Remaster Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Yourself
▼ Summary
– Ubisoft has canceled multiple games, including the Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake, amid company restructuring and job losses.
– The original Sands of Time game has poor compatibility with modern PCs, suffering from issues like bad controller support and graphical problems.
– Players can purchase the game digitally on platforms like Steam, the Ubisoft Store, or GOG, with GOG planning future preservation improvements.
– The “Fix Compilation” mod provides a simple solution with modern controller support, widescreen fixes, and DRM removal for easy use on handheld PCs.
– A more complex “Sands of Time Remastered Mod” offers enhanced textures and graphics but requires more effort to install and isn’t easily compatible with the Steam Deck.
The recent upheavalals at Ubisoft have left the planned Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake in a state of limbo, but dedicated PC players don’t have to wait for corporate decisions to enjoy a polished version of this classic. With a few straightforward modifications, you can transform the original 2003 adventure into a much more modern and enjoyable experience on today’s hardware. This guide walks through the best methods to achieve that, from a simple all-in-one fix to a comprehensive visual overhaul.
If you need to purchase the game, several digital storefronts offer it. Steam typically sells it for around $12, while the Ubisoft Store frequently has it on sale for under $3, though that version requires the Ubisoft Connect app. GOG is another excellent option, especially as they have announced the title will soon join their Preservation Program, which should bring native improvements for modern systems. The base game, like many from its era, struggles with widescreen support, controller configuration, and graphical glitches on contemporary PCs.
For the simplest and fastest enhancement, the Fix Compilation by Vinícius Medeiros is the recommended starting point. This comprehensive pack is designed for ease of use. After downloading, you simply unzip the files directly into your main Prince of Persia game folder, allowing it to overwrite when prompted. The compilation introduces a new launcher, resolves DirectX issues, restores EAX audio effects, and provides full widescreen support. Crucially, it adds seamless modern controller support for Xbox, PlayStation, or Steam input devices. An added benefit for Steam or Ubisoft versions is the removal of old DRM, making the game portable and perfect for handheld PCs. To use it, just launch the game via the new `PrinceOfPersia.EXE` file and configure your controller bindings once.
For those seeking a more significant visual upgrade, the Sands of Time Remastered Mod offers a deeper transformation. Released recently, this project includes a high-resolution texture pack, upscaled full-motion videos, enhanced graphical effects, and support for higher refresh rates. Installation requires more steps. After unpacking the mod files into your game directory, you must also apply a separate widescreen patch from the PC Gaming Wiki. The mod is managed through a patcher application launched via a batch file. Within the patcher, key steps involve applying the Fog Fix and correctly placing the new texture files into a specific folder in your documents directory. Once configured, launching through the patcher applies all enhancements. Be aware that this mod does not remove DRM and relies on a third-party launcher, making it less suitable for devices like the Steam Deck.
Speaking of handheld play, getting the game running smoothly on a Steam Deck is remarkably straightforward with the Fix Compilation. First, apply the fix to the game on a Windows PC. Then, compress the entire game folder into a ZIP file. Using a tool like KDE Connect, wirelessly transfer this ZIP to the Steam Deck while it is in Desktop Mode. Unpack the files on the Deck, locate the `PrinceOfPersia.EXE`, and add it as a non-Steam game. In the game’s Steam properties, set the compatibility tool to Proton Experimental. You can then switch back to Gaming Mode and launch the title directly from your Steam library. It runs flawlessly with full controller support.
While an official release would undoubtedly be more convenient, these community-driven solutions provide an excellent way to revisit the iconic palace adventure today. Whether you opt for the quick fix or the detailed remaster mod, you can effectively create your own enhanced version of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.
(Source: PC Gamer)
