Well, on to the gameplay. The gameplay`s pretty similar to past Spyro games, save for a few differences:

D-Pad/Left Analog Stick - move, select buddy command
Right Analog Stick - camera
X - jump, glide
[ ] - charge
O - flame
/\ - buddy command 
R1 - side roll right
R2 - wing shield (once acquired)
L1 - side roll left
L2 - Fire-Ice breath alternate (once acquired) 
L3+R3 - toggle Team-Up Mode

These would be the controls unless otherwise noted. You may be curious as to the use of the word "buddy" in the control specs; this is because I`d implement a new mechanic dubbed the Buddy System in the game. What the buddy system is, basically, is you have a CPU-controlled character accompanying Spyro at all times. At first, Hunter`s the only buddy you`d have, but as the adventure progresses other allies would join up, giving you a variety of buddies to choose from.

I say choose because not all buddies would be able to accompany you at a time, obviously; for this reason, the Professor has built new transporter devices that can be used not only to teleport between other transporters in the level, but to switch out your buddies as needed. The buddies would become essential for puzzle-solving as well as aiding you in combat, which would have expanded considerably from the PS1 games (think of Ratchet & Clank as having a bit of influence on the whole matter) both in mechanics and diversity of enemies.

You could also switch control between Spyro and his current buddy, in order to operate on different sides of a problem. While playing as either Spyro or his current buddy, you could issue commands to your partner via communicator, again courtesy of the Professor. Commands would include Attack, Wait, Follow, Action, and Switch, plus a special teamwork action unique to each buddy (often involving them working together with Spyro in some way, such as firing a flaming arrow in Hunter`s case).

Now, on to the Forbidden Ones. These are a varied, but always darkly-colored reptilian race that come in many shapes and sizes, and seek to reduce the realms of the world into twisted wastelands of destruction and chaos (they also happen to bear a passing resemblance to the Metalheads of Jak fame). Here are a few more common varieties:


Forbidden Metalback

The common foot soldier of the Forbidden Ones` army, these guys sport lithe bodies with metallic plates growing on their exterior. They swipe with claws at close range, and curl up and roll at Spyro from afar. When fighting them, the best method is to fight fire with fire, or force with force as the case may be; flame and most projectiles have no effect on the Metalback`s namesake plates, but a good headbutt or swift kick works wonders.

Forbidden Brute

Towering masses of muscle, these guys are too big to hurt with ordinary physical attacks. However, flame and projectiles work well against them. They make up for their relative lack of armor with a tougher hide and huge fists with which they pound their enemies, thus stunning them, and then send them flying with a punch. Unlike "big" enemies in past Spyro games, these brutes will actively approach you, so get ready to rumble.

Forbidden Stinger

Some of the weakest members of the Forbidden Ones, these little scorpion-esque creatures simply scuttle up and try to sting you. Any attack will knock them away, although your preferences may depend on the character.

Forbidden Spitter

Vulnerable like the Stinger, these serpentine lizard-like creatures spit acid at you; while they have no other means of attack, they are perfectly content to fire at you from up high or hard-to-hit places like ceilings, aided by their small but sharp claws. Projectiles work best, as most close-rage attacks are discouraged by the Spitter`s relatively long range with it`s acid.

Forbidden Screecher

These annoying little bat-like creatures use their advantage of flight to swoop in, strike without warning, and zip away before their enemies know what hit `em. However, their element of surprise can be compromised by their tendency to squeak at high-pitch frequencies. Any attack works against them, although projectile attackers have a little more luck due to the Screecher`s obvious aerial superiority.

Forbidden Beast

Like the Stingers, Spitters and Screechers, the quadruped Beasts have no defensive traits whatsoever, leaving them open to any attack; however, they compensate with their agility, speed, and cunning, not to mention ferocity. They are even more threatening in packs, where they can easily surround unwary heroes. However, charging straight ahead more often than not clears a path.


These are but a few of the many kinds of Forbidden One now lurking in the realms. Unlike in past Spyro games, many enemies will take several hits to defeat, indicated by a health bar. I might post a more complete list sometime, but for now, enjoy. On my next post, I`ll think about introducing some of the main characters as well as listing info about some of the worlds - new and old - that Spyro and co. will be visiting on their journey to stop Kaos and his cohorts from retrieving the Elements and thus his full power.

-- Edited by Crossfire at 17:36, 2007-04-04