The Prince of Persia series is a beloved franchise that has captivated gamers worldwide for decades. Originally created by Jordan Mechner, the series began as a 2D platformer with challenging puzzles, combat, and time-based elements, becoming one of the most iconic names in video game history. For those looking to play through the Prince of Persia games in order or just to learn about the evolution of the series, here’s a comprehensive list of all Prince of Persia games in order of release, detailing each entry and how it contributed to the franchise.
Prince of Persia Series in Order: The Early Years
Prince of Persia (1989)
Released: October 3, 1989
Platform: Apple II (later on multiple platforms)
Prince of Persia was an ambitious game for its time, utilizing fluid character animations inspired by rotoscoping. Players take on the role of an unnamed prince tasked with rescuing a princess held captive by the evil vizier Jaffar. Known for its intricate traps and challenging platforming, the game was highly successful, leading to its availability on a variety of platforms.
Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (1993)
Released: 1993
Platforms: MS-DOS, SNES, Mac, and others
The Shadow and the Flame continued the story, with the Prince battling Jaffar once more, who curses him and strips him of his princely identity. This game enhanced the visuals and storyline, adding more complex levels and puzzles. Though similar in gameplay to its predecessor, it expanded the lore and refined the platforming mechanics.
The 3D Transition
Prince of Persia 3D (1999)
Released: 1999
Platform: PC, Dreamcast (as Arabian Nights)
In an attempt to modernize, Prince of Persia 3D brought the franchise into the world of 3D graphics. The game continued the story but was met with mixed reviews due to clunky controls and camera issues. Although it didn’t live up to its predecessors, it laid the groundwork for future 3D entries and experimented with adding more dynamic environments.
The Sands of Time Trilogy: A New Era
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
Released: November 6, 2003
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, and later remastered
The Sands of Time rebooted the franchise and introduced the now-famous time-manipulation mechanic, allowing players to rewind time to correct mistakes. The story follows a young Prince as he unleashes the Sands of Time and must undo the chaos he’s caused. With engaging combat, parkour-inspired platforming, and time-altering gameplay, The Sands of Time is widely regarded as one of the best Prince of Persia games, reviving the series and earning critical acclaim.
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2004)
Released: December 2, 2004
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, and more
Warrior Within took on a darker tone, with a grittier storyline and more intense combat. The Prince is pursued by the Dahaka, a creature determined to eliminate him due to his tampering with time in the previous game. The game’s edgier aesthetic and focus on combat made it controversial among fans, but it built on the platforming and storytelling aspects of The Sands of Time.
Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (2005)
Released: December 1, 2005
Platforms: PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, PC, and more
Wrapping up the Sands of Time trilogy, The Two Thrones sees the Prince return to Babylon, only to find his kingdom in ruins. Here, the Prince struggles against a dark alter-ego, adding a unique dual-character dynamic. The game combined elements from The Sands of Time and Warrior Within to deliver an experience fans loved, making it a fitting end to the trilogy.
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (2010)
Released: May 18, 2010
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, and others
The Forgotten Sands was designed to tie into the Sands of Time trilogy, narratively situated between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within. The Prince visits his brother’s kingdom and must harness the power of the elements to stop an army made of sand. Though not officially part of the trilogy, it kept the iconic gameplay style, with platforming and combat, attracting fans of the original trilogy.
Standalone Reboot and Spin-offs
Prince of Persia (2008)
Released: December 2, 2008
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC, and Mac
This 2008 reboot introduced a fresh storyline with a new protagonist, known simply as “The Prince.” Partnering with a magical companion named Elika, the Prince sets out to rid the world of corruption caused by the dark god Ahriman. The game’s art style was a notable departure from previous entries, using cel-shaded graphics and a vibrant color palette. Although polarizing, this installment was celebrated for its aesthetic and unique story.
Prince of Persia: The Fallen King (2008)
Released: December 2, 2008
Platform: Nintendo DS
A side-story to the 2008 reboot, The Fallen King was designed for the Nintendo DS. It follows the Prince’s efforts to save the kingdom from Ahriman’s corruption, with touchscreen-based gameplay that offered players a unique experience. This entry catered specifically to handheld gamers and continued the new art direction.
Mobile and Classic Remakes
Prince of Persia Classic (2007)
Released: 2007
Platforms: PlayStation Network, Xbox Live Arcade, iOS, Android
A remake of the original Prince of Persia game, Prince of Persia Classic updated the 1989 classic with modern graphics and smoother controls while maintaining the original level design and gameplay structure. It allowed fans to experience the series’ origins with a fresh look, appealing to both longtime fans and newcomers.
Prince of Persia: Escape (2018)
Released: 2018
Platforms: iOS, Android
Prince of Persia: Escape brought the franchise to mobile platforms as an endless runner. Although not a mainline game, it includes basic mechanics inspired by the classic platformer. This game provides a quick, casual experience for mobile gamers and represents Ubisoft’s attempt to introduce the Prince of Persia universe to the mobile gaming audience.
Unreleased and Upcoming
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
Announced: 2020 (with an anticipated release still pending)
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
Originally set to release in 2021, The Sands of Time Remake aims to modernize the beloved classic for new audiences. This remake promises reimagined visuals, updated mechanics, and voice acting from the original cast. Though its release has been delayed multiple times, anticipation remains high among fans who hope to relive The Sands of Time with enhanced graphics and gameplay.
Unseen Prince of Persia Games
In addition to the released games, there were several canceled Prince of Persia projects, including Prince of Persia: Assassins (a game thought to have eventually evolved into Assassin’s Creed), Prince of Persia: The Dark Babylon (a canceled sequel to The Two Thrones), and Prince of Persia Redemption (footage of which leaked in 2020). Though these games never saw the light of day, they highlight the series’ complex development history and how it has influenced other Ubisoft games.
Summary: All Prince of Persia Games in Order
Here’s a recap of all Prince of Persia games in order, covering main releases, reboots, and spin-offs:
- Prince of Persia (1989)
- Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (1993)
- Prince of Persia 3D (1999)
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2003)
- Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (2004)
- Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones (2005)
- Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (2010)
- Prince of Persia (2008 reboot)
- Prince of Persia: The Fallen King (2008)
- Prince of Persia Classic (2007 remake)
- Prince of Persia: Escape (2018 mobile game)
- Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake (announced in 2020)
Legacy of the Prince of Persia Series
The Prince of Persia series remains a classic in the gaming industry, influencing a range of action-adventure games and even contributing to the development of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and unique art styles, each Prince of Persia game has left a mark on gaming history.
The Prince of Persia series has endured, from its early days of rotoscoped animation to full 3D environments and mobile adaptations. Whether you’re revisiting the classics or experiencing these games for the first time, playing the *Prince
