ScotchMonkey: So you liked the awkward dialouge, bad pacing, stilted combat and arythmic acrobatics? Suit yourself, Give me Sands of Time any day of the week.
I do not see where are the "awkward dialogues" you're talking about. They're just full of mysteries, of mystic references about light/dark right/wrong. It is full of gods, metaphors and allegories so yes it's not a clear story, it's something that let your imagination work on your own interpretations.
I agree for the combats but as i said earlier it's not the main purpose of the game imho, but you're right on this one.
And finally i do not see what do you mean by "bad pacing" and "arythmic acrobatics" ? I had no problem with controls and the parkour itself, it's a lot more complete and good looking than the others prince of persia or assassin's creed. There's much more variation and "powers" to use. Each portion of the realm feels different to travel on because of these "yellow, red, blue and green" powers.
Of course, i loved Sands of Time and the others PoP, but this one is clearly something not to bash, simply because, it creates something original, a unique arabian nights atmosphere you do not see anywhere else.
Forgive me if there are some mistakes, I'm still learning english ^^