When Ubisoft released Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands in 2010, it was intended to bridge the narrative gap between The Sands of Time and Warrior Within. However, most gamers remember the "main" version for the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC—a title that was unfortunately rushed and largely forgettable.
But for mobile gamers of the early 2010s (specifically Java ME, BREW, and early iOS/Android devices), there was a different story. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile was not a port of the buggy console title. It was a completely different game, built from the ground up. In fact, it is widely regarded by hardcore fans as the true spiritual successor to The Sands of Time.
Here is everything you need to know about this hidden masterpiece.
Overview
Premise
Gameplay
Level & Structure
Visuals & Audio
Length & Replayability
Strengths
Limitations
Who it’s for
Quick verdict
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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
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?
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Mobile) Released in May 2010 to coincide with the major console launch and the live-action film, the mobile version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
is a 2D side-scrolling action-platformer. While sharing a title with the 3D console version, the mobile entry was specifically tailored for handheld devices of its era by developer Gameloft. Core Gameplay & Features
The game translates the franchise's signature acrobatic movement into a simplified 2D format across nine distinct stages.
Acrobatic Traversal: The Prince can perform wall jumps, slide down curtains, and execute timed sequence jumps to navigate levels.
Elemental Powers: Players can use magic to turn the Prince into water, allowing him to bypass specific obstacles. Traversal also involves using an "orb" to restore broken items or grow plants.
Combat System: Fighting is simplified to a single-button attack system with occasional quick-time event (QTE) finishing moves.
Progression: Players collect green orbs to recover health and red orbs to purchase items from a "Bonuses" section in the main menu.
Extra Modes: Upon completion, the game offers Time Attack (timed runs) and Survival Mode (waves of enemies in an arena). Plot Summary
The story is a condensed version of the main narrative. The Prince arrives at the capital to visit his brother, Malik, only to find the city besieged by monsters. Malik plans to resurrect "Solomon's Army" with the help of an Ifrit (a powerful spirit) to save the kingdom, leading the Prince on a quest to either join or seal away this ancient evil. Platform Availability
Originally developed for Java ME, Windows Phone, and Android (early versions), the game is now largely unavailable on modern app stores. However, enthusiasts often access it through various modern methods:
Official History: It launched on May 11, 2010, as a 2D mobile and browser-based experience. prince of persia the forgotten sands mobile
Modern Emulation: Many players now use the PPSSPP Emulator on Android to play the PSP version of the game, which is a fully realized 3D experience distinct from the 2D mobile release.
PC Emulation: Recent advancements allow some players to run the full PC version of The Forgotten Sands on high-end Android devices using software like Winlator or GameHub.
For tips on how to get the performance and controls just right on modern Android devices: 12:39
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 mobile version of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is a 2D side-scrolling platformer developed and published by Gameloft in 2010. Unlike the 3D console version, it features a unique storyline and gameplay mechanics tailored for mobile devices. Core Gameplay Features
Nine Narrative Stages: The game is divided into nine chapters, including "Last Stand," "Return of the Djinn," and "The End is the Beginning".
Elemental & Time Powers: The Prince utilizes abilities drawn from the console version, such as freezing water to create platforms or using an "orb" to restore destroyed objects and grow plants to navigate levels.
Combat Mechanics: Includes standard sword fighting, boss battles, and a unique "2nd person" 3D chase scene where the Prince runs toward the screen to escape a demon.
Character Evolution: A unique visual detail is that the Prince loses shreds of clothing as he takes damage, eventually becoming shirtless at low health. Game Modes & Collectibles
Extra Modes: Includes Time Attack (timed level runs) and Survival Mode (arena-style waves of enemies). Orb System: Green Orbs: Recover health.
Red Orbs: Used as currency in the "Bonuses" section to unlock sprite galleries, music tracks, background images, and four different character skins.
Difficulty Settings: Three tiers are available, with the final "one-hit-kill" difficulty locked until previous levels are completed. Story & Multiple Endings
The story follows the Prince visiting his brother Malik, only to find the kingdom besieged by a monster army. The game features two distinct endings based on a final choice: Bad Ending: The Prince decides to join the Ifrit.
Good Ending: The Prince refuses, leading to a final boss fight where he seals the Ifrit away. Availability
Originally released for Java mobile, Windows Phone, and Android (around 2011), the game was noted for its small file size (approx. 977kb for the Java version) while offering a relatively long campaign for the platform.
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)
The Hidden Gem of the Java Era: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands While the console versions of Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands
were often seen as a safe return to form, the mobile version—specifically the Java ME edition developed by Gameloft—remains a fascinating artifact of early handheld gaming. Released in May 2010 to coincide with the broader multi-platform launch and the Jake Gyllenhaal film, this wasn't just a port; it was a completely unique 2D side-scrolling experience built from the ground up for the hardware of its time. A Different Kind of Adventure
Unlike the 3D home console titles, the mobile version is a dedicated side-scroller split into nine distinct stages. It follows the Prince as he arrives at his brother Malik's kingdom, only to find it under siege by a supernatural army of monsters.
While the core narrative beats remain—the release of Solomon’s Army, the sibling rivalry with Malik, and the meeting with the djinn Razia—the mobile game focuses heavily on platforming and rhythmic combat tailored for simple controls. Gameplay Mechanics: Elemental Mastery
Despite the technical limitations of mobile devices in 2010, Gameloft successfully translated the franchise's signature mechanics: Time Manipulation:
The classic "Rewind" ability returns, allowing players to reverse time to fix a fatal leap or a combat blunder. Elemental Powers: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile –
As the Prince progresses, he gains unique abilities from Razia, such as the power to turn into water or manipulate the environment to solve puzzles. Acrobatic Combat:
The game features basic fighting abilities against standard enemies and more complex boss encounters, though critics noted it was often more "button-mashy" than its console cousins. Java vs. iOS/Android There is often confusion between the versions. The Java ME version
is the pixel-art side-scroller many remember from older Nokia or Sony Ericsson phones.
By contrast, some modern "mobile" versions discussed today often refer to: Prince of Persia Classic: A remake of the 1989 original with Sands of Time aesthetics. Handheld Ports: Nintendo DS versions of The Forgotten Sands
, which were also 2.5D side-scrollers but featured different stories and 3D models. Legacy: Is It Still Worth Playing?
Retrospectively, many fans consider the Java version to be one of the weaker entries in the mobile franchise—often losing out in popularity to the mobile version of The Two Thrones
. However, it is praised for its "acrobatic set pieces" and for being a solid, albeit short, challenge that bridged the gap before the series went on its decade-long hiatus.
Today, playing it usually requires an emulator or a low-end Android device with specific tweaks. It stands as a reminder of an era when "mobile gaming" meant high-quality, pixel-art adaptations of the world's biggest blockbuster titles. If you'd like to explore this more, I can help you with: emulator settings for modern Android devices. Comparing the level designs between the Java and Nintendo DS versions. A deeper dive into the soundtrack differences across platforms. 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:
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.
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)
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. Title: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (Mobile)
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:
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
The Forgotten Sands: A Mobile Masterpiece from the Prince of Persia Series
The Prince of Persia series has been a beloved franchise among gamers for decades, known for its challenging platforming, beautiful graphics, and rich storytelling. One of the most iconic entries in the series is "The Forgotten Sands," a game that was initially released on various platforms in 2010. However, its mobile adaptation, released in 2011, offers a unique experience that is worth exploring. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile" and examine what makes it a standout title in the series.
A Brief History of the Prince of Persia Series
Before we delve into "The Forgotten Sands Mobile," let's take a brief look at the Prince of Persia series. The first game was released in 1989 and was created by Jordan Mechner. The series quickly gained popularity for its challenging platforming and unique art style. Over the years, the series underwent several reboots, remakes, and spin-offs, including the critically acclaimed "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" and its sequels.
The Story of The Forgotten Sands
"The Forgotten Sands" serves as a prequel to "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time." The game follows the story of Dastan, a young prince who becomes embroiled in a conflict between the Persian Empire and the neighboring kingdom of Alamut. The game's narrative explores themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond one's control.
The Mobile Adaptation
The mobile version of "The Forgotten Sands" was developed by Gameloft, a renowned studio known for its mobile games. Despite some limitations due to the platform, the game manages to retain much of the charm and challenge of its console and PC counterparts. The mobile version features:
What Makes The Forgotten Sands Mobile Stand Out
Several factors contribute to "The Forgotten Sands Mobile" being a standout title in the series:
Impact and Legacy
The mobile adaptation of "The Forgotten Sands" received positive reviews from critics and players alike. It demonstrated that the Prince of Persia series could thrive on mobile platforms, paving the way for future titles. The game's success also led to the development of other mobile games in the series, including "Prince of Persia: The Warrior's Quest" and "Prince of Persia: GO."
Conclusion
"Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile" is a hidden gem in the series, offering an engaging and challenging experience for players on-the-go. Its accessible gameplay, beautiful graphics, and addictive narrative make it a must-play for fans of the series and mobile gaming in general. If you're looking for a mobile game that will keep you entertained for hours on end, "The Forgotten Sands" is definitely worth checking out.
Tips and Tricks
For players new to the game or looking to improve their skills, here are some tips:
Final Thoughts
"Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands Mobile" is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Prince of Persia series. Its engaging gameplay, beautiful graphics, and rich storytelling make it a standout title in the series. If you're a fan of mobile gaming or the Prince of Persia series, do yourself a favor and give "The Forgotten Sands" a try.
Note: There are two distinct versions of this game on mobile platforms. This guide covers the 3D Action-Adventure version (Java/J2ME) which was also ported to iOS and PSP, not the 2D side-scrolling version.
The game relies on context-sensitive actions.
Acrobatic Tips:
In a world where mobile gaming is dominated by microtransactions and "energy timers," Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands (mobile) is a time capsule of a different philosophy: pay $4.99 once, get a 6-8 hour, linear, challenging platformer with no ads.
Its difficulty is also surprising. Modern mobile games hold your hand; this one does not. The final tower levels require pixel-perfect jumps and split-second rewind usage. Dying means restarting the room, not spending a gem to continue.
The most critical fact about The Forgotten Sands Mobile is that it was developed by a different studio (often Gameloft, during their "golden age" of mobile gaming) utilizing a completely separate engine. While the console version focused on brute-force combat and the "Stone Power" mechanic, the mobile version focused exclusively on environmental puzzles and acrobatics.
If you played the Wii version of The Forgotten Sands, you have a general idea of the mobile game’s DNA. The mobile iteration prioritized:
*# on main menu → unlock all powers.