the 90s, game developers all over the world scrambled to come up with
platformers and action/adventure games that could compete with Mario 64. This
was not unlike the early 90s, which saw the creation of a true classic, Sonic
the Hedgehog, and a number of cheesy knock-offs (Bubsy comes to mind) – all in
an effort to compete with the big bad plumber.
One of the memorable series
to come from Mario envy was Spyro the Dragon. Spyro, AKA the little dragon
that could, was barely old enough to flap his wings, let alone save the world
from destruction. But he was a diligent fighter. Once placed in the hands of
willful gamers, he became an exciting and original hero who could not only
jump and stomp as all of his competitors could – he was also able to breathe
fire and fly high above his environments.
“Could someone get me a breath mint? My mouth is on fire!”
Given Spyro’s age, some
thought it was time to give the series a fresh start. The series hadn’t run
out of gas, but then again, James Bond hasn’t either. That didn’t stop MGM
from re-evaluating its property. Nor has it stopped the creation of The Legend
of Spyro: A New Beginning.
Just where will this new
beginning take us? To familiar lands, with plenty of sides to scroll, and
numerous enemies to flame-broil. Though the game has gone back to the
"beginning," Spyro has not lost his ability to draw ice, Earth, and
electricity powers. He won’t be able to use those powers at the start of the
game, limiting his attacks to a head-charge. Soon he’ll gain the power to
unleash a consistent flame attack, as well as a flame bomb that explodes on
impact. The latter does a lot more damage, especially during boss battles. In
fact, some bosses will only perish under the strike of a flame, ice, electric,
or Earth bomb. Standard attacks do not harm them.
Spyro’s controls are
wonderful – the best I’ve experienced in one of his handheld adaptations.
They’re smooth, persistent (no stammering in between jumps), and rarely
inconsistent.
New mini-games add
variety to the adventure. They come in the form of boss battles and level
cross-overs. While the main gameplay is experienced from a side-scrolling, 2D
perspective (the classic GBA / SNES style), the boss battles have a
behind-the-dragon view. It’s not three-dimensional, but it’s the closest this
version will get to imitating that effect. Spyro will fly and continue to
hover by tapping the A button — he’ll drop if you release. Bosses attack in
various patterns, shooting explosions and other hazards across the screen.
You’ll need to dodge them, then hover to the boss’s weak spot and tap the
right trigger to fire a bomb. Repeat this action about a dozen times and the
battle will be won.
"Me big. You small. I crush you with…wait, who’s that in the distance? Spyro!?
No! All evil comrades, retreat! Retreat!"
Cross-over levels give
you a hint of gaming’s past. Fly side-ways and bomb enemy cannons in a
R-Type-style mini-game. In another, you’ll have to jump over cracks and blast
away barricades to avoid getting crushed by a runaway train.
Though I like the
variety, you might be wondering why I have not said much about the main
portion of the game. The unfortunate truth is that there isn’t much to talk
about. You control Spyro in a 2D world. He has all of his old powers, and
several enemies that must be destroyed.
In most cases, a lack of
great controls is what bring a decent action/adventure down to lackluster
status. That’s because we are most often faced with bad controls. When the
controls suck, the rest of the game doesn’t matter much.
Here we have the
opposite. Spyro’s controls are great, but the level design and mission
structure is one of the most repetitive I have ever experienced. You’ll cross
over a hill, head-charge a few enemies, and look forward to something new over
the horizon. Next up: you climb a hill, head-charge a few enemies, and climb
another platform. You’ll do this five or six times before the next level
comes, which is a complete rehash of the last.
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Gameplay: 5
Great controls,
that’s it. Spyro is repetitive and devoid of any form of difficulty
whatsoever. I literally, on multiple occasions, looked away from the
screen and defeated my enemies. All I had to do was tap the B button
until they die. Mini-games are slightly more complicated, requiring the use of
one eye – and both hands I suppose – to succeed. But in no way are they enough
to warrant a purchase of Spyro’s “new” beginning.
Graphics: 4
The characters
are too small. This is the first game I’ve played that didn’t look good on my
Game Boy Micro.
Sound: 5
Repetitive and
distorted sounds to go along with the game’s repetitive and distorted level
design.
Difficulty: SUPER Easy
The biggest piece
of cakewalk you will ever find. Spyro doesn’t have any icing (challenge)
on top, but the pan was greased with shortening.
Concept: 3
Not-so-legendary.
Spyro’s levels repeat themselves all the way till the end.
Overall: 5
I’ve played
nearly every Spyro game released. Up until now, the series has tried, at least
partially, to provide a different experience with every level – something more
than a change in shape and background color. I expected the same level of
quality from Spyro’s new beginning – the game that would reinvent the series.
But all we got was a rehash – a mistake I hope does not lead to the series’
retirement.
