Prince of Persia 2 - The Shadow and the Flame (Europe) (Proto)
Prince of Persia 2 - The Shadow and the Flame (Europe) (Proto) - Platformer Classic
Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (Europe) (Proto) is a prototype build of the SEGA Genesis port of the classic cinematic platformer originally released by Broderbund for MS-DOS in 1993. This was the second entry in the series, designed by Jordan Mechner, though he did not program the sequel personally. As a prototype, it offers a glimpse into the development process before the final retail version, and it is a rare piece for collectors and retro enthusiasts.
The game puts you in control of the Prince, who must return to medieval Persia to stop the evil wizard Jaffar. Jaffar has used magic to assume the Prince's appearance, taken the throne, and imprisoned the Princess. The gameplay involves running, jumping, climbing, and sword fighting through a series of traps and puzzles. You navigate palace corridors, avoid spikes and collapsing floors, and battle guards. Time is a factor, as you have a limited real-time countdown to complete each level.
What makes this prototype worth trying today is its historical value - it shows how a beloved computer classic was adapted for a 16-bit console. The graphics and animation were already praised for their fluid rotoscoped movement, even in this early state. If you enjoy seeing behind-the-scenes versions or are a fan of the Prince of Persia series, tracking down this prototype can be a rewarding experience, though it may contain bugs or unfinished content compared to the final Genesis release.
How to Play Prince of Persia 2 - The Shadow and the Flame (Europe) (Proto) Online
Getting Started
When you start the game, you are placed in the first level as the Prince. Your immediate goal is to move rightward through the environment, avoiding traps like floor tiles that crumble and spikes that shoot from walls. You will encounter guards who block your path - you must defeat them using sword combat. Time is limited, shown by a hourglass icon on the screen; each level has a countdown, and if you run out, you lose a life.
The core loop is exploration and survival. You climb up ledges, jump across gaps, and pull levers to open doors. There are no extra lives in the traditional sense - instead, you have a set number of tries. If you die, you restart the level from the beginning. To progress, you must find the exit, usually a glowing door or portal, before the timer expires. The prototype may have minor differences in level layout or behavior compared to the final version, so expect some unexpected glitches or changes.
Pay attention to your surroundings. Some floors are safe, others collapse after you step on them. You can run by holding the B button and moving, but running into a wall or enemy can be dangerous. Sword fighting requires timing: press the attack button to slash, and hold it for a stronger overhead strike. Block by standing still. Smooth movement and careful planning are key to finishing the game.
Prince of Persia 2 - The Shadow and the Flame (Europe) (Proto) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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