—like more healing items or revealing rewards—but many of these upgrades lean functional rather than exciting, offering utility rather than fresh mechanics.

Beating the game once doesn’t end it. Instead, it unlocks the Awakenings system, difficulty modifiers that raise the stakes while offering greater rewards. These range from stronger enemies to additional hazards, with each modifier carrying a cost that contributes to a gauge. Hitting certain thresholds triggers even harsher effects, like enemies gaining 30% more health and damage. This system lets players customize difficulty while incentivizing mastery with bigger rewards, ensuring longevity for hardcore fans.

If there’s one standout beyond the gameplay, it’s the soundtrack by ASADI. Every track pulses with energy, mixing Persian instruments with electronic beats, perfectly matching the game’s kinetic flow. Combined with the striking hand-drawn aesthetic, The Rogue Prince of Persia is a visual and auditory treat.

While its scope is more modest than Dead Cells, the game doesn’t feel lesser. Biomes are beautifully crafted, combat is addictive, and the parkour elevates it above other roguelites. Yes, progression could use more depth, but the moment-to-moment gameplay is so fun and replayable that it overshadows the lighter systems. Each death feels like a lesson, each new run like a chance to perfect your rhythm.

Verdict: The Rogue Prince of Persia is an exceptional roguelite that fuses Persian flair, silky parkour, and razor-sharp combat into an irresistible package. Fans of Dead Cells will feel right at home, while newcomers will discover one of the smoothest, most stylish roguelites available today.