Antarah: The Game, a new 3D action-adventure title based on the legendary Arabian folkloric hero, offers a thrilling new perspective on a well-known figure. While adapting historical narratives into video games presents unique challenges (as evidenced by titles like Dante's Inferno), Antarah: The Game appears to succeed where others have faltered.
But who is Antarah? Formally known as Antarah ibn Shaddad al-Absi, he's often compared to King Arthur, albeit with key differences. A poet-knight, his legendary exploits, particularly his trials to win the hand of his beloved Abla, are central to pre-Islamic Arabian folklore.
The gameplay seems reminiscent of Prince of Persia, featuring the hero traversing vast deserts and cities, engaging in combat with numerous enemies. Despite its relatively minimalist graphics, the scale of the mobile game is impressive, though it lacks the detail of titles like Genshin Impact.
A Broad Scope, Limited Depth?
While impressive for what seems to be a solo development effort, Antarah: The Game's visual variety appears somewhat limited. Trailers predominantly showcase a very orange desert landscape. Although the animation is appealing, the narrative's unfolding remains unclear—a crucial aspect for a historical drama.
Whether Antarah: The Game successfully immerses players in the world of pre-Islamic Arabian folklore is something you'll have to discover for yourself. The game is available on iOS.
For more epic open-world adventures, explore our list of the top 15 best adventure games for Android and iOS.