Spyro: Season of Ice

"It's cool. Literally."

So, it looks like Spyro The Dragon has done what other platform game heroes have done before him. Just like the ever-so-popular Sonic The Hedgehog and just recently Crash Bandicoot, he's got a brand new game... from a different developer other than the original creator (in this case, it's Digital Eclipse instead of Insomniac). Digital Eclipse are less-known, and if they're known they did compilations, but that doesn't make them a bad game developer... or does it? Let's read on in the review for ''Season of Ice''.

GRAPHICS

The game is set up in an isometric viewpoint. That means cramming more area around our purple critter than its PlayStation counterparts. The animations run smoothly and the backgrounds have been very well done. However, the characters, although most of which have been recreated beautifully, seem a bit quirky in some areas. For example, the thieves have grown a bit taller, and Hunter the Cheetah seems like he's got a tan.

GAMEPLAY

It takes a while to get to grip with the controls sometimes, but once you do you're in for a rewarding experience. Controlling Spyro has never been better here, but there were a few problems. Sometimes it's a bit difficult to tell where you glide to. The L button helps you to see further away, but what if the ledge was further than what you could see? And not to mention that you get thumb cramp after an hour all because of trying to hold the d-pad in a diagonal direction. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

SOUND

Considering it's on a handheld console it's not really that bad actually. There's the same winning formula that made the soundtrack in the PSOne versions relaxing and rememberable. Most of the original sounds were there too, and considering the size of the speakers inside the GBA that's an incredible feat.

VALUE FACTOR

There are many puzzles which seem to tax the most occupant of minds (''Where's Mermaid Coast?'' ''How can I beat Hummingbird Fort?'' ''Why can't I get a high time on the Stone Age Speedway?''). Claiming the fairies sound more difficult as time passes, as the tasks appear to go more and more difficult, and it really seems to tackle your skill. The only problem is that there is a bit less fun factor, but it's cool to play with. Literally.

Overall, it sounds like an awesome game to play. Approach if you want a real challenge. However, I'll be surprised if you had more fun than I did, really. Regardless of that, it stands as a great game, and it's at least much tougher than the easy to finish ''Year of the Dragon'' on the PSOne.

FINAL SCORE - 8/10
Pushes your brain to its limits, and if you're lucky, it takes the phrase ''be cool'' to its literal meaning.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/27/02, Updated 05/27/02