Strong story and characters bolster the latest in this game trilogy (New Beginning was the first installment). This series has presented a lot of different formats over its ten year history. It helps to know the previous installment's storyline, but the story stands up on its own well enough with increasing interest as you play.

In this game, the little purple dragon, voiced by Frodo himself, Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings), battles a formidable antagonist called Gaul, "The Ape King." The supporting voice cast and the grand, cinematic-like scope are plentiful in this title. Gary Oldman (Harry Potter, Batman Begins) voices Ignitus while talented voice actor Billy West (Futurama television series) provides the vocals for Spyro's sidekick and helpful navigation guide Sparx.

The serious tone and challenging gameplay requires patience. The beginning/training sessions become frustrating at times, but later sessions are very simple, so hang in there younger players, don't just immediately pass the remote to your older siblings/friends when the going gets tough. The high challenge prompts a lot of leaning and body language (especially when trying to stay on a floating rock), but not all the movements follow logic. For example when Spyro hits an edge, he's knocked back to where he started from which can confuse players. Spyro faces some very challenging odds, which definitely increases player emotion. Having a solid story boosts the emotion so players get a memorable experience.

The formidable storyline includes some foreshadowing regarding Spyro's mysterious premonitions involving lunar elements and the familiar wisdom-spewing older dragon who helps Spyro and players understand the story better offering some mild intrigue and decent subplots. Some of the graphics are too striated, and then other levels are very polished. Other high production values include sharp sound effects — maybe too sharp, like Spyro's clicking feet as he runs.

Spyro might be small, but he has several methods to beat even the biggest opponents, including fury breath attacks of ice, fire, earth, and electricity (remember Fifth Element? Just substitute electricity for wind). Spryo can even use time techniques to his advantage. "Dragon Time" lets Spyro win battles and tasks that normally would be impossible. Some of the game mechanics necessary to advance are very unique (original, puzzling, odd, etc. – you fill in the blank) like knocking enemies out of the ground then bashing them through a wall. Fighting with mêlée attacks get a little repetitive especially when you're swarmed.