### The Rogue Prince of Persia: A Hidden Gem in the Roguelite Genre

The gaming landscape of 2025 has been dominated by high-profile releases, with Hades II capturing the vast majority of headlines. However, one title that deserves attention, yet has largely gone unnoticed, is Evil Empire’s **The Rogue Prince of Persia**. This game, which entered early access around the same time as Hades II, has faced overshadowing but offers a unique experience worth exploring.

#### Art Style Controversy

Upon its initial reveal, The Rogue Prince of Persia faced significant scrutiny regarding its art style. The character design—a distinctive blend of elements inspired by Arabic miniatures, Mœbius comics, and retro video game aesthetics—drew both interest and criticism. In response to public feedback, Evil Empire opted to modify the protagonist’s appearance for the final release. While this change aimed to appease disgruntled fans, it may have contributed to the game slipping under the radar of many gamers.

#### Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, The Rogue Prince of Persia reinvents the classic action-platformer gameplay established by the original series, created by Jordan Mechner. Players can expect exhilarating parkour mechanics and the thrill of speedrunning, avoiding spike traps while engaging in fluid combat. Notably, the game moves away from the time-manipulating mechanics introduced in 2003’s The Sands of Time, opting instead for a more straightforward approach that focuses on skill and agility.

The procedural generation of levels enhances replayability, allowing it to maintain a handcrafted feel akin to the acclaimed Dead Cells. This feature, combined with a wealth of weapon combinations, embodies the classic “just one more run” addiction that fans of the roguelite genre cherish. Unlike many other games in the category, The Rogue Prince of Persia delivers a more coherent narrative, enriching the player’s experience amid the chaos of the gameplay.

#### Soundtrack and Cultural Representation

One of the game’s standout features is its captivating soundtrack, composed by Iranian American artist ASADI. The score oscillates between tranquil melodies that evoke serene moments when the Prince interacts with the environment and energetic rhythms that enhance the excitement of boss battles. This unique fusion of modern trap music and traditional Persian instruments beautifully underscores the game’s artistic direction and cultural representation.

The inclusion of a Farsi dub, following the success of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, further connects The Rogue Prince of Persia to its cultural roots. This conscious effort to present and honor the rich history and artistry that inspired the series paints a more authentic picture of the narrative landscape that players traverse.

#### Conclusion

Despite the overwhelming presence of Hades II, The Rogue Prince of Persia stands out as a remarkable entry in the roguelite genre. Its creative gameplay, stunning soundtrack, and thoughtful representation of culture create a compelling package that merits recognition. While others may gravitate towards well-known sequels, the Prince offers an enchanting journey through a beautifully imagined fantasy version of Persia. It is a game that deserves a spot on every player’s radar, inviting them to embark on a daring adventure with its recently reimagined hero.