Prince of Persia: Warrior Within is the bloody sequel to Prince of Persia: Sands of Time. It boasts a better combat system, better graphics, and new puzzle elements. Although there is a lot of combat, at heart it is a puzzle platformer.
Graphics
Simply some of the most stunning environments you will ever see, and great special effects. Character models are also well done, but there is some messed up movement, and a few graphical bugs such as enemies' noses sticking through doors, but nothing major.
Overall Graphics: Good
Sound/Music
For a game called "Prince of Persia", there is a lot of heavy metal music. I never knew the Persians invented electric guitars. Although there are some good tunes, such as the theme song for the game "I Stand Alone" by Godsmack, most of the music that is played in game during combat and puzzles, is pretty generic. I honestly would have preferred more of the Arab music from the first game.
Overall Sound/Music: Average
Gameplay
This would be about as close to perfect as possible if it weren't for the crappy camera. Usually in combat, the camera is good, but in puzzles, it has the habit of changing angle often. Although this is usually for the purpose of helping you know where to go next, it sometimes is unconvenient when running through traps, as you will be holding down the analog stick in one direction, then when the camera changes, you have to quickly change the direction, you are holding it. You strangely get used to this after awhile, and even if you die, you can always use the Rewind spell.
The combat is better than the first game, but is still frustrating at times. Even though the prince now has dozens of attacks and combos (he could be his own character on Mortal Kombat), the best strategy is still, as in the first game, just use vault attacks all the time.
Overall Gameplay: Good
Plot
In some ways better than the first, and in some ways, worse. For one thing, it's much more complex, but at the same time, it just can't replace the story between the Prince and Farah in the first game. The woman he falls for in this one is kinda dumb and has no real character. However, the plot will still draw you in. I'll just say that there is a huge twist near the end that will explain all the questions you may have had.
Overall Plot: Good
Overall
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within set out with the main intent of improving the combat from the first one. And it did, but at the sacrifice of less puzzle elements and plot. But this is still a must for anyone who played the first or who wants to see one of the best platforming games ever made.
Overall: 4.5 of 5 Stars