Man, how long has it been since I’ve done a decent review? I’m not sure there’s been one since “Kung Fu Panda” months ago (unless you count the Sailor Moon impressions of course)! I think it’s high time for a new one, wouldn’t you agree? 
Today’s review is on a game I ordered used off of Amazon recently, “The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning”. For those of you who may not know, “Spyro” is a semi-popular series of games about a small purple dragon (named Spyro, of course). Now, usually these games are pretty stupid, with goofy characters, iffy gameplay, and not a whole lot of depth. That’s not to say they’re bad (some are quite entertaining), but they’re no masterpieces.
This game turns all that on it’s head. The first thing one might notice is that “The Legend of..” has been added in front of the usual “Spyro” title. A small change, but as the second part “A New Beginning” hints at, this is because this is in fact a new series. All previous games are ignored, and this game starts off a brand new continuity. Some of the same characters remain (like Spyro and Sparx the Dragonfly), but the backstory for these characters is completely rewritten (and is explained in the opening sequences).
This game is a “New Beginning” in more than just continuity. It’s a total reenvisionment or the franchise! Unlike the previous goofy games, this one is taken seriously. It has some quality voice acting (Elijah Wood as Spyro, and David Spade as Sparx for instance), and the soundtrack is often breathtakingly beautiful. Also, there’s real drama in this story, which is both serious and compelling. The graphics are impressive, with full motion cutscenes (none of that blank-faced with half-assed lip movement we got so often in Kingdom Hearts) and some impressive visuals. Some of the particle effects and scenery is out of this world, especially in the final level of the game.
Of course, none of that means squat if the gameplay sucks, right? Well, “New Beginning” rises to that challenge as well, possessing some of the most addictive combat controls I’ve ever seen! It takes a while to get totally comfortable with the controls, but once you do, combat in this game becomes a work of art! Melee attacks can be easily strung together for some killer combos, and when you add breath attacks to the mix things can really heat up (no pun intended)! As the game progresses, you’ll unlock four unique breath attacks, each of which has two applications in addition to a powerful nova attack. With lightning, for instance, you can zap foes and twist your head to fling them sideways (I got great pleasure in flinging my enemies off cliffs or into pits of lave 
), use a more powerful bolt of energy to capture them and suspend them in the air so you can jump up and get some melee attacks in, or use a powerful nova burst that fills the screen with huge bursts of lightning, obliterating everything in sight! The other three breaths have equally fun uses, and I found myself easily switching between the four as the situation demanded. Also, you’re given the chance to upgrade each breath attack using gems you acquire throughout the game, so you can power up your preferred attack. Basically what I’m trying to say here is that combat in this game is a load of fun, and very addicting! Plus, you’ve got a fully controllable camera, so you can look at a scene from any angle you choose (a feature many games lack). What more can you ask for?
As for replayability, this game suffers, but only slightly. There are no sidequests to go on, no artifacts to gather, and you can’t go back and play through levels you’ve already beaten. You just play straight through the story. There is one perk, however. Once you beat the game, you’re given the option to start over in the same file. I did so, and was surprised and ecstatic to find that all of my abilities were just as I had them when I had beaten the game! All my breaths were still unlocked and leveled in the correct places. I was able to play through the game a second time, with full access to my abilities the whole way through! I’m taking a break from the game now, but I fully expect that I’ll be going through it again soon (probably in a month or so).
In fact, the game’s only true shortcoming is that it’s not very long. I beat it the first time through in about three days, and less the second time. Still, considering it was just as much fun the second time through, I guess I’ll go easy on it. 
Basically what I’m trying to say here is that this is a great game, and I’m proud to have it in my library. It’s available on Gamecube, X-Box, and PS2, and considering you can pick up a used copy in good condition for ten bucks on Amazon, it’s a great buy. Me, I’m looking forward to when the new game in this series, “The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon”, comes out for all the next-gen systems two months from now. I can hardly wait! 
