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).
Here’s a comprehensive guide for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (mobile version).
This guide covers gameplay basics, controls, combat tips, upgrade priorities, and walkthrough strategies.
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:
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is often remembered as a massive console adventure. However, its mobile counterpart was a completely different beast. Released in 2010 for J2ME and later for early smartphones, this version offered a unique perspective on the Sands of Time universe. 🏰 A Retro Powerhouse
While the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions pushed 3D graphics to the limit, the mobile version stayed true to the series' roots. It delivered high-quality 2D side-scrolling action. This wasn't just a "lite" version; it was a handcrafted experience designed for the thumb-pad era. ⏳ Core Features
Classic Acrobatics: Wall-running and ledge-grabbing felt incredibly fluid for a mobile game.
Elemental Powers: Players could manipulate water and ice to solve platforming puzzles.
Varied Environments: From crumbling palaces to lush gardens, the pixel art was top-tier. prince of persia the forgotten sands mobile
Boss Encounters: Massive enemies required more than just button-mashing to defeat. ⚔️ Why It Stands Out
Most movie or console tie-ins on mobile felt like clones of one another. The Forgotten Sands mobile stood out because it felt like a love letter to the original 1989 Prince of Persia. It prioritized precision movement and clever level design over flashy, shallow effects. 🕹️ The Legacy
Today, the game is a nostalgic "hidden gem." For those who lived through the transition from flip phones to iPhones, it represents the peak of Java gaming. It proved that you didn't need a GPU the size of a brick to capture the magic of the Prince’s journey. If you'd like to dive deeper, I can help you with: Finding emulator settings to play it today Comparing the Java version vs. the Gameloft HD version A breakdown of the hidden secrets and collectibles
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Mobile) is a 2D side-scrolling action-adventure game developed and published by
for Java-based mobile phones, Windows Phone, and Android. Released in May 2010 alongside the console versions, it offers a condensed experience of the Sands of Time universe tailored for mobile hardware. Plot and Setting The game follows the Prince as he visits his brother kingdom, only to find it under siege by a monster army. Malik’s Folly : To save his kingdom, Malik releases the ancient Solomon's Army , which quickly spirals out of control. : The Prince seeks the help of a witch/djinn named to seal the army back away. Brotherly Conflict
: During the final battle, Malik is tempted by the power-hungry Ifrit, leading to a confrontation where the player must choose between joining or defeating the Ifrit. Gameplay Mechanics : The main game is split into nine stages of cinematic platforming and combat.
: Standard moves include jumps, rolls, wall-running, and attack chains (up to five slashes). Elemental Powers : Granted by Razia, these include (turning water into platforms), Fire Shield Stone Armor Time Manipulation
: The Prince can rewind time to avoid death, a resource replenished at fountains. Boss Battles
: Each major stage concludes with a boss fight that often requires specific elemental powers to win. Bonus Content and Modes Multiple Endings
: The game features two endings based on the player's choice to either join or refuse the Ifrit. Challenge Modes Survival Mode : Fight waves of enemies in a timed arena. Time Attack : A speedrun mode through completed levels. Unlockables
collected during play, players can unlock character sprites, a music box with eight tracks, and four alternate outfits/skins. or the specific differences between the Java and Android versions Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Mobile)
Released in May 2010 by Gameloft, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer developed for Java ME, Windows Mobile, and later Android. While the console versions featured 3D environments, this mobile adaptation reimagined the story as a classic side-scroller using the same engine as Gameloft’s previous Prince of Persia entries. Story and Setting
The game serves as a bridge between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within, exploring the Prince's journey into leadership.
The Conflict: The Prince visits his brother Malik’s kingdom, only to find it besieged by a monstrous army.
The Gamble: To save the kingdom, Malik attempts to resurrect Solomon’s army with the help of a Djinn, but the plan backfires, unleashing the evil Ifrit.
The Quest: Players must navigate 9 unique locations, including palaces, catacombs, and deserts, to seal the Ifrit and restore the kingdom. Gameplay Mechanics
The mobile version features fast-paced platforming and combat tailored for handheld devices.
Acrobatics: Classic moves include wall jumping, sliding down curtains, and timed sequence jumps.
Elemental Powers: The Prince can turn into water to pass through obstacles or use a time-manipulating orb to restore items and grow plants to advance.
Weapon Variety: Unlike the console versions, the Prince can seize heavy weapons from enemies, such as giant axes, crossbows, and even a cannon to destroy towers.
Boss Battles: The game includes several bosses, with a final choice that leads to two different endings: joining the Ifrit or sealing it away. Game Modes and Extras
Beyond the main story, the game offers several additional modes and unlockables: Rating: 8
Survival & Time Attack: Test your combat skills against waves of enemies or race through levels against the clock.
Difficulty Settings: Three levels are available, including a "one-hit-kill" mode for extreme challenge.
Red Orb Economy: Players collect Red Orbs to unlock bonuses in the Main Menu, including: Skins: Four different outfits for the Prince.
Gallery: Sprites, background images, and a music box featuring eight tracks. Technical Availability
Originally a Java ME game, it is now largely considered abandonware on its original platforms. However, versions for modern mobile devices can occasionally be found through third-party shops like Zamve or played via emulators like J2ME Loader.
Released in 2010 by Gameloft, the mobile version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
is a 2D side-scrolling cinematic platformer that adapts the core story of the console version into a portable format. It is primarily known for its classic Java-era gameplay and elemental traversal mechanics. Core Gameplay Mechanics
Platforming Maneuvers: The game retains the Prince's signature acrobatics, including wall jumping, sliding down curtains, and timed sequence jumps. Elemental & Time Powers:
Time Manipulation: Use the time-manipulating orb to restore destroyed items or rapidly grow plants to create new paths.
Transformation: A unique mobile-specific ability allows the Prince to turn into water to pass through certain environmental obstacles.
Combat Integration: Magic powers like icy blasts, rock shields, and tornados can be used to stun or defeat enemies, though they are often restricted to marked sigils on the floor.
Combat System: Simplified "one-button" attacking system that occasionally triggers Quick Time Events (QTEs) for cinematic finishing moves. Game Structure and Modes
Campaign: The story spans nine stages, following the Prince as he visits his brother Malik and faces an army of monsters.
Difficulty Settings: Three tiers are available; the final "One-Hit-Kill" mode is unlocked by completing the game on lower difficulties. Extra Modes:
Time Attack: A mode focused on completing levels as quickly as possible.
Survival Mode: A test of endurance where the player fights waves of enemies in a small arena.
Dual Endings: Players can choose to join the Ifrit for an early ending or refuse to face a final extra boss phase and seal the enemy away. Bonus Content and Unlockables
Players can collect Red Orbs during levels to spend in the Bonus Section of the main menu: Skins: Unlock up to four different outfits for the Prince.
Sprite Gallery: View animations for every character and enemy in the game.
Multimedia: Access a Music Box with eight tracks and a gallery of background stage images. Technical Details Developer/Publisher: Gameloft.
Platforms: Originally released for Java ME, Windows Phone, and Android.
Performance: Highly optimized for mobile hardware, featuring customizable controls and the ability to work offline after the initial purchase. Have you played Prince of Persia: The Forgotten
This guide for the mobile version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
covers the core mechanics, level progression, and unlockable features of the Java-based title developed by Prince of Persia Wiki Core Gameplay Mechanics
The mobile version is a 2D side-scrolling cinematic platformer with streamlined controls. Prince of Persia Wiki | Fandom
: Battle is primarily mapped to a single button. Repeated presses initiate combo attacks. Orbs & Health Green Orbs : Recover the Prince’s health.
: Used as currency to buy items in the "Bonuses" section of the Main Menu. Difficulty Settings
: There are three difficulty levels, each unlocked sequentially. The final setting is a one-hit-kill Level Select
: Once a stage is completed, it can be replayed via the "Level Select" menu. Prince of Persia Wiki | Fandom Walkthrough Chapters The story progresses through 9 distinct chapters: Prince of Persia Wiki Last Stand Return of the Djinn Escaping Death The Witch Razia Malik's Choice Courage and Wisdom Solomon's Sword The End is the Beginning Secrets and Unlockables
Completing various requirements unlocks additional content and power-ups: Health Upgrades three crystals
from hidden boxes to increase the Prince's maximum health bar. Extra Modes Time Attack : Unlocked by collecting 80% of all orbs in the game. Survival Mode : Unlocked by collecting 100% of all orbs across all stages. Bonus Section to unlock the following: Sprites Gallery : View character and enemy animations.
: Four different outfits for the Prince (cost 300 Red Orbs each). : Access to eight background tracks. Backgrounds : Images from the game's four different stage environments. Prince of Persia Wiki | Fandom
The game features two distinct endings based on a final choice: Prince of Persia Wiki | Fandom Ifrit Ending : Occurs if the player decides to join the Ifrit. Sealing Ending
: Occurs if the Prince refuses; this triggers an extra boss phase where the Prince seals the Ifrit. Prince of Persia Wiki | Fandom finding the crystals for the health upgrades or a more detailed breakdown of a specific chapter Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Mobile)
Here’s a complete content package for Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (mobile version), including a game description, key features, tips & tricks, and a short social media / blog-style review.
Title: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
Genre: Action / Platformer / Adventure
Rating: PEGI 12 / ESRB Teen
Description:
Relive the epic adventure of the Prince in The Forgotten Sands, optimized for mobile devices with intuitive touch controls and stunning visuals. Following the events of The Sands of Time, the Prince travels to his brother’s kingdom to learn the secrets of rebuilding an army—only to unleash a supernatural force that threatens to destroy everything.
Mobile Exclusive Features:
Combat is hack-and-slash style but requires strategy against larger enemies.
1. Wall run is your best friend
Most platforming puzzles require chaining wall runs. Tap and hold the right side of the screen while swiping up to start a wall run, then tap the opposite side to jump between walls.
2. Freeze water strategically
Waterfalls can be frozen into solid walls using the Prince’s power. Wait until the Prince is mid-jump before freezing to create last-second platforms.
3. Save sand for emergencies
The “Recall” power (rewind time) uses sand tanks. Don’t waste it on small falls—keep at least one full tank for boss fights or trap-filled corridors.
4. Upgrade order recommendation
5. Enemy strategy
The hallmark of the mobile version is the water pillar freezing mechanic. Using the Prince’s dagger, you could freeze water in mid-air to create temporary platforms.