Reviewed by Jonah

Pardon the post October baseball metaphor, but with the newest Spyro game: The Legend of Spyro Dawn of the Dragon, Activision swings for the fences…. and knocks it out of the park.  The cut scenes take full advantage of the current graphics technology—in this case on the Xbox 360.  The game play pushes the envelope for a platform game—Spidey wallcrawls everywhere now, and Spyro the flying dragon flies whenever he wishes now.  And, the voice acting includes Gary Oldman, Christina Ricci, Elijah wood, and René Auberjonois.  This is an A-list game from top to bottom.

I could gush about the clarity of the environments, and the vastness of the worlds you explore as Spyro (voiced by Wood) and Cinder (voiced by Ricci).  I could brag about the ease of game play, and how easy it is to pick up for newbs. I could go on and on about the design of new characters and how the level bosses push the envelope of scary for a game rated “E”.  Oh wait, I suppose I just did.

In one sentence, this game is good.  No, this game is great.  This game is what video games should all aspire to be.  Any time a game takes two days of your life away, it is doing something right.  The world of Spyro sucks you in and does not let you go until you have completed the game.  However, the game is not perfect.

Those familiar with the Spyro games of old will notice that a great deal of the silliness has been removed.  There is no more barbequing sheep or eating butterflies.  The story—which has gotten more complex and dark through progressive sequels—is a little too similar to a certain film trilogy that also starred Mr. Wood.  Hardcore gamers may scoff at a game you can 100% in about twenty hours—without using cheats.  Those using cheats will finish far faster. 

The biggest problem is that while the game play is innovative, it is not seamless.  In some ways Spyro is limited by the technology it harnesses.  I was reminded of the new Spidey games.  There are only so many buttons on a controller.  Some actions require a little too similar mashing on said buttons.  Sometimes I actually wanted to fly, other times I was attempting a double jump and flew instead.  In addition, I get the impression that this game is much better in co-op mode: the AI is just not very clever sometimes.  “You stay there while I swing…. no, you’re dragging me down… damn you!!!”  Stupid AI…. grumble.

Gripes aside, this is one hell of a game.  For those of us who want an entertaining game that is executed in top notch fashion, this game is our huckleberry.  I must confess to being curious about why Activision didn’t push this harder as a holiday release.  This game is perfect for kids craving the holiday fantasy fix that is usually filled by a young wizard at Hogwarts (noticeably absent this November).  It’s also a refreshing change from games that require you to kill and maim.  It IS an “E” title after all. 

It may feel a little young skewing for those not familiar with the purple dragon’s exploits.  Those who know and love Spyro may be a little jarred by the change in the tone.  Whether you are or aren’t familiar with the Spyro franchise, check it out.  You won’t be disappointed.  The Legend of Spyro Dawn of the Dragon receives a solid “A” in my book.