Prince of Persia

From Sega Retro

For the Sega Mega-CD game, see Prince of Persia (Mega-CD).

n/a

  • Mega Drive
  • Master System

PoP MD Title.png

PrinceofPersia SMS Title.png

Prince of Persia
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Master System, Sega Game Gear
Publisher:
Sega Mega Drive
Tengen (US)
Sega Mega Drive
Domark (EU)
Sega Master System
Sega Game Gear
Domark
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Game Gear
Tengen (US)
Original system(s): Apple II
Sound driver:
Sega Mega Drive
GEMS
Genre: Action[1]

















Number of players: 1
Official in-game languages:

Sega Mega Drive
Sega Master System
  • English
  • Français
  • Deutsch
  • Español
  • Italiano
  • Sega Game Gear
  • English
  • Release Date RRP Code
    Sega Mega Drive
    US
    $59.9559.95[3] T-48286
    301053-0150
    Videogame Rating Council: MA-13
    Sega Mega Drive
    EU
    T-88076-50
    Sega Mega Drive
    UK
    £44.9944.99[6] T-88076-50
    Sega Mega Drive
    SE
    (Rental)
    Sega Mega Drive
    AU
    FPRI02SMC
    Sega Master System
    EU
    MK 27022-50
    Sega Master System
    UK
    £29.9929.99[8][9] MK 27022-50
    Sega Master System
    AU
    Sega Master System
    BR
    027270
    Sega Game Gear
    US
    T-48098
    Sega Game Gear
    EU
    T-88018-50
    Sega Game Gear
    UK
    £29.9929.99[12] T-88018-50
    Non-Sega versions

    Prince of Persia is a platform game created by Jordan Mechner for the Apple II computer. It has been ported to many of platforms over the years, including the Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD, Sega Master System and Sega Game Gear.

    Story

    The Grand Vizier Jaffar has thrown you into a dungeon and is forcing the princess of Persia to marry him within the hour. You must escape the dungeon, defeat Jaffar and rescue the princess to become the prince of Persia.

    History

    Legacy

    The game was revolutionary at the time due to the quality of the animation, and is now considered a classic among gamers. It has also inspired several sequels, starting with Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame, and a feature length movie.

    Versions

    While all four versions of the game stem from the same source (Jordan Mechner's Apple II version, published by Brøderbund Software in 1989), each of the Sega versions were handled by different teams and arrived at different periods between 1992 and 1993. The game was written in 6502 assembly language for the Apple II, meaning almost every version of the game had to be re-written for the differing hardware.

    The Mega-CD version was the first Sega port of the game to be released, landing in Japan in August 1992. This version was developed by Bits Laboratory and was originally published by Victor Musical Industries, with Sega handling publishing duties overseas. The Mega-CD version uses similar updated designs and aesthetics as previous Japanese conversions from 1991 (handled by Riverhillsoft and released for the PC Engine, X68000, PC-9801 and FM Towns), albeit with voiceovers in the introduction sequence instead of text.

    The Game Gear and Master System versions are largely identical bar differences in screen resolution, and, together with the Mega Drive version, were developed as contract work for Domark.

    Domark's Richard Walker re-wrote the game in 68000 assembly for the Mega Drive, using a version of the source code written in C as a base[13] and the enhanced graphics of the Macintosh version. The levels were re-built by eye by playing the IBM PC version of the game, with a four extra levels created by Jim Blackler[13].

    Despite having already appeared on the Mega-CD, the Mega Drive is completely different, with more detailed graphics and a different introduction sequence.

    Production credits

    Mega Drive version

    • Programming: Richard Walker
    • Graphics: Lloyd Baker
    • Sound Effects: Mike Ash
    • Quality Assurance: Gary Patino
    • Production: Chris Johnson
    • Special Thanks: Jim Blackler, Jason Cunningham, Steve Calfee, Bill Hindorff, Earl Vickers, Mitzi McGilvray
    Source:
    In-game credits (US version)


    • Programming: Richard Walker, Jim Blackler
    • Artwork: Lloyd Baker
    • Sound Effects: Mike Ash
    • Quality Assurance Management: Gary Patino
    • Testing: Ken Jordan, Tim Mawson, Matt Miller
    • Production: Chris Johnson
    • Further Artwork: Jason Cunningham
    Source:
    In-game credits (EU version)

    Master System version

    Source:
    Opening demo credits


    Game Gear version

    Source:
    Opening demo credits


    Magazine articles

    Main article: Prince of Persia/Magazine articles.

    Promotional material

    Main article: Prince of Persia/Promotional material.

    Physical scans

    Mega Drive version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    88 №29
    84 [14]
    93 [15]
    68 №16, p70
    80 №19
    87 [16]
    86 №20, p18-19
    68 №18, p40
    88 [17]
    68 [18]
    82 №27, p66-68
    72 [19]
    83 [20]
    89 [21]
    64 [22]
    78 [23]
    63 №53, p60-61
    83 №30, p58-59
    94 [24]
    80 [25]
    79 №25, p10
    70 [26]
    70 №63, p81
    Sega Mega Drive
    79
    Based on
    23 reviews
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
    60
    [27]
    Console Mania (IT) PAL
    89
    [28]
    Cool Gamer (RU)
    60
    [29]
    Computer & Video Games (UK)
    84
    [14]
    Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
    87
    [30]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    78
    [31]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1 (RU)
    80
    [32]
    Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 2 (RU)
    80
    [33]
    GamePro (US) NTSC-U
    93
    [3]
    Gamers (DE)
    40
    [34]
    GamesMaster (UK) PAL
    68
    [35]
    Hyper (AU)
    82
    [36]
    Joypad (FR) PAL
    87
    [37]
    MAN!AC (DE) PAL
    71
    [38]
    Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)
    86
    [39]
    Mega (UK) PAL
    68
    [40]
    Mega Action (UK) PAL
    87
    [41]
    Mega Force (FR)
    88
    [42]
    Mega Fun (DE) PAL
    68
    [43]
    MegaTech (UK) PAL
    82
    [44]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
    83
    [45]
    Player One (FR)
    89
    [46]
    Play Time (DE)
    64
    [47]
    Sega Magazin (DE)
    70
    [48]
    Sega Magazine (UK) PAL
    78
    [5]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    63
    [49]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    83
    [50]
    Sega Zone (UK) PAL
    86
    [51]
    SuperGamePower (BR)
    80
    [52]
    Sega Mega Drive Review (RU)
    80
    [53]
    Sonic the Comic (UK) PAL
    79
    [54]
    Super Juegos (ES)
    85
    [55]
    Todo Sega (ES)
    83
    [56]
    Tricks 16 bit (RU)
    76
    [57]
    Video Games (DE) PAL
    70
    [58]
    VideoGames (US) NTSC-U
    70
    [59]
    Sega Mega Drive
    77
    Based on
    36 reviews

    Prince of Persia

    Mega Drive, US
    PoP MD US Box.jpg
    Cover
    PoP MD US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Prince of Persia MD US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Mega Drive, EU
    PoP MD EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    PoP MD EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Mega Drive, FR (Blister pack)
    PoP MD FR blister front.jpg
    Cover
    Mega Drive, SE (Rental)

    Mega Drive, AU
    PoP MD AU cover.jpg
    Cover

    Master System version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    91 [60]
    90 [8]
    92 [61]
    91 [62]
    80 №19
    94 №4, p20-22
    80 [63]
    91 [64]
    91 [65]
    91 [66]
    91 [67]
    73 №55, p50
    94 [68]
    92 №32, p26-27
    96 [69]
    93 №15, p73
    91 [70]
    88 [71]
    94 [24]
    96 [72]
    91 [73]
    59 [74]
    Sega Master System
    89
    Based on
    22 reviews
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Computer & Video Games (UK)
    90
    [8]
    Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
    92
    [61]
    FX (UK)
    91
    [75]
    Game Mania (UK)
    91
    [62]
    Game Power (IT)
    92
    [76]
    GamesMaster (UK)
    80
    [77]
    Game Zone (UK) PAL
    94
    [78]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    80
    [79]
    Hobby Consolas (ES)
    80
    [80]
    Joypad (FR)
    91
    [81]
    Joystick (FR)
    91
    [65]
    Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
    75
    [82]
    Mean Machines (UK) PAL
    91
    [83]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK)
    91
    [67]
    Player One (FR)
    94
    [84]
    Power Up! (UK)
    90
    [85]
    Sega Power (UK) PAL
    92
    [86]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    96
    [87]
    Sega Pro (UK)
    93
    [88]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    94
    [89]
    Sega Zone (UK) PAL
    91
    [90]
    Sega Force (SE)
    88
    [71]
    Sega Force (UK) PAL
    94
    [91]
    Sega Force (UK) PAL
    96
    [72]
    Supersonic (FR)
    91
    [73]
    Video Games (DE)
    59
    [92]
    Sega Master System
    89
    Based on
    26 reviews

    Prince of Persia

    Master System, EU
    PoP SMS EU Box.jpg
    Cover
    PoP SMS EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Prince of Persia SMS EU Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Master System, AU

    PoP SMS AU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Master System, AU (Classics)
    PoP SMS AU classics cover.jpg
    Cover
    Master System, BR
    PoP SMS BR Box.jpg
    Cover
    Princeofpersia sms br cart.jpg
    Cart

    Game Gear version

    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Score Source
    {{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
    Based on
    0 review
    Sega Retro Average 
    Publication Version Score
    Consoles + (FR)
    90
    [93]
    Computer & Video Games (UK)
    93
    [12]
    Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
    83
    [94]
    Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U
    70
    [95]
    Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
    91
    [96]
    Fistful! (UK)
    85
    [97]
    Game Mania (UK)
    91
    [98]
    Game Informer (US) NTSC-U
    75
    [99]
    Game Zone (UK) NTSC-U
    92
    [100]
    Joypad (FR)
    82
    [101]
    Joystick (FR) PAL
    82
    [102]
    Micromanía (segunda época) (ES)
    92
    [103]
    Mean Machines Sega (UK)
    91
    [104]
    Play Time (DE)
    81
    [105]
    Sega News (CZ)
    100
    [106]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    95
    [107]
    Sega Pro (UK)
    92
    [108]
    Sega Pro (UK) PAL
    93
    [109]
    Sega Force (UK) PAL
    95
    [110]
    VideoGames & Computer Entertainment (US) NTSC-U
    70
    [111]
    Video Games (DE) PAL
    39
    [112]
    Zero (UK)
    91
    [113]
    Sega Game Gear
    85
    Based on
    22 reviews

    Prince of Persia

    Game Gear, US
    PoP GG US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngPoP GG US Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    PoP GG US Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Prince of Persia GG US Manual.pdf
    Manual
    Game Gear, EU
    PoP GG EU Box Back.jpgNospine.pngPoP GG EU Box Front.jpg
    Cover
    PoP GG EU Cart.jpg
    Cart
    Prince of Persia GG EU Manual.pdf
    Manual

    Technical information

    ROM dump status

    System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
    Sega Master System
     ?
    CRC32 7704287d
    MD5 70e9b330dd6a91e7310f3c8d9a934ecc
    SHA-1 7ef7b4e2fcec69946844c186c62836c0ae34665f
    256kB Cartridge (EU)
    Sega Game Gear
     ?
    CRC32 311d2863
    MD5 0d636c8d86dafd4f2c337e34e94b1e41
    SHA-1 7820699ee6b214f3f02f724f4d7891184caf93f8
    256kB Cartridge (US/EU)

    References

    1. File:PoP GG EU Box Back.jpg
    2. GamePro, "December 1993" (US; 1993-xx-xx), page 189
    3. 3.0 3.1 GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 32
    4. Computer & Video Games, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 102
    5. 5.0 5.1 Sega Magazine, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 106
    6. Computer & Video Games, "July 1994" (UK; 1994-06-15), page 81
    7. 7.0 7.1 Sega Pro, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-18), page 59
    8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 Computer & Video Games, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-15), page 27
    9. Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 27
    10. GamePro, "July 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 90
    11. Computer & Video Games, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-15), page 17
    12. 12.0 12.1 Computer & Video Games, "September 1992 (Go! Issue 11)" (UK; 1992-08-15), page 12
    13. 13.0 13.1 Interview: Jim Blackler by Segacollection.com
    14. 14.0 14.1 Computer & Video Games, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-03-15), page 36
    15. GamePro, "April 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 30 (32)
    16. Joypad, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 80-81 (80)
    17. Mega Force, "Février 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 112-113 (112)
    18. Mega Fun, "03/94" (DE; 1994-02-23), page 105 (97)
    19. Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 92-94 (92)
    20. Mean Machines Sega, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-02-28), page 74-75 (74)
    21. Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 88-89 (88)
    22. Play Time, "7/94" (DE; 1994-06-08), page 138 (132)
    23. Sega Magazine, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-15), page 106/107 (106)
    24. 24.0 24.1 Sega Force, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-xx), page 10-13 (12)
    25. SuperGamePower, "Abril 1994" (BR; 1994-0x-xx), page 72-77 (72)
    26. Video Games, "4/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 86 (82)
    27. 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 181
    28. Console Mania, "Aprile 1994" (IT; 1994-0x-xx), page 80
    29. Cool Gamer, "9" (RU; 2002-10-13), page 164
    30. Electronic Games (1992-1995), "March 1994" (US; 1994-02-22), page 65
    31. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "March 1994" (US; 1994-xx-xx), page 38
    32. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 1, "" (RU; 1999-xx-xx), page 350
    33. Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 2, "" (RU; 2000-xx-xx), page 178
    34. Gamers, "März/April 1994" (DE; 1994-03-04), page 48
    35. GamesMaster, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-03-17), page 70
    36. Hyper, "March 1994" (AU; 1994-xx-xx), page 60
    37. Joypad, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 80
    38. MAN!AC, "05/94" (DE; 1994-04-13), page 45
    39. Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-xx-xx), page 18
    40. Mega, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-17), page 40
    41. Mega Action, "February 1994" (UK; 1994-01-28), page 12
    42. Mega Force, "Février 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 112
    43. Mega Fun, "03/94" (DE; 1994-02-23), page 105
    44. MegaTech, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-20), page 66
    45. Mean Machines Sega, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-02-28), page 74
    46. Player One, "Mars 1994" (FR; 1994-0x-xx), page 88
    47. Play Time, "7/94" (DE; 1994-06-08), page 138
    48. Sega Magazin, "Juni 1994" (DE; 1994-05-11), page 18
    49. Sega Power, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-03-03), page 60
    50. Sega Pro, "April 1994" (UK; 1994-02-24), page 58
    51. Sega Zone, "March 1994" (UK; 1994-02-24), page 37
    52. SuperGamePower, "Abril 1994" (BR; 1994-0x-xx), page 72
    53. Sega Mega Drive Review, "1" (RU; 1995-04-03), page 116
    54. Sonic the Comic, "May 13th 1994" (UK; 1994-04-30), page 10
    55. Super Juegos, "Abril 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 96
    56. Todo Sega, "Marzo 1994" (ES; 1994-0x-xx), page 90
    57. Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 139
    58. Video Games, "4/94" (DE; 1994-03-23), page 86
    59. VideoGames, "April 1994" (US; 1994-0x-xx), page 81
    60. Consoles +, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 112-114 (112)
    61. 61.0 61.1 Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 150
    62. 62.0 62.1 Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 81
    63. Hobby Consolas, "Octubre 1992" (ES; 1992-xx-xx), page 110-111 (102)
    64. Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 80-81 (80)
    65. 65.0 65.1 Joystick, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 198
    66. Mean Machines, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-27), page 88-90 (88)
    67. 67.0 67.1 Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 135
    68. Player One, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-11-10), page 90-91 (86)
    69. Sega Pro, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-18), page 58-59 (58)
    70. Sega Zone, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-28), page 74-76 (74)
    71. 71.0 71.1 Sega Force, "2/92" (SE; 1992-11-19), page 23
    72. 72.0 72.1 Sega Force, "June 1993" (UK; 1993-05-06), page 74
    73. 73.0 73.1 Supersonic, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 24
    74. Video Games, "8/92" (DE; 1992-07-22), page 95 (91)
    75. FX (UK) (+0:00)
    76. Game Power, "Luigio/Agosto 1992" (IT; 1992-0x-xx), page 44
    77. GamesMaster (UK) "Series 2, episode 9" (1992-11-26, 24:00) (+6:14)
    78. Game Zone, "February 1992" (UK; 1992-01-24), page 20
    79. Hobby Consolas, "Octubre 1992" (ES; 1992-xx-xx), page 110
    80. Hobby Consolas, "Noviembre 1992" (ES; 1992-xx-xx), page 126
    81. Joypad, "Septembre 1992" (FR; 1992-0x-xx), page 80
    82. Micromanía (segunda época), "Diciembre 1992" (ES; 1992-1x-xx), page 50
    83. Mean Machines, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-27), page 112
    84. Player One, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-11-10), page 90
    85. Power Up!, "Saturday, October 24, 1992" (UK; 1992-10-24), page 1
    86. Sega Power, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-04), page 26
    87. Sega Pro, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-18), page 58
    88. Sega Pro, "Christmas 1992" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 69
    89. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 72
    90. Sega Zone, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-28), page 74
    91. Sega Force, "July 1992" (UK; 1992-06-xx), page 12
    92. Video Games, "8/92" (DE; 1992-07-22), page 95
    93. Consoles +, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-1x-xx), page 148
    94. Electronic Games (1992-1995), "January 1993" (US; 1992-12-10), page 98
    95. Electronic Gaming Monthly, "January 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 38
    96. Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 168
    97. Fistful!, "June/July 1992" (UK; 1992-05-28), page 7
    98. Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 70
    99. Game Informer, "January/February 1993" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 6
    100. Game Zone, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-24), page 58
    101. Joypad, "Janvier 1993" (FR; 199x-xx-xx), page 149
    102. Joystick, "Février 1993" (FR; 1993-0x-xx), page 185
    103. Micromanía (segunda época), "Marzo 1993" (ES; 1993-0x-xx), page 44
    104. Mean Machines Sega, "January 1993" (UK; 1992-12-28), page 96
    105. Play Time, "3/93" (DE; 1993-02-10), page 107
    106. Sega News, "Prosinec 1996" (CZ; 1996-1x-xx), page 32
    107. Sega Pro, "August 1992" (UK; 1992-07-16), page 66
    108. Sega Pro, "Christmas 1992" (UK; 1992-12-10), page 70
    109. Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 74
    110. Sega Force, "September 1992" (UK; 1992-08-13), page 56
    111. VideoGames & Computer Entertainment, "November 1992" (US; 1992-1x-xx), page 87
    112. Video Games, "2/93" (DE; 1993-01-27), page 120
    113. Zero, "August 1992" (UK; 1992-07-xx), page 78
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    Prince of Persia

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    Sega Game Gear
    Prototypes: Prototype

    Sega Mega Drive
    Prototypes: Prototype A | Prototype B



    Prince of Persia games for Sega systems
    Sega Master System
    Prince of Persia (1992)
    Sega Game Gear
    Prince of Persia (1992)
    Sega Mega-CD
    Prince of Persia (1992)
    Sega Mega Drive
    Prince of Persia (1993) | Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame (Cancelled)
    Sega Dreamcast
    Prince of Persia: Arabian Nights (2000)