Mechner happy with next POP game

Prince of Persia creator Jordan Mechner has said he's happy with the new direction Ubisoft is taking the series in.

Mechner isn't working on the next Prince of Persia game, which is out on PS3, PC, Xbox 360 and DS this Christmas. Speaking at the Comic Con event in San Diego, Mechner confirmed he's glad Ubi has opted for a new style of gameplay and graphics.

"I'm very excited about the new game. I'm glad they're taking it in a different direction," he said. "I think it's absolutely beautiful. It's got that romantic, beautiful feel which I think is more true to the spirit of Prince of Persia. It's very ambitious, it's spectacular, and it's awesome. I like it."

Mechner has previously hit the headlines for criticising POP titles he wasn't involved with - most notably Warrior Within. The series creator was quoted as saying he didn't like the game's emphasis on combat, but reckons his words were taken out of context.

"I said something once that got repeated a lot of places," he told the audience. "I don't like to criticise a particular game. What I meant to say was the style wasn't my style... I'd rather not expand on that. I'd rather focus on the positive, and hope the new game is going to be the best one."

Mechner is currently working on a new Prince of Persia graphic novel and has written the script for the forthcoming feature film. He confirmed it'll star Jake Gylenhaal, Ben Kingsley and Alfred Molina, adding, "I'm delighted with the casting."