Do you guys remember a game called Sonic Unleashed? If you do, then I feel for you because it was pretty bad, however, the reason I bring this up in a Prince of Persia review is because Sonic Unleashed had two different versions you could choose from. There was the Xbox/PS3 version that was much prettier, and the Wii game which was basically a better game overall. It appears as if Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is following in Sonic Unleashed’s footsteps, which is … unfortunate to say the least. The hardcore console version, which was available for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC was pretty, but was mediocre as an installment of the Prince of Persia series. This is doubly unfortunate considering it was being advertised as the triumphant return of the franchise. The Wii version, on the other hand, doesn’t look as pretty as its hardcore console cousin. In fact, it doesn’t look much better than the PS2 installments did. However, as a game, this is certainly the “triumphant return of the franchise” fans were looking for.

The Wii version of The Forgotten Sands doesn’t actually share a whole lot in common with its hardcore cousin. It has a different story, different controls, different levels, different everything really. This time around, the prince has foolishly decided to make three wishes on one of those crafty genies that never really give you what you want. He wishes for immortality, a kingdom to call his own, and a princess to wed. Unfortunately, his immortality is little more than his own time powers, his kingdom is falling into disrepair and is infested with sand monsters, and the princess needs more rescuing that Mario can even handle. The story is told through cut-scenes and dialogue between the prince and his genie, and it serves as a prequel to the Prince of Persia stories we know, including the story of its HD counterpart.

Once again the name of the game is a little bit of platforming here and a little bit of combat there. The coolest part of this game by far is the platforming sequences that make awesome use of the prince’s cool new sand powers. The prince can now use the sand ring to create hooks on walls, the sand pillar to create columns he can climb up and cling on to, and the sand sphere to create a platform in mid air for him to jump off of. Yes, this means that you are actively using your powers to change the environment around you, and it works quite well. Because you basically have the ability to make platforms, hooks, and pillars wherever you like, you basically have the ability to get through platforming sequences in your own unique ways. This results in the player finding multiple paths through the sprawling maze-like castles and labyrinths, and gives the game a surprisingly open-ended feel to what is normally a totally linear experience. Controlling your new sand powers seamlessly integrates the Wii pointer controls as well. Simply point at where you want to use a power, press a button, and viola!

Combat is another story. Unfortunately, combat has become another case of furious waggling replacing button mashing. Your main weapon is controlled with a Wiimote waggle, and your fists of fury (and several special maneuvers) are controlled via the nunchuck. In the end the combat is just as frantic and mashy (or waggly) as it is in the HD version. The big difference, is that this game actually gives you impetus to use your cool powers in battle. Unlike the HD version which has separate powers for both combat and platforming, your powers are multi-purpose in the Wii version. You can use the sand ring to paralyze enemies, the sand pillar to knock them into the air, and the sand sphere to create a temporary shield around the prince himself, and you’ll use them all many times in the many combats which do become decently challenging by the end of the game.

This game actually takes some cues from Mario Galaxy in two very important ways. Firstly, it has a co-op mode that lets a friend join in the adventure. Your disembodied cursor friend has a slew of time powers that the prince actually does not have access to. For example, the second player can slow down or hold back traps to make the prince’s progress easier. The second player can also slow down or hold back enemies to make combat easier. If that isn’t enough, the second player can actually draw on the screen to highlight secret paths and point out new ways to get around a confusing area. In this game, two heads are certainly better than one.

The game also takes a cue from Mario Galaxy by making the game go retro at points. Sometimes, the game will go into a 2-D mode, which feels a lot like the original SNES Prince of Persia. If you are old enough to remember this it’s an awesome throwback and if you are too young to remember it, it’s just nifty to use your powers in two dimensions as well as three.

The graphics are not the greatest. It runs at a steady 60 frames per second, and it looks decent as far as Wii games go, but it’s well behind the curve in terms of this generations graphics expectations. The environments are many and varied, but textures appear flat and visual effects seem like something from the Playstation 2 era.

The sound is pretty much the same stuff you are getting from the HD version so don’t expect much there. The music is competent but repetitive and the voice acting is decent even though the script is filled with snappy one-liners. Out of random curiosity, why do all the Persians in this series speak with a British accent? The world may never know.

Honestly, if you have a choice between playing the Wii version of The Forgotten Sands or the HD version of The Forgotten Sands, the Wii version is actually preferable. Its gameplay is more interesting in both platforming and combat, which gives it a leg up even though its graphics are lacking. Just look at the many other reviews out there. The HD version has been getting sevens while the Wii version has been getting eights and nines. The final verdict, the Wii wins the day the the Prince of Persia contest. I’d call it the Sonic Unleashed of Prince of Persia, but that would be more of an insult than a compliment. Head back to the Xbox360/PS3/PC review below

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