Back in the golden age of keypad phones, there were only a handful of mobile games that truly felt like full-blown adventures. Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands (Java Edition) was one of them. It took the essence of console gaming—fast action, clever puzzles, and cinematic storytelling—and somehow squeezed it all into a small 2D mobile format.
If you experienced it back in the day, you know how impressive it felt. This game had you sprinting along walls, leaping over deadly traps, slicing through enemies, and rewinding time when things got messy. For a Java-based title, that was nothing short of a miracle.
Even now, years later, it holds up as a tight, satisfying action-platformer that offered way more than anyone expected from a mobile game. The level design is smart, the gameplay is responsive, and the pacing keeps things moving.
In this review, we will dive into what made this title so memorable—its gameplay systems, controls, creative design, and a few tips to help you dominate every level like a true prince.
Game Info
| Title | Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands |
|---|---|
| Platform | Java (J2ME) |
| Genre | Action / Platformer / Puzzle |
| Developer | Gameloft |
| Game Modes | Single-player |
| Main Objective | Navigate traps, defeat enemies, save the kingdom |
Historical Background
The Prince of Persia series has been around since the late 1980s, but it reached global fame with the release of The Sands of Time in 2003. Forgotten Sands came later as a narrative bridge between that classic and Warrior Within, adding new twists to the prince’s journey.
The Java version was built specifically for older mobile devices and offered a side-scrolling take on the adventure. Instead of mimicking the exact console gameplay, it focused on creating a fluid, reflex-based experience that worked within the limitations of smaller screens and keypad controls.
The result? A game that felt like it belonged in the same universe, not as a copy, but as a clever reimagining.
Gameplay and Features
You step into the role of the prince, racing against time to stop an evil spirit from corrupting the kingdom. Each level presents a blend of platforming, puzzles, traps, and sword combat. The transition between these elements is seamless, keeping you on your toes from start to finish.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Wall Runs | Run along vertical surfaces to cross gaps. |
| Trap Rooms | Dodge spinning blades, spikes, flames, and crushers. |
| Puzzle Mechanics | Pull levers, push blocks, solve door mechanisms. |
| Time Rewind | Rewind recent actions to avoid death (limited use). |
| Sword Combat | Engage enemies with light combo attacks and counters. |
| Acrobatics | Jump, climb, swing, and flip through each stage. |
| Boss Fights | Face large enemies and time-sensitive challenges. |
What really makes it shine is the flow—you might escape a trap, flip onto a rope, land into a fight, and solve a puzzle in one continuous sequence.
Controls
These are basic keypad inputs that take some practice but become second nature quickly:
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| 2 | Jump / Climb |
| 8 | Crouch / Drop Down |
| 4 | Move Left |
| 6 | Move Right |
| 5 | Attack / Interact |
| 0 | Rewind Time (if available) |
| * | Block / Counter Enemy Attacks |
| # | Pause / Open Menu |
Unique Elements That Stand Out
- Rewind Time Mechanic: A standout feature—press 0 to reverse time after making a mistake.
- Layered Levels: Levels often require backtracking or multiple approaches to fully solve puzzles.
- Clean Animations: Surprisingly smooth animations for such a small file size.
- Compact Challenge: Every level is tightly designed—no filler, just action.
Common Issues and How to Handle Them
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Falling into traps frequently | Watch trap patterns and move deliberately. |
| Struggling with multiple enemies | Use block/counter tactics instead of rushing. |
| Game lag on some phones | Best experience is usually on 240×320 screen versions. |
| Using up rewinds too early | Save rewinds for unavoidable mistakes or boss fights. |
Tips for Playing the Game
Mastering Parkour Movement
- To wall-run: Hold 6 (right) and press 2 when near a wall.
- For ledges and ropes: Jump with 2, and the prince auto-grabs if timed right.
- Rope swinging: Once attached, press 2 again at the height of the swing.
Avoiding Traps Like a Pro
- Walk cautiously into new areas.
- Wait for flame jets to go off before crossing.
- Time your jumps between spike bursts instead of sprinting blindly.
Sword Combat Strategy
- Press 5 rapidly to string together basic combos.
- Press * just before an enemy hits to block and follow up with a counter.
- Prioritize ranged enemies—they tend to interrupt your flow.
Smart Rewind Usage
- Do not waste rewinds early. Save them for boss battles or deadly trap rooms.
- Rewind immediately after mistakes to cancel the damage or death.
Solving Puzzles Efficiently
- Always look around for switches, movable blocks, or hidden levers.
- If stuck, consider that the solution may involve going back a screen or two.
System Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | Best on 240×320 Java phones |
| RAM Requirement | Works on low-end devices |
| Controls | Requires functional keypad |
| File Size | Small (under 1MB) |
Player Reviews and Ratings
Many players who experienced the game back in the early 2010s still remember it as one of the most polished Java titles ever made. On retro gaming forums and YouTube comment sections, users praise the game’s animation quality, the clever use of time-reversal, and how “console-like” it felt on basic phones.
Some even rate it higher than later mobile ports of more advanced devices due to its pure gameplay focus and tight controls.
Community Engagement
There is still an active retro gaming community that talks about this title. You can find walkthroughs, no-death runs, speedruns, and breakdowns of the best strategies shared across forums and video platforms. The love for this Java version has not faded, especially among long-time mobile gamers.
Conclusion
Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands (Java Edition) might have been built for old-school phones, but it packed more energy and creativity than most modern mobile games. It had the flow, the challenge, the style, and even a bit of magic. Whether you are a longtime fan or just discovering retro Java games, this one deserves a spot on your memory lane.
What was your toughest level back in the day—those wall traps or the flaming gauntlets?
Disclaimer
This review is for informational and entertainment purposes only. We do not host or promote downloads of copyrighted material. All trademarks and game titles are the property of their respective owners.
