Prince of Persia (USA, Europe)
What is Prince of Persia (USA, Europe)?
Prince of Persia is the original Persian adventure by Jordan Mechner, first released in 1989 on the Apple II. This Game Gear port arrived in 1992 for North America and Europe, bringing the iconic platformer to Sega's 8-bit handheld. It's a faithful adaptation of the game that started a multi-million dollar franchise, shrinking the detailed dungeons onto a small screen while keeping the core experience intact.
The player controls the prince as he runs, jumps, climbs, and fights his way through a series of trap-filled levels. Each floor must be completed within a strict time limit (60 minutes total) which adds constant pressure. Sword fighting is a key mechanic - you can lunge and parry against enemy guards. You'll also need to avoid spikes, collapsing floors, and other hazards while collecting potions that restore health or grant temporary invincibility.
This version is worth a look today for anyone curious about the series' humble beginnings. While the original home computer versions are more iconic, the Game Gear port is a competent handheld version that captures the same tension and precise platforming. The limited screen area means you'll occasionally run into enemies offscreen, but the controls are responsive enough to manage. It's not the definitive way to play, but it's a solid part of the Game Gear's library of early 90s action-platformers.
How to Play Prince of Persia (USA, Europe) Online
Getting Started
Start a new game and you'll see the prince in a dungeon cell. Your goal is to escape the prison and rescue the princess within one hour of real time. The first few levels teach you the basics: walk left and right, jump over pits, and climb up or down on ledges. Press the X button to jump, and hold the S button while moving to run - but be careful, running makes it harder to stop in time.
The core loop is simple: explore each floor, find the exit (a gate or a door leading upward), and avoid or defeat the guards. You'll encounter pressure plates that open doors, loose floor tiles that drop you into spikes, and potions that either heal you or turn you into a shadow form (invincible but you can still fall). The sword fight is a timing game - lunge when the guard is open, and block or step back when he attacks. If your health reaches zero, you die and restart the level.
New players should take their time and learn the layout of each floor. Memorizing where traps and guards are is key because you can't afford to waste time backtracking. Use the run button sparingly until you're comfortable with the controls. The time limit is generous for the first few levels but tightens later, so try to keep moving forward even if you take some damage.
Prince of Persia (USA, Europe) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Button 1
- S: Button 2
- Enter: Start / Pause
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