DESCRIPTION

The fire-breathing dragon has returned! As the third installment of the platform series, Spyro: Year of the Dragon incorporates new characters with free-roaming 3D adventure elements spanning vast fantasy worlds. There are over 30 levels included with hidden skateboarding, sharp-shooting, and boxing mini-games thrown in for extra measure.

Exploring individual worlds won't be a walk in the park, however — an evil sorceress condemned to the Forgotten Worlds has devised a sinister scheme of widespread terror. On the dawn of a cherished festival, the vile witch will unleash her power and minions upon the planet. In a perfect world, the Year of the Dragon Festival is a joyous time where dragon eggs are delivered courtesy of kind fairies and fire-breathing creatures celebrate until the sun comes out.

Instead of celebrating, the dragons have been instilled with thoughts of fear and panic: receiving aide from the ominous Bianca and her army of Rhynoc cronies, the sorceress has stolen 150 dragon eggs and spread them throughout the four Forgotten Worlds. Although things are looking grim, the dragons are keeping hope alive. Enlisting the services of Bently the Yeti, a kangaroo named Sheila, Sergeant Byrd and the wise baboon Agent 9, Spyro is determined to thwart the plans of evil and save the day once again!

With the addition of newly included characters, Spyro: Year of the Dragon marks the return of previous characters such as Sparx, Hunter, the Professor and Moneybags. Additionally, the playable creatures feature unique abilities used in defeating bosses and other things. While exploring the vast worlds, you'll encounter various obstacles including harmful critters, puzzles, and death-defying leaps and platforms. In this game, vehicles have been implemented including a speedboat, hovercraft and a rip-roaring rocket, all of which appear on certain levels.

Also located throughout the Forgotten Worlds are important pickups including valuable treasure, flame enhancements, extra lives, and speed-increasing items; there are even specialty items strewn about for solving puzzles and completing various tasks. In addition to the single-player Adventure mode, there are redesigned Speed Rounds and a new Race mode. The Race mode will lock players in fierce racing competitions against enemy opponents.

Recovering the dragon eggs and demolishing the sorceress' plans are the keys to victory — will you maneuver Spyro and his friends to the path of victory or disappoint the legions of dragons? ~ Matthew House, All Game Guide