Ubisoft has lifted the lid on the inspirations behind their upcoming Prince of Persia title, The Lost Crown. They’ve confirmed that the critically acclaimed Rayman series played a key role in the game’s development. This is surprising but makes sense, considering that the Rayman studio made this iteration of Prince of Persia.
Game Director Mounir Radi spoke about the influence of Rayman in shaping The Lost Crown’s platforming elements to Xbox Wire. He specifically praised the “musicality” and rhythmic flow of movement found in those titles. This translates to The Lost Crown through carefully crafted level design that guides players through deviously challenging sequences, demanding precise timing and acrobatic skill. Platformers like the Rayman games fit perfectly with that description.
Radi emphasized the importance of establishing the weight and physicality of the protagonist early in development, using a simple capsule placeholder during the first year to perfect the core movement mechanics before layering on animation and visual effects. While the platforming draws heavily from Rayman, Radi clarifies that combat in The Lost Crown takes a distinct approach. Inspired by fighting games like Super Smash Bros. and Street Fighter, the focus lies on a single attack button with diverse contextual effects based on enemy positioning and player timing.
“You know, when you deal with a character who has no arms and no legs, you are not exposed to the uncanny valley. Your brain can accept everything; Rayman is using his hair to fly, and that’s OK. But when you are playing with Sargon, you are in semi-reality. You are expecting specific things from his movements. Sargon is an Immortal; he’s part of a specific world-building logic. Even if it’s mythological, people have weight, so when we were working with our animators and VFX team, and even with the 3D models, we took a lot of time to find the right balance.”
Mounir Radi
This system prioritizes player agency and responsiveness, allowing for improvisation and personalized combat choreography rather than pre-scripted animations. Ubisoft Montpellier, the studio behind both Rayman and The Lost Crown, has incorporated other subtle nods to their platforming legacy, such as the Xerxes Coins, reminiscent of the Skull Coins found in Rayman Origins and Legends. These strategically placed collectibles entice players to attempt risky maneuvers and push their platforming skills to the limit.
Despite these connections, Radi reiterates that The Lost Crown remains firmly rooted in the Prince of Persia’s identity. The emphasis on experimentation and player freedom aligns with the series’ legacy, with combat abilities and traversal tools serving as a toolkit for players to craft their own unique playstyles and overcome challenges. I think it’s a fantastic bit of information, and it highlights how a different team could have made a huge difference in the outcome.
