Ubisoft’s The Rogue Prince of Persia is the latest twist on the long-running action franchise — this time reimagined as a kinetic 2D roguelite from Evil Empire, the studio behind Dead Cells’ acclaimed post-launch expansions.
With fluid parkour, fast-paced combat, and replayable run-based design, fans are quick to connect the dots between Rogue Prince and Dead Cells. But this is no simple reskin: it’s a bold evolution that puts Prince of Persia’s acrobatic DNA at the heart of the roguelite formula.
What Is The Rogue Prince of Persia?
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Developer: Evil Empire (post-launch developers of Dead Cells)
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Publisher: Ubisoft
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Release: Steam Early Access (2024), with frequent updates
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Genre: 2D roguelite action-platformer with parkour combat
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Core Hooks: Fast traversal, tight melee/ranged combat, medallion-based builds, replayable runs
The Dead Cells Legacy
Evil Empire’s fingerprints are all over Rogue Prince. The studio honed its craft on Dead Cells, and it shows in:
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Run-based progression: Procedural levels, permadeath per run, and branching paths.
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Combat feedback: Snappy animations, clear enemy telegraphs, crunchy hit effects.
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Build variety: Weapons + medallions encourage experimentation and synergy.
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Player respect: Short-to-medium run lengths with meaningful rewards.
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Post-launch support: Iterative updates shaped by community feedback.
This shared DNA ensures Rogue Prince feels instantly familiar to Dead Cells fans.
Where Rogue Prince Carves Its Own Path
While Dead Cells emphasized dodge rolls and tight spacing, Rogue Prince builds combat around movement-as-weapon.
Parkour-First Combat
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Wall-runs to initiate vertical strikes.
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Vaults and slides to dodge hazards and reposition.
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Kicks to knock enemies into spikes, traps, or off ledges.
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Ledge grabs and rebounds to escape or set up aerial attacks.
Here, arenas aren’t just backdrops — they’re weapons in your toolkit.
Environmental Hazards
Spikes, blades, and collapsing shafts aren’t passive obstacles. They’re lethal extensions of your combat style, rewarding creative routing and efficient takedowns.
Weapons and Medallions
Weapons
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Melee: Swords, daggers, spears, and axes (different speeds and ranges).
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Ranged: Bows and throwables for chip damage and utility.
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Finishers: Kicks and aerial plunges that capitalize on hazards.
Medallions
Medallions shape your runs without bloating systems. Limited sockets force meaningful choices:
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Momentum builds: Buffs after wall-runs, slides, or vaults.
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Control kits: Stuns and knockbacks to maximize hazards.
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Risk-reward spikes: Big bonuses if you avoid damage or chain combos.
The result is approachable yet deep buildcraft that rewards experimentation.
Early Access and Roadmap
Launched in 2024 on Steam Early Access, Rogue Prince follows Evil Empire’s proven strategy:
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Regular content expansions (weapons, enemies, bosses).
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New biomes with unique hazards and traversal challenges.
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Balance tuning to keep builds diverse and viable.
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Quality-of-life upgrades for performance, input, and accessibility.
Console versions are expected closer to the 1.0 launch.
The Feel of the Loop
At its best, Rogue Prince delivers the classic roguelite rhythm: “die, learn, adapt, improve.”
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Fast and fluid: Minimal downtime, instant input response.
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Skill expression: Parkour mastery separates average runs from great ones.
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Build spice: Medallions and weapons change your rhythm every attempt.
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Fair challenge: Mistakes are legible, improvements feel within reach.
Beginner Tips
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Learn the kick: It’s free damage and perfect for crowd control.
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Stay in motion: Wall-runs and vaults keep you alive.
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Focus your build: Don’t spread medallions too thin.
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Respect elites: Use hazards if your kit isn’t ready.
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Route with intent: Choose biome exits that match your strengths.
FAQ
Is Rogue Prince just a Dead Cells clone?
No. While it shares roguelite structure, its parkour-first combat makes it uniquely Prince of Persia.
Is it a metroidvania?
No. It’s a roguelite: levels reset each run, but persistent unlocks carry forward.
Which platforms is it on?
Currently Steam Early Access (PC). Other platforms expected later.
Does it support controllers?
Yes, and a controller is highly recommended for parkour precision.
The Rogue Prince of Persia doesn’t just chase Dead Cells — it learns from it. By fusing roguelite replayability with Prince of Persia’s iconic parkour, Ubisoft and Evil Empire have created a fast, stylish action-platformer that rewards movement as much as combat.
If Dead Cells was about perfect dodges and weapon mastery, Rogue Prince is about momentum, hazards, and turning the arena itself into a weapon.
Dead Cells set the bar. The Rogue Prince of Persia vaults over it — with a wall-run, a kick into spikes, and a finisher worthy of the Prince’s legacy.
