Prince Of Persia The: Forgotten Sands Mobile

Released in May 2010 to coincide with the major console launch and the live-action film, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

for mobile was developed by Gameloft. Unlike the 3D console versions, this mobile iteration is a 2D side-scrolling cinematic platformer designed for Java, Windows Phone, and later Android. Plot & Setting

Set between the events of The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, the Prince visits his brother Malik's kingdom, only to find the royal palace besieged by a supernatural army.

The Conflict: To save the kingdom, Malik releases Solomon’s Army, accidentally freeing the evil Ifrit, Ratash.

The Quest: The Prince must team up with the water Djinn, Razia, to gain elemental powers, retrieve Solomon’s Sword, and seal the Ifrit before Malik is fully consumed by its power. Gameplay Mechanics

The game adapts the core "Prince of Persia" experience into nine distinct stages.

Acrobatics: Classic moves like wall-running, wall-jumping, and sliding down curtains are central to navigating the palace ruins.

Elemental Powers: The Prince can manipulate elements to solve puzzles, such as freezing water to create climbable poles or platforms.

Combat: Simple hack-and-slash mechanics against varied sand monsters and large-scale boss battles.

Time Manipulation: Players can use a rewind ability to undo mistakes, though its use is limited and must be replenished at fountains. Features & Modes

Multiple Endings: The game offers two endings based on a final choice: joining the Ifrit or refusing him for a final boss fight.

Extra Modes: Beyond the story, players can access Time Attack (timed runs) and Survival Mode (fighting waves of enemies).

Bonus Content: A "Bonus Section" allows players to unlock character sprite galleries, music tracks, and four different character skins using red orbs collected during gameplay.


The Story: Familiar Faces, Fresh Context

The narrative remains broadly similar: The Prince travels to his brother Malik’s kingdom to learn how to control the Sands of Time. However, the mobile version streamlines the dialogue and focuses on the relationship between the Prince and a female spirit trapped within a magical medallion (a mechanic reminiscent of Elika from The Forgotten Sands console, but executed with more charm).

What makes the mobile version stand out is its pacing. On PC, you spent hours fighting faceless grunts. On Mobile, combat is minimal. You solve a room, fight two or three guards, and move on. The game respects your time, delivering a condensed 4-5 hour epic that feels like an interactive movie.

8. Troubleshooting (Emulator Players)

If you are playing this on a PC using an emulator (like J2ME Loader or KEmulator): prince of persia the forgotten sands mobile

  • Controls: Map the Numpad keys to your controller or WASD for easier movement.
  • Aspect Ratio: Maintain the original 4:3 ratio. Stretching the screen can distort depth perception, making platforming much harder.

"Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" is a solid entry that rewards precision. Master the wall-run and use your Time powers wisely, and you will conquer the sands.

While the flagship version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

dominated headlines on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010, the mobile version remains a fascinating piece of gaming history. Developed primarily for Java-based cellphones, it offered a surprisingly robust 2D side-scrolling experience that managed to distill the essence of the "Sands of Time" universe into a pocket-sized format. A Pocket-Sized Epic

The mobile version is not just a port; it is a dedicated 2D action-platformer split into nine distinct stages.

The Story: Following his adventure in Azad, the Prince visits his brother Malik’s kingdom, only to find it under siege by a monstrous Sand Army.

Gameplay Mechanics: It retains the series' signature fast-paced platforming, including wall-jumping, sliding down curtains, and timed sequence jumps.

Unique Features: One notable—and rather "cheeky"—feature in the mobile version is that the Prince gradually loses shreds of his clothing as he takes damage, eventually ending up completely shirtless by the end. Elemental Powers on a Small Screen

Despite technical limitations, the game incorporates magical abilities granted by the Djinn, Razia.

Elemental Manipulation: Players can turn the Prince into water to pass through obstacles or use a magic orb to grow plants and restore items.

Combat: Fighting is simplified to a single-button system, though it includes quick-time events for stylish finishing moves.

Challenge Modes: Beyond the main story, the game offers a "Time Attack" mode for speedrunners and a "Survival Mode" to test strength against waves of enemies in a small arena. The Legacy of "Forgotten" Versions

Interestingly, The Forgotten Sands was technically four different games. While the PC and major consoles shared one story, the Wii, PSP, DS, and mobile versions each featured unique storylines and mechanics. Today, some modern players even use emulators like GameHub to run the full PC version on high-end mobile devices, though the original Java version remains the definitive "mobile" entry for nostalgic fans.

See the unique 2D gameplay and mechanical charm of the original mobile version in action here:

Released alongside its console counterpart in 2010, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

for mobile is a 2D side-scrolling action platformer that captures the core essence of the Sands of Time universe in a bite-sized format. Gameplay & Mechanics Released in May 2010 to coincide with the

The game adapts the Prince’s signature agility and magical powers for mobile screens, focusing on fast-paced traversal and elemental combat: Acrobatic Platforming

: Navigate ancient Persian environments using classic moves like wall-running, sliding down curtains, and timed sequence jumps. Time & Elemental Powers

: Utilize a selection of abilities drawn from the console version to manipulate the environment. Rewind Time

: A staple mechanic allowing you to reverse time after a mistake or death. Elemental Manipulation

: Use powers to restore broken items or grow plants to reach new areas. Combat System

: Engage in battles against waves of monsters using simple but effective sword-fighting mechanics. Combat often triggers in locked rooms where you must defeat all enemies to proceed. Story & Progression

The narrative follows the Prince as he visits his brother, Malik, only to find the capital besieged by a monstrous sand army.

: The game is split into nine distinct stages, including boss encounters that require specific elemental strategies to overcome. Unlockables

: Collect red orbs throughout levels to purchase items from the Bonuses section

, including a sprites gallery, new character skins, and music tracks. Multiple Endings

: Your choices during the final confrontation—specifically whether to join or refuse the Ifrit—dictate which ending you receive. Game Modes

Beyond the main story, the mobile version offers extra challenges for replayability: Time Attack

: A mode focused on completing levels as quickly as possible. Survival Mode

: A test of endurance where you face endless waves of enemies in a small arena. Difficulty Tiers

: Features three difficulty settings, with the final "one-hit-kill" mode providing a significant challenge for veteran players. for the final stage or how the red orb economy works for unlocking character skins? The Story: Familiar Faces, Fresh Context The narrative

Mid-Game: The Library & Aqueducts

  • These levels introduce complex beam jumping and water hazards.
  • Tip: Look for reflective surfaces or glowing ledges; these usually indicate the correct path.
  • In the Aqueducts, you must turn valves to raise or lower water levels to swim to new areas.

9. Common Issues & Fixes

| Problem | Solution | |---------|----------| | Game lags on phone | Lower screen brightness, close background apps. | | Can’t rewind | Make sure sand tank not empty — kill enemies first. | | Stuck in wall | Use rewind to go back a few seconds. | | Touchscreen controls unresponsive | Use keypad version if possible; otherwise recalibrate screen in settings. |


Final Verdict: A Prince Worth Searching For

Rating: 8.5/10 (Relative to its era)

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile is a victim of bad branding. If Ubisoft had named it Prince of Persia: The Legend of the Medallion or Prince of Persia: Frozen Waters, it might be remembered as a classic mobile spin-off. Instead, it was mistaken for a bad console port.

If you are a fan of puzzle-platformers, LIMBO, or the original Flashback, you owe it to yourself to hunt down this forgotten gem. It proves that even during the dark ages of mobile gaming (the era of the micro-transaction and the virtual d-pad), a developer could craft a souls-like platformer before the genre even had a mainstream name.

Do not play the PC version of The Forgotten Sands. Play the Mobile version. That is where the real Sands of Time still flow.


Have you played Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands on an old flip phone or an iPod Touch? Share your memories in the comments below (or on the r/PrinceofPersia subreddit).

The mobile version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a distinct 2D sidescrolling adaptation of the console title, developed to accompany the 2010 film and console release. Unlike the 3D console versions, this mobile entry focuses on fast-paced platforming and simplified elemental mechanics. Gameplay & Mechanics The core experience is built around six stages designed for speed and precision. Platforming Focus

: The game emphasizes the Prince’s signature parkour, including wall runs and jumps across treacherous gaps and traps. Elemental Powers

: Players collect four unique power-ups (Air, Fire, Water, and Earth) that are crucial for progression. For instance, the Air element grants a dash ability for crossing large gaps, while can freeze waterfalls into climbable walls.

: Fighting is largely secondary to platforming, featuring basic hack-and-slash mechanics. Each stage culminates in a boss fight, with the final level requiring rapid cycling through all elemental powers to defeat a multi-phased enemy. Visuals and Audio Aesthetics

: The 2D character designs for the Prince and enemies are detailed for the platform, though backgrounds (like waterfalls and flames) remain relatively simple to maintain visual clarity during fast sequences. Soundtrack

: Critics have praised the music as a standout feature, blending traditional Persian folk elements with orchestral arrangements to create an immersive atmosphere. Critical Reception Gradual difficulty curve provides a balanced challenge.

Fast-paced, adrenaline-packed experience that captures the "Sands of Time" spirit in a 2D format.

High replay value for players who enjoy speedrunning levels to top leaderboards.

Controls can feel slightly clunky or less responsive than their console counterparts.

The single-plane 2D perspective can occasionally feel restrictive compared to the franchise's typical 3D exploration. Overall, the mobile version of The Forgotten Sands

is a solid, albeit short, companion piece that serves as an engaging throwback to the series' 2D roots. specific levels or curious how this version compares to other Prince of Persia mobile titles? Game Review – Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands