Prince of Persia for Atari XL/XE – A Legendary 8-Bit Comeback
| Release Information | |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2021 |
| Publishers | Jordana Mechnera |
| Download Game files |
PRINCE OF PERSIA
One of the most iconic games in the history of computer entertainment – Prince of Persia – finally made its way to the Atari XL/XE in 2021. Originally released in 1989 by Jordan Mechner for the Apple II, this legendary cinematic platformer received a fully playable 8-bit port over three decades later. The result exceeded all expectations of retro gaming fans.
A Project Driven by Passion
The port was created by a dedicated international group of enthusiasts led by developer Rensoup. The team included:
- TIX – graphics
- VinsCool and Miker – music
- Sparkler – title screen
- emkay and makary – sound effects
- Plus many others who contributed tools, testing, and support
The port is based on the 2018 BBC Master version, which itself was built using the official Apple II source code released in 2012.
Technical Requirements and Quality
The game runs on Atari XL/XE machines with at least 128 KB of RAM, making it compatible with the standard Atari 130XE without any hardware modifications. The port includes all 14 original levels, complete cutscenes, smooth animations, and additional sound enhancements.
Special attention was paid to replicating the movement mechanics, jump physics, and collision detection – all crucial aspects of the original gameplay experience. The port also features a hidden "mystery bonus" as a tribute to fans of the series.
Reception
The port was met with great enthusiasm by the Atari and retro gaming communities. Reviews praised the polish, faithfulness to the original, and overall playability. Some have even called it the best 8-bit version of Prince of Persia ever made, outperforming ports for the Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum.
Conclusion
Prince of Persia for Atari XL/XE is more than just a fan project – it’s a heartfelt tribute to a timeless classic. Thanks to the dedication of passionate developers, this version brought the magic of Middle Eastern dungeons and cinematic platforming to life on 8-bit Atari hardware in a way no one expected, but everyone welcomed.
About Us
Ataricovers.com is a website dedicated to fans of classic Atari games. Our mission is to design new covers for old games, as well as to collect and share high-quality manuals and promotional materials related to Atari titles. Driven by passion and community involvement, we are building a unique archive that helps preserve and reimagine the legacy of this iconic brand for current and future generations of gamers.