Video Game Series Reboots That Failed
Prince of Persia (2008)
Following a string of darker, more action-oriented Prince of Persia games during the PlayStation 2 era, the 2008 series reboot was intended to bring the core staples of the series into the next generation.
Host to a wide world full of puzzles to solve, enemies to take on and platforming challenges that utilized creative thinking, it was meant to simultaneously celebrate what had come before while showing how it could be brought into the future.
Leading up to the game’s release, it looked like it would succeed too. Buzz around the title was positive, and in addition to the gameplay, critics sang praises of its music and art style.
Sadly, this early praise and anticipation couldn’t sustain the entry’s success past its release.
While many still loved the art style and soundtrack, the combat and platforming were criticized as being too automated. Players could get through the game with minimal input, and as such spent most of their time watching the action unfold.
The game also released at the tail end of a year full of high profile releases, many of which intersected with the audience Prince of Persia was looking to capture.
Mixed with the already dwindling popularity of the Prince of Persia series, these elements led many gamers to pass over the title, leaving it to be seen as an unfortunate failed attempt to revive a flagging franchise.
