The highly anticipated remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, first announced in 2020, continues to face delays and development hurdles. According to reliable gaming insider Tom Henderson, the project is still in its early stages, with Ubisoft Montreal reportedly taking the reins and restarting development from scratch. This news throws cold water on hopes for a swift release and raises questions about the direction of the remake.
A Troubled Development Journey
The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake was initially entrusted to Ubisoft’s Pune and Mumbai studios in India. However, rumors suggest that progress wasn’t meeting expectations. In May 2022, Ubisoft announced a shift in development leadership, with Ubisoft Montreal taking over the project.
This decision implies that Ubisoft wasn’t satisfied with the work done by the Indian studios. Whether this was due to creative differences, technical shortcomings, or other factors remains unclear.
Back to the Drawing Board: A Fresh Start for Montreal
Ubisoft Montreal’s involvement signals a potential change in direction for the remake. Sources close to the project, as cited by Henderson, suggest a “more realistic approach.” This could encompass various aspects of the game, including:
Enhanced Graphics: A more grounded visual style could replace the fantastical elements potentially envisioned by the Indian teams. This might involve a more detailed and realistic depiction of the game’s environments and characters.
Refined Combat System: The original Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time was known for its acrobatic combat. Ubisoft Montreal might be revisiting this system, potentially adding depth and complexity to combat mechanics.
Revamped Parkour: The Prince’s signature free-running abilities might be undergoing a similar overhaul. Improved parkour mechanics could add a new layer of fluidity and challenge to traversal sections.
Animated Revamp: Character animations could be receiving an upgrade, potentially aiming for a more natural and immersive experience.
A Notable Absence: Yuri Lowenthal Exits the Project
A significant change highlighted by Henderson is the reported departure of Yuri Lowenthal, the voice of the Prince in the original game. Lowenthal’s voice appeared in the remake’s debut trailer, and his involvement seemed confirmed during the Indian studios’ development phase. However, the reasons behind his departure remain unknown.
This development raises questions about the direction of voice acting in the remake. Will a new voice actor step in to portray the Prince? Or will Ubisoft Montreal take a different approach altogether?
The Road Ahead: When Can We Expect the Remake?
With Ubisoft Montreal essentially restarting development, the release date for the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake remains uncertain. The substantial changes planned, coupled with the early development stage, suggest a potentially long wait.
Fans eagerly anticipating the remake will need to exercise patience. While Ubisoft hasn’t provided a revised release window, it’s safe to assume the game won’t be arriving anytime soon.
FAQs:
Q: Why is the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake taking so long?
A: The project has encountered several setbacks. Development initially faced challenges under the Indian studios, leading Ubisoft Montreal to restart the process from scratch with a potentially different vision for the remake.
Q: What changes can we expect in the remake?
A: Sources suggest a “more realistic approach” with potentially enhanced graphics, a revamped combat system, improved parkour mechanics, and refined animations.
Q: Will Yuri Lowenthal reprise his role as the Prince?
A: No. Yuri Lowenthal is no longer involved in the remake. It’s unclear who, if anyone, will be voicing the Prince in the final product.
