One of the memorable series to come from Mario envy was Spyro the Dragon. Spyro, AKA the little dragon that could, was barely old enough to flap his wings, let alone save the world from destruction. But he was a diligent fighter. Once placed in the hands of willful gamers, he became an exciting and original hero who could not only jump and stomp as all of his competitors could – he was also able to breathe fire and fly high above his environments. 

“Could someone get me a breath mint? My mouth is on fire!” 

Given Spyro's age, some thought it was time to give the series a fresh start. The series hadn't run out of gas, but then again, James Bond hasn't either. That didn't stop MGM from re-evaluating its property. Nor has it stopped the creation of The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning.

Just where will this new beginning take us? To familiar lands, with plenty of sides to scroll, and numerous enemies to flame-broil. Though the game has gone back to the "beginning," Spyro has not lost his ability to draw ice, Earth, and electricity powers. He won't be able to use those powers at the start of the game, limiting his attacks to a head-charge. Soon he'll gain the power to unleash a consistent flame attack, as well as a flame bomb that explodes on impact. The latter does a lot more damage, especially during boss battles. In fact, some bosses will only perish under the strike of a flame, ice, electric, or Earth bomb. Standard attacks do not harm them.

Spyro's controls are wonderful – the best I've experienced in one of his handheld adaptations. They're smooth, persistent (no stammering in between jumps), and rarely inconsistent.

New mini-games add variety to the adventure. They come in the form of boss battles and level cross-overs. While the main gameplay is experienced from a side-scrolling, 2D perspective (the classic GBA / SNES style), the boss battles have a behind-the-dragon view. It's not three-dimensional, but it's the closest this version will get to imitating that effect. Spyro will fly and continue to hover by tapping the A button -- he'll drop if you release. Bosses attack in various patterns, shooting explosions and other hazards across the screen. You'll need to dodge them, then hover to the boss's weak spot and tap the right trigger to fire a bomb. Repeat this action about a dozen times and the battle will be won. 

"Me big. You small. I crush you with...wait, who's that in the distance? Spyro!? No! All evil comrades, retreat! Retreat!" 

Cross-over levels give you a hint of gaming's past. Fly side-ways and bomb enemy cannons in a R-Type-style mini-game. In another, you'll have to jump over cracks and blast away barricades to avoid getting crushed by a runaway train.

Though I like the variety, you might be wondering why I have not said much about the main portion of the game. The unfortunate truth is that there isn't much to talk about. You control Spyro in a 2D world. He has all of his old powers, and several enemies that must be destroyed.

In most cases, a lack of great controls is what bring a decent action/adventure down to lackluster status. That's because we are most often faced with bad controls. When the controls suck, the rest of the game doesn't matter much.

Here we have the opposite. Spyro's controls are great, but the level design and mission structure is one of the most repetitive I have ever experienced. You'll cross over a hill, head-charge a few enemies, and look forward to something new over the horizon. Next up: you climb a hill, head-charge a few enemies, and climb another platform. You'll do this five or six times before the next level comes, which is a complete rehash of the last.

Gameplay: 5
Great controls, that’s it. Spyro is repetitive and devoid of any form of difficulty whatsoever.  I literally, on multiple occasions, looked away from the screen and defeated my enemies.  All I had to do was tap the B button until they die. Mini-games are slightly more complicated, requiring the use of one eye – and both hands I suppose – to succeed. But in no way are they enough to warrant a purchase of Spyro’s “new” beginning.

Graphics: 4
The characters are too small. This is the first game I’ve played that didn’t look good on my Game Boy Micro.

Sound: 5
Repetitive and distorted sounds to go along with the game’s repetitive and distorted level design.

Difficulty: SUPER Easy
The biggest piece of cakewalk you will ever find. Spyro doesn’t have any icing (challenge) on top, but the pan was greased with shortening.

Concept: 3
Not-so-legendary. Spyro’s levels repeat themselves all the way till the end.

Overall: 5
I've played nearly every Spyro game released. Up until now, the series has tried, at least partially, to provide a different experience with every level – something more than a change in shape and background color. I expected the same level of quality from Spyro's new beginning – the game that would reinvent the series. But all we got was a rehash – a mistake I hope does not lead to the series’ retirement.