Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning for PlayStation 2 Reviews by Gamers

I was a big fan of the Spyro franchise, but this game is nothing like the rest of the series. Sure it's got the same main characters, but now there is almost as much time spent on cut scenes as game play. Then to top it all off, you no longer get to search for goodies like eggs and gems. It's all fight, fight, fight, and more fighting. Bah humbug, I am sending this one back.

It hits you really hard and really fast that this game won't be like other Spyro games. Of course, you should know that before you rent it. Only die-hard fans should purchase the game, but just plain ol'fans should only be renting the game. Those who who've never played Spyro games before may be best off with another game, if you're over the age of 15.

I was thrilled about the new battle system, different elemental breath and such, but I was giddy thinking that these aspects would come ALONG with the quality open-ended-ness platforming that Spyro games are known for. The worlds were far too linear, and all you did was fight. While I really enjoyed the battle system, I honestly wanted more than that. I do like collecting things because it requires you to explore and attempt risky moves. The biggest rushes I had with the game was when I had to solve a totem puzzle -- but otherwise it was just fightfightfight.

The voice actors weren't horrible at their jobs, though I never once imagined Sparx to be anything like they portrayed him in this game. I have something against celebrities doing voice overs because, well, they suck at it. I wasn't disappointed here, though. It just seemed unnecessary. Who's honestly going to buy Spyro based on the person who makes his "ARGH!" sounds?

The game was pretty easy (and if you have trouble you can make a crucial change in tactics to fix it). The game is insanely short compared to other Spyro games with tons of worlds, you only get around 5 here. It's filled with tons of pointless things to make the game seem longer (and some just annoying, like training). And while you're in the levels you're begging for it to be over already.

Overall, a great game for the kids and people who love Purple dragons, but the game mirrors the brainlessness of slash'n'hack games and there is no real substance. But I wasted a few days of my life on it.