Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a 2010 action-adventure video game developed by Ubisoft Quebec for the Wii. One of several related games of the same name, it forms part of the Prince of Persia franchise and is set between the events of The Sands of Time (2003) and Warrior Within (2004). Following the unnamed Prince as he is guided by the genie Zahra through a cursed kingdom, gameplay focuses on navigating platforming and combat challenges using both the Prince's acrobatic stills and unlocked magical powers. The game also features a form of co-op multiplayer with a second player using Zahra to aid the Prince with platforming and combat.
Production on The Forgotten Sands for Wii began in 2008 alongside its other versions and lasted two years, with Ubisoft Quebec being tasked with creating an original standalone title for the hardware. The game was built specifically for the Wii, incorporating motion control into the gameplay and working within its technical limits. The music, created by Tom Salta, focused on "eclectic" ambience over orchestra. Reception of the game was generally positive; critics praised its gameplay and graphic design, while faulting its combat as boring or impeded by its controls. Several journalists noted it as a good Prince of Persia and Wii game in its own right, and it saw award nominations for its writing and music.
Gameplay
Like its other versions, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is an action-adventure puzzle-platform video games; the player takes control of an unnamed Prince navigating a ruined city set in Ancient Persia. The Prince is controlled using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck. Some environmental elements and later powers are triggered using the Wii Remote's pointer, while standard controls for jumping are mapped to buttons. While most areas use a free-roaming 3D camera, others use a locked 2D side-view perspective. Fountains scattered through the game act as checkpoints that restore health, and collectable sand orbs are scattered along the path which refill a meter which allows the Prince to respawn directly into the nearest safe area without restarting at a fountain.
As with other entries in the series, the Prince has access to acrobatic traversal options including wall runs and jumps, climbing on or swinging from poles, and scaling ledges. Areas are gated off with both platforming challenges and environmental puzzles or traps. After a point, the Prince gains access to three magical powers to help with navigation. These are a "spirit hook" which can be attached to walls and act as a temporary grip point; a whirlwind pillar to lift the Prince off the ground, and a sphere which allows the Prince to hover in mid-air and can him protect from traps. While early on these environmental elements are limited by position and must be remotely activated, later the Prince gains the ability to place hooks and pillars on any suitable surface and activate the sphere in mid-air.
Combat has the Prince attacking with his sword or fists and uses the system's motion controls; swinging the Wii Remote triggers sword attacks, while punching with the Nunchuck triggers a fist attack. Both controllers can also be shaken simultaneously to trigger a spin attack. Blocking is mapped to one of the controller buttons. There are a variety of enemy types ranging in strength and attack style. Occasionally, certain enemies in groups will have a blue aura surrounding them, meaning they are the "leader" of the group. If the player kills this leader, the other enemies will flee, and the player wins the fight. Enemies in combat can also be frozen by the player for a brief period of time. During boss battles, the player must pass a series of quick time events to finish phases of battle. Defeating enemies and breaking special chests around the environment grant experience points which unlock move upgrades and additional moves for the Prince.
The game features co-op multiplayer, with the second player taking on the role of the genie Zahra. Rather than taking direct part in gameplay, the second player can create platforming elements, and use their powers to slow down enemies and environmental hazards. Completing certain objectives within levels, such as fulfilling time trial requirements, unlocks special rewards similar to achievements. There are also gameplay-focused unlockables such as a survival mode against waves of enemies, challenge versions of platforming sections, and time trials.