Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2508 in Computer & Video Games
• Brand: ACTIVISION
• Model: ps2
• Released on: 2006-10-27
• Rating: To Be Announced
• Platform: PlayStation2

Amazon.co.uk Review:
In a nutshell:
Spyro the Dragon returns in a reboot to the series that finally explains his origins and aims to return him to the top flight of platforming gaming mascots.

The lowdown:
Alongside Crash Bandicoot the original Spyro the Dragon games were the PSone’s best two exclusive platformers, but just like Crash they’ve long lost their way. This might be called A New Beginning but it’s disarmingly similar to the last game and features precious little in the way of new ideas. Although he does sport a requisite pair of leathery wings, Spyro can’t actually fly, just glide for short periods, which allows the game to include lots of platforming sections. The real emphasis is on combat though, which is a bit of a shame as it quickly gets repetitive with few moves and little variety in enemies. It’s a competent enough game but it’s really got nothing new to add to either the Spyro series or action adventure games in general.

Most exciting moment:
The best part of the game is the way Spyro’s powers can slowly be upgraded, particularly his four flavoured dragon’s breath which switches between the elemental powers of fire, ice, wind and earth. Not only do many of the puzzles revolve around their use but some enemies are vulnerable to specific types.

Since you ask:
Oddly the game has quite the celebrity line-up in its voice cast, including Elijah Woods (The Lord of the Rings) and Gary Oldman (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), but their talents are largely wasted on a bland script and trite dialogue.

The bottom line:
Not the revamp the series needed to regain its previous glories.-HARRISON DENT

Manufacturer's Description
The Legend of Spyro A New Beginning, become a living, breathing weapon of explosive destruction! Experience the true power of the purple dragon as you unleash devastating fury attacks, upgradeable breaths & ground to aerial melee combos in a frenzied battle with hordes of menacing enemies and bone-chilling bosses. In this epic adventure with non-stop action combat, the future of the world rests on Spyro's wings and you must help him become the hero.

An ancient evil has emerged from the past, plummeting the world into total darkness. When a young dragon named Spyro leaves his home searching for the truth about his origins, what he discovers is a shocking revelation - that the future of the World rests on his wings!  In a race against time, Spyro must realise his destiny and learn what it takes to be a Hero.

Customer Reviews

So sad.........
I have enjoyed every single adventure that Spyro has been on since Insomniac days. For me these were refreshing games with beautiful scenery, a cute little dragon, relaxing music and challenging puzzles-not to mention collecting thousands of gems! These are the essential componants in any Spyro game. A New Beginning moves away from this, it starts off with an interesting storyline-we are to back into Spyro's past. However, it soon becomes clear that combat is to be the main feature and this is consistent throughout the game.
I gave up after an hour of boring, boring, BORING combat and was left extremely disappointed. After reading the walkthrough I realised that the ENTIRE game consists of nothing more than combat-one thick goon after the next and nothing inbetween! So it is now collecting dust somewhere in a cupboard and I will not be bothering to dig it out again.
Bottom line-don't buy this game if you are looking for a return to Spyro's world, you will be disappointed. If you enjoy combat then this might be a game that you could consider. I am not sure who Vivendi were intending to appeal to when they designed this game but it certainly wasn't Spyro fans. Save your money.

Oh Poor Spyro
I was so excited when i heard there was a new spyro game and waited eagerly for it to arrive but what a disaster. Its too short i completed it in less than two days which is bad as im not that great at ps2 games. It is all fighting too much talking and poor spyro is just a fighting dragon.My nine year old son could have finished it in two hours if you take out the talking. Bring back the original spyro, The Year of the Dragon is a masterpiece enjoyable for both kids and adults, leave all the mindless fighting for games that are aimed at that genre,lets have some adventure with the little purple dragon.

Totally and Utterly Dissapointing
I have all of the 5 previous Spyro games, thanks to this one I will buy no more, they have completely destroyed the spirit of all previous games.