The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning review

Teach an old dragon some new tricks in this prequel to an almost forgotten franchise

GamesRadar+ Verdict

Pros

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    Some of the voice work

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    The colorful stages

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    Upgradeable powers

Cons

  • -

    Obtrusive training stages

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    Getting lost in the effects-heavy action

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    David Spade as Sparx

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If ever there was a reason to reach inside the television and begin throttling, it's David Spade as Sparx the dragonfly in The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning. As the cutesy sidekick in this action game, the cloying comic proves to be equal parts grating and repulsive. "Over here, mauve boy," he'll bleat at regular intervals, and his sneering, nasal tone never loses its charm because, simply, it never had any.

You'll have to suffer through Spade even as a reborn Spyro soars in this oftentimes enchanting adventure. Developer Krome takes over the venerable license here, crafting a prequel of sorts that's goofy and fun, even it tends to be a little too concerned about flash and sizzle for its own good.

The Spyro series takes a Biblical bent here. The purple dragon is foretold as a savior of sorts and is sent Moses-style down the river to live with adoptive parents. It's heavyhanded, to be sure, but is quickly dropped as Spyro (voiced with some skill by Elijah Wood) and his "brother" Sparx set out on a quest to uncover his roots and defeat an evil dragon.

More info

GenreAction
DescriptionThe forgotten gaming franchise attempts a comeback by giving its dragon hero a cinematic backstory.
Franchise nameSpyro
UK franchise nameSpyro
Platform"GBA","GameCube","Xbox","PS2","DS"
US censor rating"Everyone","Everyone","Everyone","Everyone","Everyone"
UK censor rating"Rating Pending","Rating Pending","Rating Pending","Rating Pending","Rating Pending"
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