Summary
- Release Year: 2001
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Game Boy Advance
- Developers: Digital Eclipse
- Publishers: Konami, Universal Interactive Studios
Spyro: Season of Ice (2001)
Introduction
Spyro: Season of Ice is a platformer video game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Vivendi Universal Games. It was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2001. The game is the first Spyro game not developed by Insomniac Games and to appear on a handheld console.
Gameplay
Season of Ice is a 2D platformer played from an isometric overhead perspective. The player controls Spyro the dragon, who must travel through a series of levels to collect gems and defeat enemies. Spyro can use his signature flame breath to attack enemies and melt ice obstacles. He can also glide through the air and use his head to charge into enemies.
The game features a variety of levels, including icy caves, snow-covered forests, and volcanic caverns. Each level is filled with enemies, puzzles, and secrets. Spyro must use all of his skills to overcome the challenges and progress through the game.
In addition to the main story mode, Season of Ice also features a number of bonus levels. These levels are accessed by collecting special keys hidden throughout the game. The bonus levels are more challenging than the main story levels, but they also offer unique rewards.
Story
The story of Season of Ice begins when Spyro is invited to the Dragon Kingdom to celebrate the Festival of Ice. However, when Spyro arrives, he finds that the kingdom has been frozen over by the evil sorcerer Grendor. Grendor has also kidnapped the Dragon Elders and stolen the Dragon Eggs.
Spyro sets out on a journey to defeat Grendor and save the Dragon Kingdom. Along the way, he is joined by a variety of allies, including Sheila the kangaroo, Bentley the yeti, and Agent 9 the monkey.
Development
Season of Ice was developed by Digital Eclipse, a company founded by former employees of Iguana Entertainment, the developer of the original Spyro games. The game was designed to be a faithful adaptation of the Spyro formula to the Game Boy Advance.
One of the biggest challenges in developing Season of Ice was creating a 3D-like experience on the Game Boy Advance. The GBA’s limited hardware capabilities made it difficult to create true 3D graphics. However, Digital Eclipse was able to use a variety of techniques, including Mode 7 scaling and rotation, to create the illusion of 3D.
Reception
Season of Ice received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the game’s faithful adaptation of the Spyro formula, while others criticized its repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation. However, the game was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Season of Ice is a solid entry in the Spyro series that offers a fun and challenging platforming experience. The game’s visuals are impressive for the Game Boy Advance, and the gameplay is faithful to the classic Spyro formula. While the game may not be as innovative as some of its predecessors, it is still a worthwhile adventure for fans of the purple dragon.
Conclusion
Spyro: Season of Ice is a fun and challenging platformer that takes the classic Spyro formula and gives it a new isometric twist. The game’s visuals are impressive for the Game Boy Advance, and the gameplay is faithful to the classic Spyro formula. While the game may not be as innovative as some of its predecessors, it is still a worthwhile adventure for fans of the purple dragon.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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