GENRE
	Action-Adventure
	DEVELOPER
	Ubisoft Montreal
	PUBLISHER
	Ubisoft
	WI-FI ENHANCED
	No
	WII EXCLUSIVE
	No
	EXPECTED RELEASE DATE
	March 2007
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To date, no third party developer has supported the Wii with as many titles as Ubisoft. That strong support continues with the forthcoming Prince of Persia: Rival Swords. Ubisoft’s critically-acclaimed Prince of Persia franchise is known for its emphasis on action, acrobatics and puzzle-solving. This latest incarnation introduces the unique controls that only the Wii can offer.

media

impressions

There is some good news and bad news about Rival Swords. The bad news is that Rival Swords appears to be a port of the previously-released Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones. Ubisoft has made no indication that the game will feature any graphical facelifts above and beyond the GameCube version, so it seems reasonable to assume that the Wii version will look essentially like GameCube’s Two Thrones.

What’s more, Ubisoft has not spoken of any bonus content or extras specific to the Wii version. That means that as far as we know, the only real difference between this version and previous version seems to be the Wii-specific controls. As Nintendojo previously reported, Rival Swords will carry a Teen rating from the ESRB rather than the Mature rating of Two Thrones. It is presently unclear if the different rating indicates a difference in game content.

Now for the good news. First off, The Two Thrones is a pretty solid game to begin with, as evidenced by the 8.6 our own Tristan Cooper gave it. The Two Thrones featured an epic storyline, solid graphics and sound, nice artistic design and great gameplay highlighted by the introduction of stealth elements.

Secondly, Wii owners already know that the console’s motion-sensitive controls can revitalize, and in some cases revolutionize, a game. The Wii version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, for example, illustrates how the controls can add acompletely new feel to the longtime franchise. Likewise, the Madden series has been given new life on the Wii that have led many to choose the Wii’s Madden 2007 over the graphically-superior versions on the other consoles.

The screenshots and videos of Rival Swords released by Ubisoft indicate that the company has some innovative ideas in mind in regard to Wii controls. The game seems to employ both the Wii remote and the nunchuck in a wide variety of ways depending on the context. If Ubisoft can get the controls right, Wii owners could very well have the chance to experience the Prince in a way that puts the standard button-mashing format to shame.

word on the street

The media has been relatively quiet on this title, and the only gameplay footage available comes from the official Ubisoft trailer. In other words, Ubisoft appears to be keeping this title under wraps for now. We can hope that this means that the company is focusing their full attention on turning out a solid final product.

press release notes

The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace –- only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him.

Features

• Play and master two distinct characters: Wield the powers and weapons of two master warriors with different combat styles, attitudes and histories.

• Choose your way to kill: Master the expanded Free-Form Fighting system to destroy enemies in your own style, strangle enemies from afar with the deadly Daggertail or use a new stealth art to inflict surprise decapitations – the choice is yours.

• Battle freely through Babylon: Dominate enemies on the perilous rooftops, dodge through chaotic streets and ambush pursuers in dark underground passageways.

• Immerse yourself in a dramatic story: Experience unparalleled depth in storytelling as you fight your way through a twisting tale filled with adrenaline, tension and discovery.

• Manipulate time to surprise enemies: Execute powerful attacks against entire armies by slowing down or rewinding time, or surprise them by using some all-new Sands of Time powers.

• Experience a masterful blend of gameplay: True to the Prince of Persia franchise, the game provides a variety of action combat, agility and story-driven puzzles – all masterfully blended into a rich gaming experience.

overall

Although it would have been great to see a new chapter of Prince of Persia unfold on the Wii, it’s still nice to see the support from Ubisoft, especially in regard to this storied franchise. If nothing else, Wii owners who have not experienced the series –- or those looking for a new twist on the franchise –- might want to keep an eye on this one. If Ubisoft can handle the conversion of this game, Rival Swords could be a very nice addition to the Wii library. Prince of Persia: Rival Swords is currently scheduled for a March 2007 release date.