You see, by the time we hit 2004's Warrior Within, much of the essential goodness of our previously much-loved Prince had been stripped - along with the now bare bottoms of the various sexy goth chicks that he has to battle while presumably struggling with a fledgling erection. Likewise, having sliced a zombie in two in Warrior Within, it's hard to go back to the constant 'stand-next-to-wall' and 'do-spinny-attack-from-wair battle tactic of the Prince's first outing. There are probably just as many rolling spiky log traps in Two Thrones as there are in The Sands Of Time, but by the time the third entry in the series rolled around, it just feels like the developers had picked up a few more tricks and situations to use them in. It's an obvious thing to say, perhaps, but when all three games are laid alongside each other in a (cost-effective) triple-pack such as this, then one of my favourite games of all time starts feeling remarkably dated. Apart from the combat - which unfortunately is where the 'never going back' bit comes in.Īs each iteration of Nu-POP has emerged, improved combat and evermore involving puzzles have increased alongside the Prince's testosterone levels. I adore its structure, its characters, its clever dialogue, its wonderfully witty ending, that bit where it all goes dreamy and Farah is giggling and naked in a hot-tub - all of it. Since its release, whenever it's come up in conversation I've banged my fist on the table and declared my undying allegiance. Past Victoryįor example, they say you can never go back, and with The Sands Of Time it's true. I'm not saying any of these games are bad - my outspoken love of the series has reached worrying levels on many occasions - but only a fool would claim that each game doesn't have its own share of brickbats and bouquets. Unfortunately though, this (well priced) compilation is the closest you'll get - and any idealist melding of the triptych will have to happen in the confines of your head.

The story, setting and dialogue of The Sands Of Time rubbing shoulders with the intensity and action of Warrior Within and the stylish licks of The Two Thrones: a rare glimpse of perfection. But if all three could be melted, mixed together and served bubbling hot to gamers of high taste, the resulting fondue would be the template for the best third-person action-adventure ever.

THERE IS NO perfect Prince Of Persia game.

Prince of persia ghost of the past