Explore the source code of the iconic Prince of Persia, originally crafted on the Apple II in the late '80s. This archive reveals the creative journey behind a timeless classic, enriched with insights from the developer's journals and a personal graphic novel. Dive into the technical details, relive gaming history, and celebrate the legacy of a game that shaped generations.
Overview
Explore the rich legacy of gaming with the original Prince of Persia, created by Jordan Mechner for the Apple II using 6502 assembly language between 1985 and 1989. This repository holds a treasure trove of source code, allowing developers, historians, and enthusiasts to delve into the foundational elements of one of gaming's most iconic franchises.
Background and History
Prince of Persia was first released by Broderbund Software in 1989 and has since evolved into an enduring franchise under Ubisoft. To better understand the game's 35-year history and its cultural significance, visit jordanmechner.com for a comprehensive overview.
Development Insights
For a detailed understanding of the context in which this game was developed—covering creative, personal, and technical aspects—Jordan has published his insightful dev journals and a graphic novel titled REPLAY (2023). This narrative intertwines his gaming adventures on the Apple II with his personal and family stories, featuring snippets of the original 6502 code.
Technical Documentation
To assist those looking to navigate the source code, an explanatory technical document is available at jordanmechner.com/library. This document was initially compiled in October 1989 to support various porting teams adapting Prince of Persia for multiple platforms including PC, Amiga, and Sega Genesis.
Preservation Effort
Thanks to the remarkable efforts of The Internet Archive's Jason Scott and the late Tony Diaz, the original source code has been successfully extracted from a vintage 3.5" floppy disk. Their dedication rescued this piece of gaming history, ensuring that it remains accessible for future generations.
Community Contribution
This repository is a celebration of gaming heritage. Jordan encourages anyone interested to study, modify, and run the source code. However, it’s important to note that this does not grant rights to the Prince of Persia franchise, which remains the intellectual property of Ubisoft.
Stay Connected
For future updates and insights from Jordan, follow him on his social media and subscribe to his monthly newsletter, all available on jordanmechner.com. Join the vibrant community of developers and fans as they explore and expand upon this classic game.
Enjoy your journey through gaming history! Have fun!