Prince of Persia

Prince of Persia is a groundbreaking cinematic platformer originally released for DOS by Broderbund in 1989. Known for its rotoscoped animations and fluid character movement, it set a new standard for action-adventure games. Your mission? Escape a dungeon, navigate deadly traps, and defeat enemies—all within 60 minutes—to rescue the Princess from the evil vizier Jaffar. Time is not on your side in this thrilling blend of timing, agility, and precision.

How to play Prince of Persia

Getting Started

On PEXY.io, you can play the DOS version of Prince of Persia directly in your browser using a DOSBox-based emulator. No installations needed. Simply load the game and start your escape from the dungeon’s depths.

Controls

• Desktop: Use the keyboard for full control. Arrow keys move the Prince left or right, Shift lets you walk carefully (to avoid stepping on traps), Shift + Arrow for careful movement, Up Arrow to jump or climb up, and Down Arrow to crouch or climb down. Sword fighting is triggered when you encounter guards—press Control to fight or block.
• Controller: Supported through emulator configurations. Buttons typically mirror keyboard mappings.
• Mobile: Playable via on-screen touch controls, though a Bluetooth keyboard or controller is recommended for precision jumps and combat.

Gameplay Overview

Your objective is to survive the palace dungeons and reach the Princess within an hour. The game features 13 levels packed with:

• Spikes, crumbling floors, guillotines, and trap doors
• Sword-wielding palace guards
• Mirror puzzles and shadow doppelgängers
• Timed puzzles requiring agility and memory

Every level ends with a gate that opens via pressure plates or timed switches—some visible, others hidden.

Sword Combat

When you encounter guards, the game switches to sword fighting mode. Timing is key: parry with Control and counterattack when the guard lowers his defense. Mastering this system is crucial for progressing.

Hints from the Manual

The original manual provided key advice:

• “Don’t rush.” Time may be limited, but haste leads to death.
• “Listen for clues.” Audio cues signal traps or enemy proximity.
• “Look before you leap.” Many deaths come from careless jumps.

Remember: You only have 60 minutes to win, real-time.

FAQ

What is Prince of Persia?

Prince of Persia is a cinematic platformer where you must escape a dungeon and rescue a princess within one hour, avoiding traps and fighting guards along the way.

Can I play Prince of Persia online?

Yes! On PEXY.io you can play it directly in your browser through a DOS emulator.

Does it support saving?

The original game didn’t allow in-game saving, but browser emulators may support save states.

Is Prince of Persia hard?

Yes, it’s known for its precise timing and trial-and-error gameplay. But that’s part of the challenge—and charm!

How long is the game?

You have 60 real-time minutes to complete all 13 levels.

Is there music or sound in the DOS version?

Yes, it features ambient sounds and effects that enhance the experience, even through basic PC speakers.

Can I fight back?

Yes. You’ll find a sword early in the game, and from then on, you can engage in 1-on-1 duels with palace guards.

Is the game suitable for mobile?

It is playable, but tricky due to the precision needed for platforming. External keyboards or controllers are advised for mobile players.

What makes Prince of Persia special?

Its realistic animation, tight level design, and innovative gameplay made it a landmark in gaming history.

Where can I find the manual?

The original manual, with lore and tips, can be downloaded from here.