When a game release coincides with a major Hollywood blockbuster release of the same title, gamers worldwide cringe.

Over and over again we've seen how it's a recipe for disaster, with movie houses looking for a quick cash-in with a game release to help bolster the movie's hype - and their coffers.

The results are as predictable as they are depressing.

Then there's the other side of the coin: a long-standing, hugely successful game franchise gets a movie release. Almost every single time, it too is a disaster. And not always because a certain German filmmaker is behind it.

So when The Bruckheimer brought out a 'Prince of Persia' movie at the same time as a new game in the series was released, I was worried. Very worried.

I'm not one for grovelling, but if I were in the Ubisoft offices while they were making 'The Forgotten Sands', you can be sure I would have run around like a rabid rabbit, pleading with them to Not. Stuff. It. Up.

The early reviews of the game didn't fill me with much confidence and it was therefore with extreme trepidation that I sat down to give 'Forgotten Sands' a run around my Xbox - only to be pleasantly surprised!

Fine, it's not the series' greatest moment - although, to be fair, the 'Prince of Persia' games have always been a bit of a badly disguised hybrid of 'Tomb Raider' and 'God of War', even though it is older - but the game is not exactly bad either.

It manages to deliver that singularly slow-burn appeal of gameplay that is simply fun to play. But it never does more; never delivers a hook that leaves you reeling.

When compared to the illustrious likes of 'Uncharted 2', this becomes 'The Forgotten Sands's' biggest downfall: the gameplay is fun, but nothing more. It becomes monotonous in the extreme within the first hour of play, only slightly raising its head in a surge to a grand finale, but even then it reminds too much of 'God of War' boss fights to be memorable.

The visuals are pretty decent but, again, nothing spectacular. It's nice to look at, but won't have you drooling at a delicate attention to detail.

It's difficult to not use the title of this game as a metaphor for its longevity, but sadly that's what 'The Forgotten Sands' is: fun to play - even if you you're not a rabid fan of the series - but ultimately won't invite you for a replay.

Add to that a story bordering on yawn-worthy, and decidedly demonic creatures that - although not reaching the hellish lows of those in 'God of War' - should be taken into consideration when considering a purchase.

As a fan I enjoyed the game, while lamenting the need to include demons and the lack of innovation in gameplay. It's a good addition to the series, but definitely not brilliant by any measure.

8.1/10

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