Spyro Reborn

Spyro accomplished the rare feat of instant acceptance when he was introduced to the gaming world. From the moment he appeared on home consoles, our heroic dragon earned his place among the Marios, the Sonics, and the Master Chiefs as an iconic videogame character for the ages.

Can you point me to the little dragon's room?

Spyro's adventures have been epic and have spanned several home consoles, always staying true to the action platformer roots of the series. With The Legend of Spyro™: A New Beginning, the franchise has been reborn for the next generation under the careful guidance of Krome Studios and Sierra Entertainment.

A Birth Retold
All franchises require reinvention from time to time, and with A New Beginning, Spyro has gotten a fresh start. The story begins with the guardian dragon Ignitus (voiced by Gary Oldman) sending a dragon egg downriver to what he hopes is safety.

Of course, the egg turns out to be Spyro (voiced by Elijah Wood), and alongside his best friend Sparks (voiced by David Spade), he is raised by caring dragonfly parents. The game begins as Spyro sets off to learn his true nature, and as the game progresses, he discovers his place in dragon society and the role he will play in saving them from extinction.

My tail!

Unlike many platform games, the story in The Legend of Spyro is of central importance. What's more, the execution is exceptional, with great voice work and carefully choreographed sequences that advance the plot and add charm and emotion to the tale.

Revitalized Gameplay
A New Beginning is an action platformer at heart, and can best be compared to games like Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones or even the great Beyond Good & Evil. Each level boasts a careful mix of puzzles, action, platform challenges, and boss encounters, ensuring that the gameplay never becomes repetitive.

Spyro himself is full of unique abilities, including triple combo moves in the air and on the ground, fire attacks, juggle attacks, and knock-backs. Spyro can even eventually develop the ability to fly, not just glide, and you can unlock various special elemental powers like ice and electricity attacks.

Can't go wrong with mutant crabs.

Upgrade Paths
Throughout his adventures, Spyro will find and befriend the dragon guardians that are sworn to protect dragon-kind. These wise elders will help Spyro upgrade his special abilities. This isn't a strictly structured system, however, so you can choose the upgrades you want, helping you define just how you want to play the game.

The Legend of Spyro is a breath of fresh air for the platform genre, and a family-friendly one as well. Krome Studios' care for the franchise can be found in every nook and cranny of the game. From the stunning landscapes to the charming and often funny story, it's evident that Krome took their time with this game. This looks and feels like a pet project, and for a beloved gaming icon, that's precisely the treatment Spyro deserves.

Article by Ryan Treit