Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a standout Metroidvania from Ubisoft, has been quietly gaining acclaim since its release earlier this year. The game is a true gem, offering some of the most satisfying 2D platforming action since Celeste. And now, with the release of its Mask of Darkness DLC, The Lost Crown has reached new heights. This challenging DLC is a love letter to the game’s core mechanics, offering a more focused experience that will appeal to experienced players.
Mask of Darkness focuses on Radjen, an assassin who was only briefly glimpsed in the main game. Sargon, the player character, finds himself trapped within her mind palace after attempting to confront her. The DLC delves into Radjen’s complex backstory and her struggle with trauma, adding a new layer of depth to the game’s narrative. While the main story of The Lost Crown was considered one of its weaker aspects, Mask of Darkness showcases the game’s writing at its best.
Beyond its compelling narrative, Mask of Darkness shines with its intricate platforming challenges. Much like Celeste’s Farewell DLC, this expansion pushes players to master their skills. While technically playable before completing the main game, Mask of Darkness is best experienced after players have grown comfortable with The Lost Crown’s mechanics. This DLC serves as a stark reminder of how demanding The Lost Crown’s platforming can be, but it’s precisely this challenge that makes it so rewarding.
The DLC strips away many of Sargon’s later-game upgrades, forcing players to rely on their core abilities, such as the bow, air dash, and shadow copy. Mask of Darkness also introduces entirely new platforming scenarios not seen in the base game, such as platforms that disappear with each jump or a giant, chase-inducing eye. Even with the incredible platforming found in games like Astro Bot, The Lost Crown’s movement mechanics remain some of the best in the industry. Mask of Darkness further solidifies this, offering clever level design that combines multiple obstacles in ways that test players’ mettle.
The DLC is a bit more linear than the vast world of The Lost Crown, but it still provides players with choices in terms of which challenges they tackle first. For those who venture off the beaten path and conquer particularly grueling challenges, there are often unique rewards and abilities to be claimed.
Even if you haven’t touched The Lost Crown in months, Mask of Darkness will make you feel like you never left. The DLC is a perfect testament to the game’s core mechanics and a must-have for any fan. With its accessible difficulty customization options, even the most hardcore platforming challenges can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. Mask of Darkness is available on all of these platforms for a mere $5. So, if you’re looking for a challenging and rewarding platforming experience, be sure to check out The Lost Crown and its fantastic Mask of Darkness DLC.
