The game is said to create a more fantasy-like game and to bring a poetic vision to the series over the previous Sands of Time trilogy, with which the new title shares no direct connection. The title's cel-shaded visual styling and revamped gameplay scheme were adjusted according to this presentational revision.

"The previous trilogy mixed the Arabian Nights in with historical Persia," said creative director Jean-Christophe Guyot in a Eurogamer translation. "We decided we'd prefer to return to the tales of the Thousand and One Nights for something more colourful."

Guyot added that the game is "Zelda-esque, old school, with very contrasting levels," set against the plot of a cursed land that must be healed by defeating boss guardians. Much like Okami, defeating the bosses will transform the world in real-time around the prince.

Combat still takes an important role in the game, the preview notes, but enemies in the new Prince of Persia will be less numerous and much more dangerous. The game places an emphasis on one-on-one combat rather than legions of foes at once, and is described as more reminiscent of Soul Calibur than God of War.

The game's level structuring has been dramatically reworked against previous titles, and is said to be a mix of open-ended exploration and linear progression.

The Prince can explore the world map and take on challenges in whatever order the player wants, with dynamic difficulty adjusting each encounter according to that order. The challenges themselves are described as linear assault courses which emphasize fluidity in combat and acrobatics, leading toward a climactic boss confrontation.

The new Prince of Persia franchise will arrive on PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo DS this holiday season.