Once gain, the Prince returns to the kingdom of Babylon in this translated version of Two Thrones for the Nintendo Wii, and Sony PSP. If you ever wondered how it would feel to use double handed swords with the Wiimote this is your chance.

If you have read the introduction blurb then you already know Rival Swords is basically Two Thrones repackaged on two new platforms. Like the Warrior Within turned into Revelations, Two Thrones has become Rival Swords. I’m not sure why Ubisoft decides to go with another name unless they are aiming to confuse. Rival Swords has been slightly updated, this is mainly in the Wii’s case, but overall it’s not going to make owners of the last “real” Prince of Persia game, Two Thrones happy. Rather they will be disappointed that Rival Swords is a simple port with new controls. If you're looking for a new adventure as the Prince you will probably have to wait a little longer for the next chapter.

For those who haven't played Two Thrones, the story has a dark overtone filled with high drama and action. The tale begins with the Prince returning to Babylon with the Empress of Time, Kaileena only to learn that his kingdom is ravaged by war. Kaileena eventually gets kidnapped and the Prince has to track down her down through the winding walls of the palace. The plot progresses until you find Kaileena, but unfortunately not in time to save her life. You have to bare witness to her murder which release of the sands of time tainting the Princes blood. This finds the Prince in an inner struggle with the dark evil personality living within his skin. As a fugitive in his own land, the Prince struggles to get his life back and reclaim the throne of the kingdom.

Like previous Prince of Persia games the gameplay is focused on platforming, puzzle solving, and action combat. The Prince is nimble as before performing amazing acrobatic feats like a monkey in the Amazon. The bonus in Rival Swords/Two Thrones is that you now have new segments when you transform into the Dark Prince. As the Dark Prince you use the Kratos inspired razor wire to easily take down the beast like enemies. Combined both keep you interested in how the game progresses dealing with both personalities and the unfortunately situation that has befallen.

The difference this time around is that you have a new set of controllers in the Wii-mote, and nunchuck attachment. Using the Wii control scheme takes a little longer to adjust but within a half hour your skills will start to become more fluid. The main problem with the Wii controls is operating the camera. The camera control is used by half turns on the Wii-mote left and right which is often jerky or unresponsive. In combat or depending on your stance in a platforming sequence it can become trying to handle all the other controls on top of moving the camera location. It’s definitely not even close to the precision of a right thumbstick. Aside from the camera issues controlling the Prince is a lot of fun with a lot of quick swipes involved with both controllers. It helped add a little fun to Rival Swords since I have already played this adventure on the Xbox.

Besides the controls on the Wii version, Ubisoft has removed some of the aspects to garner a “Teen” rating from the “M” rating in Two Thrones. The have also added the ability to unlock in game art and cut scenes by finding hidden chest during the regular gameplay.  In a reissue the content is a little light especially when you bring in the hefty price $49.99 US (EBGAMES) compared $19.99 US for Prince of Persia: Two Thrones on the PS2, and even cheaper if you go the used route. In this regard, Rival Swords is hard to recommend before picking up another version of the game that performs just as well.

One area that remains unchained is the graphic quality. The graphics in 480p really don’t translate well on the next generation of consoles, if you consider the Wii next gen. This game is very blocky on large TVs and if you have the option I would move down in scale for TV size. It’s a good thing the level design, art, and animations, the other side of the graphics help keep Rival Swords in the green. Prince of Persia is a prime franchise with a high level of production with a lot of time spent on flow, storyline development and other production values. It’s alright to say the graphics suck, but as a whole the presentation of the product is still above average.

The sound in the other hand is excellent with more top level production. The quality in the voice overs, in game music, and sound effects are above par. Prince ties in the feel of a motion picture into the game creating an outstanding story. Its easy to see why Hollywood wanted to translate Prince of Persia into a film, Ubisoft has basically done all the work for their storyboard with these games. Plus, I’m a sucker for Kaileeena’s voice, I’ll save one more time... just for you baby!

If you haven’t played Two Thrones before, the Wii rendition into Rival Swords is worth a look. Don’t expect next gen visuals, rather an example of a top quality last gen game. The unique controls scheme seems to work for the most part in Rival Swords, and is a fun game to play on the Wii, never mind it’s the only one with this type of content on the system. It’s hard for me to push Rival Swords because you can easily purchase Two Thrones for half the price. If you’re still interested Rival Swords, Ubisoft’s Two Thrones remix will probably meet your Arabian adventure expectations.

Gameplay: 7.5, Graphics/Sound: 6.5, Innovation: 7, Mojo: 6. Final: 7 / 10

• Play and master two distinct characters: 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 Daggertail or use a new stealth art to inflict surprise decapitations - the choice is yours.
• Battle freely through Babylon: Dominate enemies on the perilous rooftops, dodge through chaotic streets, and ambush pursuers in dark underground passageways.
• 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 into a rich gaming experience.