Prince of Persia 2: Warrior Within

Prince of Persia: Warrior Within (also known as Prince of Persia 2: Warrior Within) is an action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft in late 2004 on PC and contemporary console platforms.



Built on top of the engine that has powered the critically acclaimed and highly commercially successful Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time from 2003, this new adventure of the Prince managed to add many new features which include the improved presentation style, more streamlined and dynamic combat, ability to wield two weapons at a time, a versatile combo system, finishing moves, and much more.

Of course, the popular time-rewind system that was popularized in Sands of Time returns again in Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, this time allowing the Prince to use the powerful Sand powers that can knock all enemies around him.

Set seven years after the events of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, this game gives the player the chance to experience a large 20-hour cinematic campaign that skillfully mixes 3D platforming, exploration, and combat sequences.

In stark difference to the original game, the world that can be explored in this game is non-linear and promotes user exploration and backtracking to previously visited zones where new content and secrets can be found (often in different time periods that are unlocked by Prince’s powers). The movement of the Prince was enhanced with new parkour and freerunning-styled moves and greatly enhanced combat options.

To successfully find every secret present in the game, the players are required to not only finish the game once but to also replay the game and enter the final confrontation wielding a different main weapon (with or without the powerful Water Sword). The secret ending of the game represents a canonical ending, that is directly leading to the events that are described in the third Prince of Persia game (The Two Thrones) that was released in late 2005.

Today, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within represents one of the key titles in the PoP franchise and is often replayed by the fans of older Ubisoft titles. On modern PCs, this title simply flies, enabling players to max out their monitor resolution and experience high framerates.



The game can even be enjoyed on very old PC configurations (thanks to the system requirement of just single-core 1GHz processor!), which even includes many laptops that don’t have dedicated GPU chip. However, be aware that since the game was natively optimized to run only on Windows XP and Windows 2000, play on modern OS versions may lead to unexpected bugs and compatibility errors.

Main Features

• Dark, Engaging Storyline: The game's narrative is complex and emotionally charged, following the Prince as he seeks to alter his fate by confronting the Dahaka, a monstrous creature hunting him.
• Enhanced Combat System: Featuring the Free-Form Fighting System, players can engage in dynamic combat with a variety of weapons and acrobatic moves.
• Environmental Interaction: The game allows players to interact with the environment, using it strategically in both combat and puzzle-solving.
• Multiple Endings: Depending on the player's actions and choices, the game offers different endings, enhancing replayability.
• Stunning Visuals and Soundtrack: The game's graphics are visually impressive, with detailed environments and character designs, complemented by a haunting and intense soundtrack by Stuart Chatwood and Inon Zur.

User Interface

The user interface of "Warrior Within" is designed to be intuitive and accessible. The main menu offers clear options for starting a new game, loading saved games, adjusting settings, and accessing extras.



In-game, the heads-up display (HUD) provides essential information such as health, sand tanks, and weapon status without cluttering the screen. The map and inventory screens are easily navigable, allowing players to manage their progress and resources efficiently.

Installation and Setup

• Purchase and Download: Obtain the game from a reputable source such as Steam, FileHorse or Ubisoft's official website.
• Run the Installer: Once downloaded, run the installer executable file.
• Follow the Prompts: The installation wizard will guide you through the process. Accept the license agreement, choose the installation directory, and confirm the installation.
• Install Necessary Components: The installer may prompt you to install additional components like DirectX. Ensure these are installed for optimal performance.
• Launch the Game: After installation, launch the game from the desktop shortcut or through the game client.

How to Play

• Movement and Exploration: Use the keyboard and mouse or a game controller to move the Prince, jump, climb, and explore the environment.
• Combat: Engage enemies using the Free-Form Fighting System. Combine different moves and weapons to defeat foes.
• Time Manipulation: Utilize the Sands of Time to rewind, slow down, or accelerate time, aiding in combat and puzzle-solving.
• Solving Puzzles: Pay attention to environmental clues and use the Prince’s acrobatic skills to navigate through complex puzzles.
• Progression: Save your game frequently at designated save points to avoid losing progress.

FAQ

How do I defeat the Dahaka?
To defeat the Dahaka, you need to collect all nine life upgrades and acquire the Water Sword, which is the only weapon capable of harming the Dahaka.

Can I switch between weapons during combat?
Yes, you can switch between primary and secondary weapons during combat. Each weapon has unique attributes and can be found throughout the game.

What are the system requirements for the game?
The game requires a minimum of Windows XP, a 1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 64 MB VRAM, DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card, and 1.5 GB of free hard disk space.

How do I access the alternate endings?
The alternate endings are determined by whether you have obtained the Water Sword and defeated the Dahaka. Without the Water Sword, you will face a different final boss and receive an alternate ending.

Is there a way to replay specific sections of the game?
Yes, you can replay specific sections by loading a saved game from the save points. It's advisable to save your progress frequently to revisit favorite parts.

Alternatives

Assassin’s Creed Series: Developed by Ubisoft, this series offers a blend of parkour, combat, and historical settings.

God of War Series: Known for its intense combat and mythological themes, this series provides a similar action-adventure experience.

Tomb Raider Series: Featuring exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, the "Tomb Raider" games are a great alternative.

Darksiders Series: Combining action, adventure, and apocalyptic themes, "Darksiders" offers a rich narrative and engaging gameplay.

Devil May Cry Series: Renowned for its stylish combat and demonic themes, "Devil May Cry" is a fitting alternative for action-adventure fans.

Pricing

"Prince of Persia 2: Warrior Within" is available at various price points depending on the platform and vendor. Typically, the game can be found for around $9.99 to $19.99 on platforms like Steam, GOG, and Ubisoft Store. Look out for sales and bundles for potential discounts.

System Requirements

Minimum:

• OS: Windows XP/2000
• Processor: 1 GHz Pentium III or AMD Athlon
• Memory: 256 MB RAM
• Graphics: 64 MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 1.5 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Recommended:

• OS: Windows XP/2000
• Processor: 1.5 GHz Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon XP
• Memory: 512 MB RAM
• Graphics: 128 MB DirectX 9.0c compatible video card
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 1.5 GB available space
• Sound Card: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

PROS

• Engaging and dark storyline
• Enhanced and dynamic combat system
• Beautiful visuals and atmospheric soundtrack
• Multiple endings for replayability
• Rich environmental interaction

CONS

• Run only on Windows XP/2000
• Steeper difficulty curve
• Some repetitive combat scenarios
• Occasional camera issues