From GameCareerGuide (via Gamasutra):

Interpretation plays an important role in our world. Religious interpretation, political interpretation, economic, medical; concerning almost everything, perception greatly affects how people choose to react. The effectiveness of something is wholly dependent upon how people perceive them, rather than their intention otherwise. As well, the effectiveness of story is dependent upon the interpretation of given information. As such, video games, too, are subject to the power of interpretation. Ubisoft Montreal’s 2008 Prince of Persia is an excellent example of how interpretation can affect satisfaction with a game.

Ubisoft Montreal has a history of writing impactful, surprise endings. Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Assassin’s Creed — each game made an attempt to shift the story and emotional experience at the last minute. The newest Prince of Persia follows this trend, but Montreal’s success is debatable.

Prince of Persia opens with a vision, one that is to reoccur in various forms throughout the game. The vision, to which Elika, the Prince, and players are all witness, reveals that the game’s female lead, Elika, had previously died. But because of his love for her, the King, Elika’s father, makes a pact with the god of darkness to bring her back. "If you shall have your wish, then give me mine," commands Ahriman. And the King, to revive Elika, frees Ahriman from his millenia-long imprisonment, choosing to sacrifice not only himself, but the world as well.  

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Tags: design, interpretation, montreal, prince of persia, ubisoft