Prince of Persia 2: The Shadow and the Flame was originally released for PC MS-DOS by Broderbund in 1993, but has a had a number of high def Apple-based remakes since.

Like the first Prince of Persia, The Shadow and the Flame is a side-on, Persian-infused action/platform game with sword fighting and fantasy elements.

And – also like the original Prince of Persia – this sequel uses “rotoscoping” to help create the animation effects. Rotoscoping is where you take actual film footage of a subject, and use it as an animation reference. The result is: very realistic animation. Particularly of human figures. Making the play experience more cinematic. In theory, at least.

One other similarity to the original is that Prince of Persia 2 is very tough. The gameplay is unforgiving and can be quite brutal at times.

But all other similarities end there.

Graphically, the sequel is lovely, and very colourful. Much more lush than its predecessor. Blue skies, beaches, flying carpets, underground caverns… The presentation throughout is excellent and follows on from the first game nicely.

There are also a number of key story sequences that really add variety to the gameplay, like having to run and jump for a leaving boat, and getting to ride a horse.

The great variety, as you run from one swashbuckling scene to the next, is what makes Prince of Persia 2 worth playing now.

More: Prince of Persia 2 on Wikipedia

The graphics are very stylised DOS type graphics, with a whole 256 colours at the artist’s disposal.

Sword fighting, early on in the game, in Prince of Persia 2. You have to get good at it quickly.

“A-Harrrr!” He shouts, before quickly being cut down by his opponent.

Even the guards can jump!

Some ridiculous leaps in Prince of Persia 2.

Being chased down the end of a pier.

Can you reach the boat before it sails away?

These title cards inter-cut with the gameplay.

Running along a beach.

Some kind of pressure pad puzzle.

Reached the end of the beach. Where to now?

Entering the underground caverns.

Carefully climbing through the caverns. In true Prince of Persia style.

The Prince of Persia 2 animation was created using rotoscoping.

Fighting skeletons. Now we’re in full fantasy mode.

Leap of faith. Don’t break your ankle!

Chased by three skeletons. Guess they don’t want you to go that way…

Finally found the exit!

To remind you why you’re on your quest.

Flying carpet interlude in Prince of Persia 2.

That’s a long drop…

Crawling along the floor to avoid traps.

A tunnel. Should I explore it?

Falling floor tiles are a pain in the butt.

Now we’re talking! A horse! “Aye-oh Silver, away!”

The animation of the horse is terrific. As you would expect with rotoscoped graphics.

That is one hell of a jump! Will he make it?

Crossing swords with some kind of bird-headed figure. It must be a mask…

Found another potion to add to the collection.

Chased by guards. Watch for the holes in the walls. Looks like a trap!

Looks like I’m finished in this trap.