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Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow

Richard Mitchell — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST

History repeats itself in both video games and colas it seems. Years after releasing the original Karateka, Jordan Mechner revised the formula, giving the world "new" Karateka. Some people liked the new flavor - others, not so much. Hearing the demand of fans everywhere, Mechner has announced that Karateka Classic is coming back, specifically to iOS and Android.

Karateka Classic recreates the Apple II experience - right down to the disk drive noises - and offers a range of "monitor" choices, including color CRT, green or amber display. There are a couple of new additions, including gameplay tips and a rewind feature that can be earned, allowing players to reverse their mistakes.

Karateka Classic arrives on iOS and Android tomorrow for $0.99.

Gallery: Karateka Classic

Karateka Classic coming to iOS and Android tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pay what you want for a virtual pile of video game ebooks

JC Fletcher — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:30:00 EST

The new StoryBundle - a pay-what-you-want, DRM-free collection of eBooks - offers an instant collection of game history and culture, including Jordan Mechner's journals for Karateka and Prince of Persia, Videogames: In the Beginning by Ralph Baer (who would know!), Brendan Keogh's Killing is Harmless, a longform review/critique of Spec Ops: The Line, a couple of Kill Screen issues, and more.

To get all the books, you need to pay at least $10; however, you can pay anything and get merely most of them. Either way, your ebook reader is going to be loaded up with game history.

Pay what you want for a virtual pile of video game ebooks originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner compares Karateka on the Apple 2 and the iPhone

Jessica Conditt — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST

Wherein Jordan Mechner, the creator of Karateka and the Prince of Persia series, asks, "How do you like them Apples?"

Jordan Mechner compares Karateka on the Apple 2 and the iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book

JC Fletcher — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST

Jordan Mechner's rhythmic Karateka remake is out on PC today, available through Steam for ten percent off its normal $10 price. The price will flip-kick back up after a week. It's still listed only as "coming soon" to PSN and iOS.

Coinciding with the release of Karateka on a new platform, creator Jordan Mechner has released an ebook about the development process of the original Apple 2 Karateka. The making of Karateka: Journals 1982-1985 collects Mechner's private journal entries about the time spent in college creating the martial arts game. It's on Amazon digitally today, and Mechner plans to release it in print later. Mechner has already released a journal book about Prince of Persia.

Update: Karateka is now available on Steam.

Continue reading Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book

Karateka on PC today, alongside Karateka development book originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karateka review: Lacks punch

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST

At first glance, Karateka doesn't look like a remake so much as a new game with the same name. Its cartoon visuals, 3D setting, and rhythm-based combat seem oceans apart from the 2D martial arts cinema of the Apple II beat-em-up. Yet look a little deeper and the classic's spirit reveals itself, albeit glazed with superficial icing. Those who revere the original may find this appetizing; it's the game they love, yet different and new. Judged on its own merits, however, Kareteka being true to its source is exactly why it doesn't satiate.

As before, combat is the core of your journey, and movement is nearly insignificant. The original's side-scrolling converts to a one-way path, with you pushing the control stick upwards to roam the false 3D world. You reach a combatant, defeat him, run up the path, reach another combatant, defeat him, and so on. Apart from occasional cutscenes, this is how the whole game goes from start to end.

Gallery: Karateka

Continue reading Karateka review: Lacks punch

Karateka review: Lacks punch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karateka launches on XBLA this week, PSN, PC, iOS to follow

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST

Jordan Mechner's revamp of his classic martial arts fighting game, Karateka, is set to launch on XBLA on Wednesday, but the PSN and PC release will come at a later, unspecified date along with a newly announced iOS version.

We have a few new screens from Karateka below. At first glance, we're having trouble reconciling the new vision with the original look - although we appreciate Mechner's bold leap forward. After all, this is the man who created and helped revamp Prince of Persia.

Gallery: Karateka

Karateka launches on XBLA this week, PSN, PC, iOS to follow originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Last Express rolls onto iPhone and iPad September 27

Sinan Kubba — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST

Over 15 years on from when it first set out, Jordan Mechner's The Last Express is arriving on iOS this Thursday, September 27. In collaboration with French distributor DotEmu, Mechner re-released his 1997 adventure game on PC last year, but this year it comes to iPad and iPhone with some iOS-friendly tweaks.

The Last Express is set on the Orient Express in 1914, combining an evocative, momentous time with romance, murder, and intrigue. Initially conceived in 1993, four years of high-end development took its toll on financial reserves, and than in turn hurt marketing and shelf life. While the game was a commercial disaster, it earned high acclaim from mainstream outlets like USA Today and Newsweek, an incredible achievement for a game of its time.

If waiting for trains isn't your style, you can download the PC version now on DotEmu and GOG.com, which comes with a walkthrough, making-of video, and soundtrack.

The Last Express rolls onto iPhone and iPad September 27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Karateka planned for Wii U too, ESRB says

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST

Jordan Mechner's classic martial arts fighter Karateka is headed for the Wii U, a recent ESRB rating states. We knew Karateka was coming to PSN and XBLA, but the ESRB lists PC, iOS and Wii U as platforms as well, suggesting Mechner's retrofitted ambition is deeper than he first teased.

The ESRB describes the new Karateka as a "rhythm-fighting game" featuring Japanese warriors rescuing a princess, and all we can picture now is Mario in a kimono beating the tar out of some rhythms.

Karateka planned for Wii U too, ESRB says originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner speaking at NYU Game Center next week

JC Fletcher — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST

Would you like to hear the (honestly) thrilling story of Prince of Persia data transfer firsthand? Jordan Mechner is speaking at NYU as part of its Game Center lecture series on Thursday, April 26.

Officially, the talk will cover "his work, provide insights into his creative process, and share stories from a career that ranges from creating games on his own to leading large game development projects to collaborating on big budget Hollywood movies," but we're sure there will be room in the program for talking about old disks!

Jordan Mechner speaking at NYU Game Center next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia source code successfully rescued

JC Fletcher — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST

If you're a programmer, you may find inspiration in the source code for the original Apple II version of Prince of Persia. 23 years after the game's release, and about two weeks after finding his old floppies, Jordan Mechner has posted the source code to GitHub, where it's freely accessible.

The copying took place at a "megacopy" party, assisted by digital archivist Jason Scott using various modified computer hardware. We're glad people like Mechner exist who can do things like "write Prince of Persia," and we're glad people like Scott exist who can figure out how to preserve this material for computers that aren't 35 years old. We're here to ... appreciate the effort? We're totally doing our part!

Prince of Persia source code successfully rescued originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner finds original Prince of Persia source code

JC Fletcher — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST

Imagine if you happened upon a set of floppy disks containing the original source code for Prince of Persia. Chances are, you'd be pretty excited -- even if you'd already seen the code when you were writing it.

Jordan Mechner, who did write Prince of Persia, received a box from his father containing a few retail Prince of Persia and Karateka packages, along with a couple of 3.5" disks. Those hold what Mechner believes to be the original Apple 2 source code for the platformer.

The best news (for people who aren't Jordan Mechner): as soon as he figures out how to "extract something useful," he plans to put it online, providing a rare look at gaming history, and perhaps fodder for weird remix projects.

Jordan Mechner finds original Prince of Persia source code originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All aboard The Last Express on iOS, Mechner's classic adventure revamped

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST

Jordan Mechner, creator of Karateka and a small, obscure franchise called Prince of Persia, is bringing his 1997 game The Last Express to iOS with the help of French developer DotEmu. The Last Express is a real-time, point-and-click adventure game taking place on the Orient Express just before World War I.

DotEmu's version includes the entire game, all 20-plus hours of gameplay with a few "enhancements" for iOS devices, Mechner writes, and is expected to launch some time this year.

All aboard The Last Express on iOS, Mechner's classic adventure revamped originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner remaking Karateka for PSN and XBLA

JC Fletcher — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST

Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner helped reignite the Prince of Persia franchise with Ubisoft, and now he's going to attempt the same with his other classic, the atmospheric martial arts fighter Karateka -- on his own.

Venturebeat reports that Mechner has raised money through an angel investor and is now working with a small team on a remake of the fighter for release on PSN and XBLA this year. "Making the original Karateka was a labor of love," Mechner told Venturebeat. "To have so many people embrace it and share their stories of playing it has been really rewarding. I am always surprised to hear how much impact that game had. In remaking Karateka, I want to honor the original game with a compact, pick-up-and-play game that is fluid, atmospheric, and beautiful."

The original Karateka, for those of you not as old as us, stars a black belt who storms an evil warlord's fortress, defeating all of his guards and finally the warlord himself, to rescue a captured princess. We're doubtful that a new Karateka will have the same impact without the beautiful 2D animation ... but we thought the same about Prince of Persia, and that didn't turn out too badly.

[Image: original Karateka, Apple II version]

Jordan Mechner remaking Karateka for PSN and XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64

JC Fletcher — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST

Finally, those stalwarts who refuse to "upgrade" from their trusty Commodore 64 computers can experience that hot new game, Prince of Persia. Homebrew developer mrsid ported the 1989 game from its original Apple 2 version, making the cartridge image available for download from his site. If you have a C64 or 128 and a flashable C64 cartridge -- or, more likely, if you have a C64 emulator -- you can check out the achievement.

The rest of us will have to settle for this video, which looks remarkably smooth for an unofficial port on such an old system. It drew the attention of Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner, who commented to say "I'm amazed and humbled by the amount of work this must have taken."

Mechner also solved the mystery of why there wasn't an official C64 version, even though there were so many ports: "Back in 1989, when I was making POP on the Apple II, I couldn't get anyone interested in doing a C64 port," he commented, "because it was too old a system."

Prince of Persia leaps to Commodore 64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner on Prince of Persia, respecting game writers

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST

In 1985, Jordan Mechner was thinking about baggy pants, arches and columns -- images that could be clearly conveyed in a low-resolution, pixelated computer game. While delivering his Prince of Persia postmortem during GDC earlier this month, Mechner delved into his memories, his journals (which you can read online) and his temporary departure from the game midway through development to pursue a screenwriting career in Hollywood.

Mechner's interests and techniques have always been embedded in cinema. He filmed his brother David running about in a Reader's Digest parking lot with a VHS camera, and layered drawings on top of those movements (in a process called rotoscoping) to capture the protagonist's movements in Prince of Persia. You've heard that part, but you might not know about the fate of the camera that captured such iconic scurrying. According to Mechner, he purchased it, recorded the necessary footage, and then returned it within a 30-day guarantee. "I felt a little guilty about it, but I was trying to keep costs down," he said.

Initially dubbed "Thief of Baghdad" (and inspired by the film of the same name), the game continued to come together in a modular fashion, at one time incorporating a full level editor that Mechner had to persistently test, making sure users couldn't introduce game-breaking bugs. "My job title was programmer, all those other things were extra."

Continue reading Jordan Mechner on Prince of Persia, respecting game writers

Jordan Mechner on Prince of Persia, respecting game writers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Last Express added to GOG

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST

The Last Express, designed by Jordan Mechner and Smoking Car Productions, was made available for purchase and download on DotEmu earlier this month, and has now pulled into another platform for digital distribution: GOG. Set on the Orient Express in 1914, the non-linear adventure was notable for incorporating rotoscoped animation, characters with active agendas, and an intriguing conspiracy that unfolded in real-time -- mostly.

GOG is asking $5.99 for The Last Express, which comes with a making-of video. The site promises that more extras will be added soon, while DotEmu has the game, a walkthrough, a making-of video and the soundtrack for roughly the same price. Either way, it's a good deal if you'd like to try an adventure game in which tardy, unmotivated behavior can derail the ideal.

Gallery: The Last Express

The Last Express added to GOG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner's 'The Last Express' now available for download

Justin McElroy — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:25:00 EST

The wonderful adventure mystery The Last Express has proven to be one of the more elusive titles since it was released in 1997. In fact, the last time the game was actually offered on modern PCs was when GameTap (remember GameTap?) had acquired distribution rights in 2006.

Now, The Last Express has been snatched from oblivion by lesser-known digital distributor DotEmu. For $10, the site is offering the game (in five different languages, no less) and "Collector's Edition" goodies like a walkthrough, soundtrack and making-of video. Better hurry and check it out before the game disappears again.

Jordan Mechner's 'The Last Express' now available for download originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia movie opens with $37.8M domestically [Update]

Xav de Matos — Mon, 31 May 2010 17:15:00 EST

Update: IMDB has updated its projected totals for the weekend box office to include the Memorial Day holiday, increasing ticket totals of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time from $30.2 million to $37.8 million for the four-day weekend. The increase pushes the video game-based flick to second place ahead of Sex and the City 2.

Original: If you only considered its current Metacritic ranking, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time could be called the first disaster movie of the summer season. According to IMDb, the Jerry Bruckheimer-produced time manipulation romp cracked third place in the US with $30.2 million in its opening weekend, behind first-place Shrek Forever After ($43.3 million) and Sex and the City 2: ~~Electric Boogaloo~~ with $32.1 million.

While Bruckheimer may have been wishing for Pirates of the Caribbean-style opening numbers, Box Office Mojo reports that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is the third largest box office opening ever for a video game-based film. Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Pokemon: The First Movie, currently own the first and second spot respectively in that extremely specific category.

Internationally the Prince fared better, bringing in $59 million from overseas theaters and capturing first place. So far, The Sands of Time has earned a total of $87.5 in the two weeks it has been released overseas.

[Via BigDownload]

Prince of Persia movie opens with $37.8M domestically [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 May 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia movie LEGO toys get a block-buster commercial

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:30:00 EST

We've seen so many instances where the LEGO toy brand has infiltrated the world of video games over the past few years -- that's why it's so downright refreshing to see the tables get turned. Just past the jump is a commercial for that new line of wonderbricks based on the upcoming film adaptation of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. It's full of assassins, traps that are ready to spring on a teeny little Jake ~~Gyllenhaal~~ Gyllenblock, but, strangely, nary a trace of the slow-motion -- which is so prevalent in the film and games.

Though your mind may immediately wander to the possibility of a LEGO video game based on Jordan Mechner's action-platforming franchise, we'd like to remind you that LEGO bricks are, in and of themselves, completely rad. LEGO bricks based on one of our favorite game series are doubly so.

[Via Kotaku]

Continue reading Prince of Persia movie LEGO toys get a block-buster commercial

Prince of Persia movie LEGO toys get a block-buster commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia action figures are pretty Gyllensmaall

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

Here's the good news: The first images of McFarlane Toys' line of action figures based on the upcoming Prince of Persia movie have been released, and they don't look half bad. Sure, some of the villains' figurines are sort of dead-eyed, but hey -- that's just a natural side-effect of the angry sand infusion they've undergone. Check out Toy News International's gallery to see the rest of the man-dolls.

Here's the bad news: These figures are only four-to-six inches tall. Even if you're a person of limited stature, it would be impossible to play "Jake Gyllenhaal Fantasy Dream Date" with a four-inch-tall representation of the guy.

[Via Kotaku]

Prince of Persia action figures are pretty Gyllensmaall originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia vignette has lots of shirtless Gyllenhaal, never enough

David Hinkle — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:05:00 EST

We've been doing this Joystiq thing for a while now and, after sifting through years of traffic data, we think we finally know what you're all here for: shirtless Jake Gyllenhaal. It's okay, we're big fans of the guy's pecs, lats, abs, and peclatabs too. As such, we knew we had to post this behind-the-scenes look at Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, not for its juicy interview bits nor to see the picturesque locales where the crew filmed, but for those few seconds of Gyllenhaal in all his shirtless glory. The video is right after the break. You're entirely welcome, internet.

[Via Latino Review]

Continue reading Prince of Persia vignette has lots of shirtless Gyllenhaal, never enough

Prince of Persia vignette has lots of shirtless Gyllenhaal, never enough originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands to continue 'Sands of Time' series

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST

Ubisoft has just announced a new Prince of Persia -- but it's not a sequel to 2008's polarizing adventure (if desired, add unhappy emoticons to sentence). Instead, Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands will continue the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time ~~trilogy~~ series, complete with "many of the fan-favorite elements" and "new gameplay innovations that gamers have come to expect from the Prince of Persia brand." Oh, and an accompanying film!

You can catch the game's premiere trailer on Spike TV's Video Game Awards on Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 8 p.m. EST. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is scheduled for release on "consoles and handhelds" in May 2010.

Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands to continue 'Sands of Time' series originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Q&A: Jordan Mechner and Jerry Bruckheimer on 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'

Kevin Kelly — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST

Download the HD trailer

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time movie won't be in theaters until May 2010, but the marketing winds are already picking up with the release of the first full-length trailer (above) -- and it looks ... kinda good. What's more, the original game's creator, Jordan Mechner, has filed an application for the trademark, "Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands," suggesting that a new game could be in the works. More recent remarks, like those found in this Q&A, seem to indicate that an announcement from Ubisoft is coming shortly.

We attended a group Q&A session with Mechner and movie producer Jerry Bruckheimer last week during the unveiling of the trailer and heard about the legacy of the franchise, casting of Jake Gyllenhaal, plans for a movie sequel, Easter eggs hidden on-screen, and hints of a new game. Leap across the break for the full discussion.

Gallery: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (Film)

Continue reading Q&A: Jordan Mechner and Jerry Bruckheimer on 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time'

Q&A: Jordan Mechner and Jerry Bruckheimer on 'Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impressions: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (the trailer)

Kevin Kelly — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST

We were invited out to Jerry Bruckheimer Films earlier this week to watch the trailer for The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. The good news? It looks like a Jerry Bruckheimer film. The bad news? Well, It looks like a Jerry Bruckheimer film. He's put together a formula that combines stars -- Jake Gyllenhaal, Alfred Molina, Gemma Arterton and Ben Kingsley -- a lot of bombast and CGI. What usually comes out is a loud, boisterous film that makes a lot of money at the box office. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

The only hitch is that it's a videogame adaptation, and those just never seem to turn out very well. It certainly doesn't help that Ben Kingsley, the one who starred in the ill-fated and ill-conceived film version of BloodRayne, has returned in another villainous role. Still, we have to admit that what we saw (reminder: just a trailer) looks to be an exciting jaunt through swashbuckling adventure.

Read on for the highlights -- and take your time. The movie that doesn't come out until May 2010.

Continue reading Impressions: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (the trailer)

Impressions: Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (the trailer) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner pitched Sands of Time film with game-derived trailer

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST

Prince of Persia series creator Jordan Mechner came up with a pretty ingenious way of making sure that the upcoming film adaptation of his beloved action-platforming franchise wouldn't diverge wildly from the source material. After the jump you'll find a trailer which Mechner himself cut together in order to pitch the film to Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney -- a trailer composed exclusively of clips from his well-received game, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

On his personal blog, Mechner pointed out a number of elements sparsely used in the aforementioned trailer: Time travel, sand monsters, clairvoyant visions -- basically any supernatural plot devices which were apparently cut from the pitch he presented to the studio. Without these aspects, we wonder exactly what the film will focus on. Had they been stripped from the game, it would have been approximately four minutes long.

[Via Big Download]

Continue reading Jordan Mechner pitched Sands of Time film with game-derived trailer

Jordan Mechner pitched Sands of Time film with game-derived trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jordan Mechner files 'Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands' trademark

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST

Super sleuth Superannuation has uncovered a new trademark filed by Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner. The game-related application, which seeks to register the title "Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands," may concern a new entry in Ubisoft's storied franchise. Whether it manifests as a sequel to 2008's cel-shaded outing, a spin-off or as a tie-in product to 2010's film adaptation is a matter of speculation. That is, if the name ends up being used at all -- Mechner's last trademark, "Prince of Persia Prodigy," never saw official use.

It would be shame if that were to happen again. We quite like the ring of "The Forgotten Sands," even if the prince's knavish attitude in the last game might better suit a title like "Dude, Where's My Sand?"

Jordan Mechner files 'Prince of Persia The Forgotten Sands' trademark originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia creator to keynote GDC China (likely in English)

Ben Gilbert — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST

It seems that GDC China attendees have more than just a Video Games Live performance to look forward to, as it was announced today that Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner will be keynoting the event. According to a release issued today, the acclaimed designer will be speaking on "the success of the Prince of Persia series, as well as his own success as a game designer, programmer, and finally, director and screenwriter." You read that right, folks -- the man most recently penned Jerry Bruckheimer's film adaptation of the PoP series, among other screenplays.

Unfortunately, those attending GDC China won't be getting the traditional, mandatory shock treatment at the show, as that has been recently banned. For shame, China! Hopefully Mechner will be enough.

Prince of Persia creator to keynote GDC China (likely in English) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia movie getting the graphic novel treatment

Jem Alexander — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

There's every chance that the Prince of Persia movie, like so many game-to-movie adaptations before it, will be tripe. Having said that, the recent poster reveals - coupled with the news today that a graphic novel will be released soon after the movie - may be improving our expectations.

The book will be written by the creator of the Prince of Persia series, Jordan Mechner, and will feature cover art by comic book legend Todd McFarlane. Inside, the artwork will be completed by "some of the most talented names in comics," and will feature six self-contained prequel stories. So even if the movie does suck, at least this graphic novel should be worth picking up.

The graphic novel will be discussed during a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, hosted by Mechner, McFarlane, Bernard Chang, Tommy Lee Edwards and Cameron Stewart, so expect to hear more information out of that.

Prince of Persia movie getting the graphic novel treatment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Best Thing You'll See Today: The Prince of Persia mo-cap tapes

Justin McElroy — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Action

Though it may seem crude these days, Jordan Mechner's original Prince of Persia animation was state-of-the-art in 1989. But the method by which he got it is even more impressive. Mechner shot his kid brother, performing the moves he needed, on a video camera and then, using rotoscoping, plopped them directly into his game.

Now, you can watch the actual home movies and it's positively shocking how closely they resemble the final moves the prince was performing way back in the late '80s. Watch it just below the break and just try not to get a little emotional. Try!

[Via Giant Bomb]

Continue reading The Best Thing You'll See Today: The Prince of Persia mo-cap tapes

The Best Thing You'll See Today: The Prince of Persia mo-cap tapes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia graphic novel, read it in 60 minutes or fail

Xav de Matos — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:50:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, Galleries

Welcome to the bottom of this ginormous image! Since you're here we might as well tell you all about the Prince of Persia graphic novel which recently released to book and comic stores everywhere. The $17, 190-page novel includes two parallel storylines of a Prince in the 9th century and another in the 14th -- meaning this Prince is completely different from the guy you know now and the one you'll know soon.

Written by A.B. Sina and illustrated by LeUyen Pham and her husband, Alex Puvilland, the Prince of Persia graphic novel is said to examine the "legend of the Prince," created by Jordan Mechner. Check out excerpts from the novel in the gallery below.

Gallery: Prince of Persia: The Graphic Novel

Prince of Persia graphic novel, read it in 60 minutes or fail originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Sep 2008 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia delayed a year (don't worry, we mean the movie)

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:55:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

Alright, that was mean of us. Never fear, for the delightful Prince of Persia we fell in love with at E3 is still set for a Holiday 2008 release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The one headed to movie theaters, however, has been pushed back a year to May 28, 2010, according to ComingSoon.net. Reasons for the delay were not made apparent.

In case you haven't been keeping up with the project, have at these pertinent Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time facts:

It stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina.
It's produced by Jerry "more 'splosions" Bruckheimer.
It's directed by a man who's having his assistant play the game.
It's "not a video game movie."
It is a movie based on a video game.

Prince of Persia delayed a year (don't worry, we mean the movie) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia creator remaking his first game, Karateka

Randy Nelson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Retro

Before turning his attention (and game design skills) to platforming persian princes, Jordan Mechner was all about asian martial arts and a game called Karateka. It was his first game, in fact, and according to comments he made during a Comic-Con 2008 panel, will also be his next.

Gamasutra reports that, when asked about his freshman effort, Mechner replied: "There actually is a plan to bring back Karateka. It's a project I'm going to be involved in." Just to make things mysterious, he added: "I can safely say it's not going to be in the way you expect."

We'd expect a 3D reimagining of the side-scroller, which is best remembered for its (at the time) stunning animation. We wouldn't expect an RPG, FPS, RTS, or MMO. Hey, maybe it will be a Karateka FPSRTSMMORPG? Actually, lose everything but the "RPG" (think Jade Empire) and we may have a winner.

Prince of Persia creator remaking his first game, Karateka originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ubisoft registers PrinceOfPersiaProdigy.com

Justin McElroy — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Action

How can a mysteriously cryptic countdown site get even more cryptic? Well, it can eventually lead to a picture of Daniel Day-Lewis. Or, it can be discovered before the cryptic marketing campaign even begins. What an enigma! That's exactly the case with whatever "Prince of Persia Prodigy" is. First, the phrase was trademarked by series creator Jordan Mechner, now the domain (www.princeofpersiaprodigy.com) has been registered by Ubisoft.

It once redirected to this odd page, which features a series of glowing blue characters being obscured by black goo, symbiote style. Now, the domain doesn't even do that! So, what does it all mean? ... We don't know, and we're not going to put the energy into finding out. Much like Danny Glover or Castro, we're getting too old for this doody. But maybe you youngsters can piece it together.

[Via X3F]

Ubisoft registers PrinceOfPersiaProdigy.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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'Prince of Persia Prodigy' trademarked by Jordan Mechner

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Action, Adventure

Trademork brings us word that Jordan Mechner, creator of wall-running time reverser, Prince of Persia, has filed to protect a new trademark. "Prince of Persia Prodigy" is now listed in relation to "game software and electronic game programs; electronic game software for mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and handheld computers." With Ubisoft suggesting that a new entry in the franchise is due to PoP up on modern consoles, one could speculate that "Prodigy" will serve as a subtitle to the royal acrobat's next adventure. One could also speculate that it implies a tie-in with the electropunk group of the same name, taking us back to the dark and angst-ridden tone of Prince of Persia: Warrior Within. That being the case, one should hope that one counts the number of people seriously considering such a project.

A second paragraph of speculation might also draw a connection between the trademark and next year's "not a video game movie" adaptation of Prince of Persia. How could anybody resist a game based on a movie based on a game?

'Prince of Persia Prodigy' trademarked by Jordan Mechner originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Prince of Persia heads to Morocco for film shoot

Ludwig Kietzmann — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

The transition between video game and film is typically no different than one of those trap-laden corridors Ubisoft's princely protagonist dashes through on a regular basis. Though we yearn to say otherwise, Disney's Prince of Persia: Sands of Time film hasn't shown to be particularly adept at running the gauntlet. Coupling mega producer Jerry Bruckheimer's involvement with director Mike Newell's promise (of having his assistant play through the game) leads us to believe that the crew has fallen into the very first pit and succumbed to one of those spinning blade thingies.

Still, we'd best give them a chance to finish shooting in Morocco this June, which Variety notes will have a positive effect on the North African film business. Scenes for the Jeffrey Nachmanoff- and Jordan Mechner-written project will also be filmed at the UK's Pinewood Shepperton studios. Cross your fingers and hope for something more than a literal explosion of bullet-time sword fights, churlish chariot chases and liberal lingering on Farah's faucets.

Prince of Persia heads to Morocco for film shoot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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