Metascore
92 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 33 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 33
  3. Negative: 0 out of 33
  1. You may pick up Prince of Persia for the killer gameplay, but the story is what will keep you coming back. This game is like an excellent short story. Every once in a while you'll pick it up again to relive the breathtaking adventure.
  2. But don't take our word for it, because Prince won Best Action-Adventure Game at this year's E3 expo. So it's got that going for it…which is nice.
  3. Such forward-thinking ideas have paid off royally: This Prince is a worthy heir to the best videogame throne. [19 Dec 2003, p.L2T 20]
  4. 100
    This is the kind of game that literally makes you forget you're playing a game, leaving you barely aware of your body and just totally consumed by the action onscreen.
  5. 96
    An outstanding game -- a dazzling, masterful achievement...Thanks to wholly intuitive control, stunning atmosphere and satisfyingly clever environmental puzzles, the title easily ranks as one of my favorite adventure offerings of all time.
  6. Every aspect of this game is outstanding, the concept, level designs, controls, graphics, etc.
  7. A landmark achievement in game design starting with the addictively fun core gameplay, instinctive controls, then rounding out the package with gorgeous visuals, stunning special effects, and professional sound work.
  8. Once again props go out to Ubi Soft Montreal for meshing environments with an outstanding control scheme and stunning graphics.
  9. Excellently produced, with intuitive, responsive controls, a deep, engaging storyline and immersive sound.
  10. I can't remember the last time a game impressed me this much by not only its style and unique qualities, but also by simply being fun. There was not a single moment during Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time that I was not having fun...Gets my vote for Best Game of 2003. I have never played anything like it. It's simply amazing.
  11. 95
    I haven't played a better game all year.
  12. The most striking aspect of this game is the unity of its high production values. No corners were cut on this project. While most games excel at one aspect and falter in another, POP strives to achieve in every aspect.
  13. On purely a technical stand point it stands out as looking and sounding like a remarkable achievement but just millimetres below the surface you'll see arguably the most ingeniously crafted game modern consoles have had the pleasure to run.
  14. Pure magic. Soft lighting effects and elaborate, detailed architecture give the entire experience the quality of an opium-induced vision where time moves at the speed of your imagination. PoP's immersive atmosphere takes you to another level altogether. [Dec 2003, p.186]
  15. The Sands of Time effects are awesome; you have to see them to believe them. The character models don't push polygon limits but the animation is intense.
  16. A remarkable game blending the groundbreaking adventure elements the series is known for, with intense action, enthralling storytelling, and beautiful visuals and audio.
  17. A game that I simply can not get enough of.
  18. Besides a couple of camera issues every now and then and the game's short length I can't say a lot of bad things about this game. The gameplay is solid and easy to learn, the controls are intuitive, it has a wonderful atmosphere.
  19. The freedom of movement requires a new level of spatial imagination. Before Prince of Persia, platform games were like playing Tetris with only the blocks and bars. [Christmas 2003, p.100]
  20. For all of you that are seeking a challenge and great adventure, give Prince of Persia a go.
  21. Recommended wholeheartedly. It looks fantastic and features responsive controls, some original play mechanics, a good story, and plenty of thrilling adventure. In the simplest terms: Do not miss out on this game.
  22. A refreshingly smart, elegant adventure.
  23. You're going to need a sling to keep your jaw from dropping to the floor. The graphics are gorgeous, the puzzles are clever and the soundtrack is beyond reproach. [Feb 2004, p.147]
  24. 90
    By far the best platformer this year. Period. End of discussion. If you disagree, you're wrong.
  25. 90
    A wonderful rebirth of a classic franchise.
  26. While the GameCube version isn't the best-looking of the three platforms (it's better than the PS2 version, but worse than the Xbox port), Prince of Persia is an artistic masterpiece.
  27. This game is awesome and among the finest games on a Nintendo console not to be created by Ninty itself. In fact, you can almost imagine Miyamoto himself playing this, grinning, and taking notes.
  28. If you enjoy beautiful, fluid, entertaining adventures, then this is your chance to take part in one.
  29. The biggest problem with my new game is the cinematography. I don't know what schmuck hired these camera guys, but they should have their pinkies cut off or something. Sometimes entire fight scenes are obscured by a curtain.
  30. 80
    First time through may well take less than ten hours to complete, with possible repeat playing naturally taking much less. But for that time, there are some of the most enjoyable gaming experiences ever to savour and the sheer scope of the game makes it seem like you've spent far more time on it than you actually have.
  31. But POP's only really significant flaw lies in its adventure/action ratio: Both aspects are thoroughly fleshed-out but rarely intertwined.
  32. Sands of Time is very much a 21st century product - sumptuous visuals, intuitive control and many unique ideas. Buy it, play it, love it. [Dec 2003, p.92]
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. The graphics for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is good and it also has a good storyline also. The controls for the game is pretty good overall and it's not a run mill hack and slack game. Full Review »
  2. This game was awesome.
  3. I will never forget Prince of Persia: Sands of time, it has become an intense personal treasure of mine, like no other game I've played. This game impacted me in a way nothing else ever has. It's the combination of the dreamy atmosphere, the exciting combat, the emotionally moving ending, and then at the credits that song fit just perfectly, cementing this experience in my mind for many years. I have heard from other people who were impacted in this same way, so it's not just me being crazy. Perhaps I should issue that as a warning, as well as a reason to play it. A certain percent of people who play this game are going to be mentally affected by this game in a way that they will feel very strongly even years later, a feeling that will return every time you think of the game or the song from the credits. If you get this reaction, you will know what I mean. I wish I could better describe this feeling but I can't, it's been like nothing else. All I can say is my experience of this game, especially the ending, has become an intense and vivid personal treasure. Full Review »