This second sequel aims to combine elements of both with the Prince returning to the besieged city of Babylon. In escaping from capture he inadvertently gives life to the Dark Prince – an evil alter ego with quite different powers.

As the game progress you can switch between the two characters by stepping into fire, with each using their different weapons in even more gruesome ways than before. The Dark Prince’s Daggertail is particularly deadly, being a sort of long spiky chain with a blade on the end that works rather like the whips from Castlevania.

As the latest in a long line of games to take inspiration from Grand Theft Auto the whole game is set within the city of Babylon, which is yours to explore as you wish. Although there are no vehicles to carjack you can take part in some particularly brutal chariot races, if you get tired of walking and jumping around.

Whether this ends up being the best Prince of Persia yet rather depends on how much you like The Sands of Time, but it certainly is the most attractive with some superb graphics and enough new features to make Warrior Within seem even more lacking than ever. -- Harrison Dent

This preview is based on an incomplete version of the game; features or problems mentioned above may not appear in the finished game.

The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, bearing with him Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. 

Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him&.

• Alternate between the two personalities: Wield the powers and weapons of two master warriors with different combat styles, attitudes, and histories.
• Choose your way to kill: Master the expanded Free-Form Fighting system to destroy enemies in your own style; strangle enemies from afar with the deadly chain; or surprise them with full speed kill moves. The choice is yours.
• Battle freely in an urban environment: Dominate enemies on the perilous rooftops, elude assassins in chaotic streets and ambush pursuers.
• Immerse yourself in a dramatic story: Experience unparalleled depth in storytelling as you fight your way through a twisting tale filled with adrenaline, tension and discovery.
• Manipulate time to surprise enemies: Execute powerful attacks against entire armies by slowing down or rewinding time, or surprise them by using some all-new Sands of Time powers.
• Experience a masterful blend of gameplay: True to the Prince of Persia franchise, the game provides a variety of action combat, agility and story-driven puzzles all masterfully blended together into a rich gaming experience.