Get ready to scale walls and rewind time once more! In an exciting development for fans of both the Prince of Persia franchise and the acclaimed Dead Cells, Ubisoft is set to release a brand new Prince of Persia title later this year.

But there’s a twist: this upcoming adventure, titled “The Rogue Prince of Persia,” is being developed by Evil Empire, the studio behind the massive success of Dead Cells.

This news comes courtesy of a recent report by Insider Gaming, which details “The Rogue Prince of Persia” as a roguelike experience. This means players can expect a challenging, procedurally generated world with permadeath elements, similar to the punishing yet rewarding gameplay of Dead Cells. The report also suggests the game will launch on Steam Early Access, marking Ubisoft’s first day-one release on the platform since 2019.

A New Genre for a Beloved Franchise

The Prince of Persia series is known for its acrobatic platforming, time manipulation mechanics, and captivating stories set in the mythical Persian Empire. Titles like “Sands of Time” and “Warrior Within” redefined the action-adventure genre and left a lasting impact on gamers. “The Rogue Prince of Persia” represents a bold new direction for the franchise, embracing the popularity of the roguelite genre while hopefully retaining the essence of what made the Prince of Persia games so beloved.

This shift in genre also raises interesting questions. How will Evil Empire translate the series’ signature acrobatics and time-warping mechanics into a roguelite format? Will the narrative structure adapt to the procedurally generated nature of the game? These are just some of the exciting uncertainties that have fans eager to learn more about “The Rogue Prince of Persia.”

Dead Cells Expertise Meets Prince of Persia Legacy

The involvement of Evil Empire has many fans cautiously optimistic. The studio’s work on Dead Cells is a testament to their ability to craft compelling roguelike experiences that are both punishing and rewarding. Dead Cells’ tight controls, diverse arsenal of weapons, and deep combat system have garnered immense praise, and these elements could translate beautifully into the world of Prince of Persia.

Imagine utilizing the Prince’s acrobatic repertoire to navigate treacherous dungeons, strategically dispatching enemies with a curated selection of weapons and tools, all while facing the ever-present threat of permadeath. The potential for an engaging and innovative Prince of Persia experience is undeniable.

Early Access: Building the Game with the Community

Ubisoft’s decision to launch “The Rogue Prince of Persia” in Steam Early Access is a strategic one. Early Access allows for valuable player feedback during development, enabling Evil Empire to fine-tune the game’s difficulty, balance mechanics, and refine content based on player experiences. This approach proved highly successful for Dead Cells, which garnered a dedicated community that actively participated in shaping the game’s post-launch evolution.

The Early Access format also allows Evil Empire to potentially introduce new content and features based on player suggestions. This could lead to exciting possibilities, like the addition of new playable characters, unique environments, or innovative ways to utilize the time-manipulation mechanics within the roguelite framework.

A Glimpse into the Sands of Time: What We Know So Far

Details about The Rogue Prince of Persia are scarce at the moment. However, rumors suggest the game will draw inspiration from Franco-Belgian comics for its art style. This could potentially lend a more vibrant and stylized aesthetic to the world of Prince of Persia.

The reported focus on roguelite mechanics hints at a more action-oriented experience compared to previous entries. Players can expect to face a constant barrage of enemies, requiring them to master the Prince’s combat abilities and utilize environmental elements to their advantage.

While there’s no official confirmation yet, The Rogue Prince of Persia could potentially borrow the time manipulation elements from some Prince of Persia titles. How this mechanic would integrate with the roguelike structure remains to be seen, but it has the potential to add another layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.

When Can We Expect The Rogue Prince of Persia?

Reports suggest a release sometime later this year on Steam Early Access. An official announcement with a more concrete release date is likely forthcoming, possibly during upcoming gaming events like the Triple I Initiative Showcase scheduled for April 10th, where Evil Empire is slated to present a new project.

Conclusion: A New Dawn for the Prince?

The Rogue Prince of Persia presents a unique and exciting opportunity for the Prince of Persia franchise. The combination of Evil Empire’s expertise and the roguelike genre’s inherent replayability has the potential to breathe new life into the series. Early Access allows for a collaborative development process, ensuring the final product resonates with the dedicated fanbase.

Whether The Rogue Prince of Persia will recapture the magic of its predecessors remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the sands of time are shifting, and a new adventure for the Prince of Persia awaits.

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