The latest, and fourth game in the Spyro the Dragon series is entitled A New Beginning, and the name could not be more apt. Not only is this literally a new beginning as the origins of the cute purple fire-breather are re-explored and examined in detail - but the game also marks a change in direction for the series.

Whereas earlier games were definitely in the Super Mario World mold, Spyro has now branched out on its own, and it's a better game for it. The game is darker, and less open th ... more >>

The latest, and fourth game in the Spyro the Dragon series is entitled A New Beginning, and the name could not be more apt. Not only is this literally a new beginning as the origins of the cute purple fire-breather are re-explored and examined in detail - but the game also marks a change in direction for the series.

Whereas earlier games were definitely in the Super Mario World mold, Spyro has now branched out on its own, and it's a better game for it. The game is darker, and less open than previous games. The missions are more 'on rails' than free roaming. And the emphasis is moved from collecting gems, and placed more on combat. Spyro and his buddy Sparx travel across the Dragon's world, with Spyro's guide and teacher Ignitus, battling with the minions of the evil black dragon, Cynder. All the while, developing Spyro's combat skills as he prepares to take on ever more challenging opponents. As they progress through the game, players can use collectibles to upgrade Spyro's breath weapons - sort of like my first RPG.

The result is a game that may appeal to slightly older gamers than earlier Spyro games - but which can easily be played on two levels; one that enables the less experienced gamer to battle their way through, and another that enables slightly older, or more experienced gamers to play with more style and flair.

The GBA version lacks the graphical resolution of the home console versions, as you would expect - but it makes up for this by deploying the top screen to display useful in-game information about your enemy's weaknesses and your power status that players of the other versions just don't get.

All this is accompanied by a storyline that drives the game, and is explored through some nice graphics and punchy dialogue - voiced by Hollywood talent Elijah Wood and Gary Oldman among others - to create an animated tale that could almost stand on its own as entertainment for kids. << less