"Burn with the DRAGON!!"

Under-rated games. Often, these games are unfairly under-rated, for they are good, clean fun. Yet, we don't look at them like other games; we don't treat them like other games. So, when the next game in the already under-rated series comes out, we shun it like it was a bomb. Well, I'm here to say this: the Spyro series on Game Boy Advance is unfairly under-rated! I felt Spyro: Season of Ice was a very fun and a very good game. Naturally, playing the next game, Spyro 2: Season of Flame left me with the same reaction. However, Season of Flame is better, in that it improves on the already perfected perfection!

Story 10/10- The story is returning to its roots! Ripto is back! Here is the story, copied from the instruction manual:

After a well-deserved vacation following the encounter with Grendor and the Season of Ice, Spyro returns to the Dragon Realms to discover that none of the Dragon Elders are able to breathe fire anymore! In fact, no even Spyro can use his flame breath any longer! It's been turned icy cold! (Naturally, Hunter has been frozen solid by this time.)

Someone, mysteriously, has stolen all the fireflies, the source of all fiery Dragon Power. And it's up to Spyro, Hunter, Bianca, and Sparx to find out why!

As Spyro and the gang venture forth, they soon learn that this is all of Ripto's doing. Naturally, Ripto must be stopped!!

Graphics 10/10- The same graphical engine used in Season of Ice, Season of Flame features great graphics and visuals! All the sprites have been redone, so everyone looks sharper than before! Plus, the graphics are so detailed, they really add depth to the already large levels!

Gameplay 10/10- While the controls remain the same as they were in Season of Ice, they are superior in this game, due to the fact that there are new items! For example, pressing 'SELECT' now toggles between different breath! You start the game with ice breath, but can later toggle between fire breath, even electric breath! All these different breath attacks add depth to the game, as you must know what breath works best against what enemy, and so forth... Some other new items include the ability to freeze water, and upgrade all your breath attacks to 'Super' breath attacks...

Season of Flame features the same type of overworld as Season of Ice. You are in the Dragon Realms, but in a certain area of the realms. In this game, you are in what is known as the Sunny Plains. In the Sunny Plains, much like the Fairy Realms of Season of Ice, you must capture a certain object to unlock portals. In this game, you must freeze and capture magical fireflies, as their magic is the only way to return flame to the Dragon Realms! Speaking of portals, they are set up exactly the same way as in Season of Ice. Once a certain number of fireflies are captured, you will unlock portals, which transport you to different worlds of adventure. On the different worlds, you must complete some sort of overall goal or objective. Once you do, you will be able to return to the Sunny Plains. (When you return, you will have some extra fireflies!!)

While speedways have been taken out of this game, something new (and better) has been added: Challenge Portals! Near the end of the different worlds, you can unlock these, which give you the chance to earn extra fireflies. Obviously, you must complete some fairly difficult task! So, good luck!

Season of Flame no longer has the Sparx bonus levels. Instead, you get the Sheila bonus levels and the Agent 9 bonus levels! In these levels, you play as either Sheila the kangaroo, or Agent 9, the monkey detective. You must guide them along as they collect gems and other fine treasures! Sadly, that's all you do, though!

Sound 9/10- Same as in Season of Ice. There are no new sounds, but nothing lost! The sounds in the game are already good, though!

Music 10/10- While you still have the same overworld theme, all other music is new, and that new music is superior to any music in Season of Ice! For the music alone, this game deserves a chance!

Verdict-

Story 10/10
Graphics 10/10
Gameplay 10/10
Sound 9/10
Music 10/10
Multiplayer N/A
Replay Value 9/10

Pros:
Improves the perfection!

Cons:
The camera angle can occasionally cause death!

Final Word- Despite what you may have heard about this game, Spyro 2: Season of Flame is good, clean fun. I'm not saying it is one of the best games for the system, but what it does provide is nothing short of positive. If you are looking for a quick game with fun to the max, then enter the dragon!!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/27/02, Updated 12/27/02