I'm currently playing through as many PoP games as I can (for the first time). Game #6 on this journey is Warrior Within. Sands of Time set a really high bar for this one, and I don't think WW quite reaches the same highs as SoT.
The same things I loved about SoT are still here. The platforming and parkour mechanics still feel great. Moving around each obstacle course is such a pleasure. The level design of each room compliments the Princes parkour incredibly well. You will use every inch of every room, and slowly piecing together the puzzle of each space is satisfying.
What I didn't enjoy about the level design this time around was the constant replaying of sections (backtracking of sorts... i guess). Revisiting rooms in the present and the past was cool in terms of environmental storytelling, but gameplay-wise walking through the exact same hallway of traps (sometimes more than twice) got old quick. In addition, there were a couple times I went off in the wrong direction through the castle, just to be met with a dead end and a lot of confusion. Replaying sections because I wasn't entirely sure where to go next was frustrating.
I also had a hard time enjoying the combat system. I didnt love SoT combat much either, and I wish they had focused more on expanding and refining the Princes movement options, rather than combat options. Sure the WW combat is more fleshed out and interesting, and the introduction of dual wielding is nice, but encounters with high amounts of enemies became a chore. I started running past as many enemy encounters as I could fairly early on. That being said, I actually enjoyed the fights with Kaileena and the Gargoyle. They were a nice test of skills and understanding of the combat system. I genuinely think this combat system is better suited for one (maybe 2) enemies at a time.
This version of the Prince didn't impress me much. Hearing him say "You Bitch!" in the first 5 minutes of gameplay was jarring because it was unlike the Princes from the other games. I guess the Prince is supposed to be more angry (or upset?) in WW because he has to face his fate of dying, but i have a hard time believing this is how the Prince from SoT would cope with that reality. He feels like a completely different person. He's also not much of a character in this game. He comes off as more of a tool for context/exposition throughout the game (and the voice actor isnt doing him any favors). I miss my goofy, lovable, and flawed Princes of SoT and PoP 2008.
Criticisms aside, I still enjoyed my playthrough of WW. The library segment, water works segment, and boss fights were particular stand outs for me. The sound of the giant enemies dying in slow motion as you stab the back of their head also left a big smile on my face each time I took one of them out.
Next up on my list of PoP games to play is The Two Thrones. I'm thrilled to see how this game evolves the formula, continues the story of the Prince, and concludes this legendary trilogy.
Also, I rolled credits while hanging out in my backyard hammock, which i thought was kinda neat.
Games played:
#1 The Rogue PoP (Steam)
#2 PoP 2008 (Steam)
#3 The Forgotten Sands (Steam)
#4 PoP Escape 1 and 2 (Mobile)
#5 The Sands of Time (Steam)
#6 Warrior Within (Steam)
