Prince of Persia (1989) vs Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The game blends precise platforming, clever puzzles, and action as you navigate traps, guard patrols, and a magical doppelgänger conjured from a mirror. All of this must be completed in under 60 minutes, delivering a tense, timeless adventure.
Set eleven days after the original, the Prince must escape a treacherous palace, survive a storm‑tossed island, and master a mystical shadow to reclaim his kingdom. The game blends tight platforming, puzzle solving, and fantasy storytelling in a retro pixel‑art world.
- Tight, responsive controls
- Innovative time‑limit mechanic
- Memorable retro graphics
- Challenging yet fair puzzles
- Authentic retro graphics and sound
- Innovative shadow-control mechanic
- Engaging puzzle-platform gameplay
- Rich fantasy storyline
- High difficulty may deter newcomers
- Limited lives increase frustration
- No modern save system
- Low modern critic score
- Clunky controls by today’s standards
- Limited save system
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Prince of Persia (1989)
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A classic 1993 platform adventure where the Prince wields his shadow and a magical flame to defeat Jaffar.
Alternatives to Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame
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A darker, faster‑paced quest to escape a relentless time‑hungry enemy
A fugitive prince battles his inner darkness to save a war‑torn kingdom.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic, single‑player platformers priced the same, but Prince of Persia (1989) offers tighter controls and a unique time‑limit, while Prince of Persia 2 adds shadow‑control puzzles but has clunkier modern feel.
Key differences
- •Prince of Persia (1989) features a strict 60‑minute timer that creates constant urgency; Prince of Persia 2 has no such timer.
- •Prince of Persia 2 introduces a detachable shadow mechanic and magical carpet travel, adding puzzle variety not present in the 1989 game.
- •Critic score is listed for Prince of Persia 2 (30/100) but not for the 1989 title, indicating poorer modern reception for the sequel.
- •Controls are described as precise and responsive in the 1989 game, whereas the sequel’s controls are noted as clunky by today’s standards.
- •Both share the same price ($19.99) and single‑player mode, but only the sequel mentions multiple platform releases (Mac, SNES, FM Towns).
Gameplay & fun factor
1989 version praised for tight, responsive controls and iconic time‑limit; sequel’s clunky controls reduce immediate fun.
Platform availability
Prince of Persia 2 lists releases on Mac, SNES, FM Towns, expanding beyond the original PC release.
Price & value
Both cost $19.99 one‑time with no additional content mentioned.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Sequel adds shadow‑control puzzles, magical carpet travel, and a richer storyline, offering more varied content.
Difficulty & accessibility
1989 game’s difficulty is high but its precise controls aid skill development; sequel’s clunky controls hinder accessibility.
Graphics & performance
1989 version noted for memorable retro graphics; sequel preserves 1993 DOS graphics, which are less praised.
Choose Prince of Persia (1989) if…
Players who prioritize tight controls, iconic time‑limit tension, and classic retro feel.
Choose Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame if…
Players who want more puzzle variety and broader platform support despite clunky controls.
Common questions
Do either of these games support modern save features?
Both lack a modern save system; they rely on limited in‑game saving.
Is there a difference in age rating?
Both are rated ESRB E.
Which game has a higher critic score?
Prince of Persia 2 lists a critic score of 30/100; the 1989 title does not list a score.