Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is beginning over from scratch
On: May 25, 2023
A key mechanic in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the flexibility to “rewind time” and take a look at once more should you screw one thing up. As we speak, Ubisoft introduced that it’s bringing a few of that magic into the true world: The long-awaited Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake has apparently whiffed so badly that developer Ubisoft Montreal is beginning over from scratch.
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake was introduced in 2020 and slated for launch in 2021, however that did not work out. Since then it has been delayed a number of occasions and even switched studios, moving from Ubisoft’s Pune and Mumbai places of work to Montreal; Ubisoft has insisted all through that the venture is not cancelled, however followers began to surprise when current preorders had been all cancelled and refunded in November 2022.
Ubisoft introduced once more right this moment that the venture hasn’t been cancelled, however it has successfully been scrapped: producer Jean-Francois Naud stated in an update that the remake is now “in conception,” which incorporates ” suggestions from the group and discovering our personal approach of delivering the game.”
“We’re increase the staff, defining the priorities, placing prototypes collectively, testing parts, and how we will embody group suggestions within the improvement as properly,” Naud stated. “It’s nonetheless in an early stage, and gamers mustn’t count on to listen to extra concerning the game this 12 months, however relaxation assured that we’re all placing our strengths and coronary heart into this venture.”
Game director Michael McIntyre defined that this venture is a full remake, not a remaster: The phrase is actually within the title however it’s a degree he could have felt price emphasizing given how a lot hassle Ubisoft appears to be having getting it completed.
“One of many gameplay cornerstones of the unique game is how the Prince strikes round. And sure, there may be know-how that lets us execute that higher—however there are additionally expectations from gamers, when it comes to different fashionable video games, of what it means to truly management a personality,” McIntyre stated. “Ubisoft Montreal has developed a powerful experience in that, and we’re how we take these classes and apply them to the spirit of a game like Prince of Persia. That sort of factor is extra than simply know-how; it truly is us as game makers having advanced, and understanding that for gamers, merely selecting up a elegant model of the unique wouldn’t meet their expectations.
“That refinement is definitely sort of throughout the board. I believe a part of remake-versus-remaster is that there actually is some extent of refinement in each side. The motion is a giant one for us, however fight will get an analogous therapy, due to how motion is evolving. And once we as a staff take a look at a number of the issues that must be refined, even the story—the story will stay true to itself. However the best way it is delivered, we’ve got new ways in which tales have been instructed in video games over the previous 20 years, and it permits us to be a bit extra nuanced and refined in the best way we execute the story.”
It is truthful to say that no one needs a half-assed game, however this must be immensely irritating for Ubisoft, which has been struggling to get issues performed. Cranium and Bones and Past Good and Evil 2 are essentially the most high-profile different examples of repeatedly-delayed video games, however Ubisoft additionally lately cancelled a trio of unannounced initiatives in an effort to deal with its current manufacturers and reside providers. Beginning over would be the right move on this case, however one wonders for the way lengthy Ubisoft can preserve grinding its gears with out placing out video games.
Ubisoft additionally confirmed right this moment, understandably given the reset, that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake won’t be seen on the upcoming Ubisoft Ahead on-line occasion, which is ready to happen on June 12. For these holding observe, neither will Cranium and Bones.
