We all knew it was heading our way, but Ubi decided to make it official.

Today Ubisoft announced that it is developing Prince of Persia 3 (working title) for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC and... our trusty GameCube. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2005, Prince of Persia 3 is the third volume in the award-winning Prince of Persia franchise. If we're to believe Ubi Soft, the third installment of the prince will blend the best features from the first two installments (Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Prince of Persia Warrior Within) with the talent, vision and ingenuity of Ubisoft's development teams, promising that Prince of Persia 3 will enliven the franchise with a vitality � and plenty of unexpected twists � that will impress and satisfy long-time fans and newcomers.

"Prince of Persia 3 promises to be THE best instalment in the legendary franchise," said Tony Kee, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. "By combining two playable characters in a masterly balanced gameplay, with the perfect mix of acrobatic moves and a compelling storyline, the Prince of Persia will appeal to both Sands of Time and Warrior Within fans alike. The Prince is back to reclaim his kingdom, and he has a few surprises in store..."

In Prince of Persia 3, the Prince of Persia returns from the Island of Time to Babylon with his love, Kaileena. Instead of the peace that he longs for, he finds his homeland ravaged by war and the kingdom turned against him. The Prince is rapidly captured and Kaileena has no choice but to sacrifice herself and unleash the Sands of Time in order to save him. Now cast out on the streets and hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that past battles have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him.

Some of the features of the game include:

• Players will play and master two distinct characters: Wield the powers and weapons of two master warriors with different combat styles, attitudes, and histories.
• Choose your way to fight: Master the expanded Free-Form Fighting system to destroy enemies in your own style; strangle enemies from afar with the deadly Daggertail; or surprise them with full-speed one-shot kills using a brand new stealth art. The choice is yours.
• Battle freely through Babylon: Dominate enemies on the perilous rooftops, dodge through chaotic streets, and ambush pursuers in dark, underground passageways.
• Immerse yourself in a dramatic story: Experience unparalleled depth in storytelling as you fight your way through a twisting tale filled with adrenaline, tension and discovery.
• Manipulate time to surprise enemies: Execute powerful attacks against entire armies by slowing down or rewinding time, or surprise them by using some all-new Sands of Time powers.
• Experience a masterful blend of gameplay: True to the Prince of Persia franchise, the game provides a variety of action combat, agility and story-driven puzzles � all masterfully blended together into a rich gaming experience.

The game will be shown during the E3 event next month in Los Angeles, but we have already received the first visuals of what may be expected.

(Click for full view)