(On Sale) Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown: Still a Must-Play on Switch?

TL;DR: One of the best Prince of Persia games in years, a polished 2D metroidvania with superb movement, held back only by demanding combat that will test less patient players.

Why it is worth a look right now

The Lost Crown first launched in January 2024, but with Prince of Persia back in the conversation on Switch thanks to the new roguelite spin-off, it is a great time to revisit the series' main modern entry. It is the longer, handcrafted adventure of the two, and it is the one to start with if you want a full story rather than repeated runs.

What kind of game is it

The Lost Crown is a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure built as a metroidvania. Instead of the classic Prince, you play as Sargon, a warrior traveling with a band of legendary heroes, exploring a cursed, magical mountain. As in any metroidvania, you unlock new abilities that open up areas you could not reach before, so the map gradually rewards curiosity and backtracking.

What it does well

Movement is the highlight. From the very beginning, Sargon can wall jump, sprint, slide, and swing on rings and poles, and later abilities such as a bow and air dashes make traversal even more fluid. Reviewers consistently praise how good it feels just to move through the world.

The game also brings back a time-based element in a way that nods to the Sands of Time era of the series, adding a layer to both exploration and combat. Upgrades come through a blacksmith and other characters you meet, and an amulet system lets you socket perks to shape your playstyle.

Accessibility is another standout. You can turn on a high contrast mode, customize subtitles, skip particularly tough platforming sections, make combat easier, and adjust aim and melee targeting assistance. That makes it far more approachable than most games in the genre.

The downsides

Combat is where some players will struggle. Parry timing is very strict, and even weaker enemies can take a lot of hits to bring down, which some reviewers found awkward. Checkpoints can also feel harsh, so a tough section may mean replaying more than you would like. The accessibility settings help soften this, but if you play on default difficulty, expect some frustration.

Who should buy it

It is a strong pick for fans of Hollow Knight style metroidvanias, longtime Prince of Persia fans curious about a fresh direction, and players who love satisfying platforming and exploration.

Who should skip it

Skip it if you dislike precise, punishing combat or backtracking through a large map. If you only want short sessions you can pick up and drop, The Rogue Prince of Persia may fit better.

The bottom line

The Lost Crown is a confident reinvention of Prince of Persia with excellent movement and thoughtful design. Its combat asks a lot, but the accessibility options mean almost anyone can see it through.