The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon

 PlayStation 3
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
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  1. IGN
    73
    Cooperative multiplayer mode aside, there's no "new generation" style hook and the resulting play mechanics therefore don't feel fresh (especially after two prequels), but the fundamentals are sound and the presentation better than you expect.
  2. GameDaily
    70
    Some of the voiceovers are weak, the camera is a pain and the adventure ends way too soon. However, Legend of Spyro still has enough good qualities that make it fun.
  3. Cheat Code Central
    66
    The graphics are there, the story is there, and the mechanics are just a few tweaks shy of perfect. Yet when it comes to gameplay, that final and most important 10 percent, most folks will find themselves getting bored, lost, annoyed, or all three.
  5. Worth Playing
    65
    A very average title. Good-looking graphics are plagued with frame rate problems and questionable camera angles.
  6. Extreme Gamer
    64
    There isn't much to say about Spyro, it’s not a game with a lot of depth, nonetheless it is still mildly entertaining.
  7. My Gamer
    64
    The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is one of those games you really want to love to play, but it is impossible to ignore all the flaws in the programming and design.
  8. PSX Extreme
    61
    This newest iteration of Spyro could've been a much better game had it been left an extra month in the oven for a much needed polish. There is a really solid game underneath a plethora of framerate issues that really prevented me from enjoying the game more.
  9. 3DJuegos
    61
    Spyro grows up, flies in company, goes farther, glides over wider scenarios, but he doesn't better himself. The trilogy ends in a videogame which keeps alive the prestige of the franchise, although the power of the dragon should be improved in the future.
  10. AceGamez
    60
    The camera for one makes clearing certain jumps next to impossible, while the heavy emphasis on combat makes for overly repetitive gameplay. The biggest disappointment though is the graphics, as this was set to be the best looking Spyro game ever but the technical flaws outweigh the positives, something that can be said for the game as a whole, as well as its visuals.
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  11. D+PAD Magazine
    60
    The worlds have a vibrancy that recalls the original PlayStation games, special effects are suitably dazzling and the whole affair is efficiently produced whilst making the most of the host hardware. It's close to being the sort of Spyro game that, judging by their PS3 Ratchet & Clank adventures, series creators Insomniac would have made had they still an active interest in all things purple dragon, and an appropriate way to mark Spyro's 10th anniversary.
  12. Playstation Official Magazine Australia
    60
    Better than most kids games, but has issues. [Summer 2009, p.80]
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  13. Game Informer
    60
    Long story short, this is a flawed game through and through. Even the most devout Spyro fans should avoid it. [Jan 2009, p.69]
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  14. Playstation Official Magazine UK
    60
    Open world Spyro though? Maybe next time. [Jan 2009, p.97]
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  15. PSM3 Magazine UK
    56
    The game's problems are much too loud to ignore. [Issue#174, p.83]
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  16. PlayStation Universe
    55
    Combat can be fun, but ultimately poor controls prevent it from being a decent end to the doe-eyed dragon's last game in the trilogy.
  17. GameZone
    54
    The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon may be a kid’s game but there isn’t much here for kids to enjoy. They’ll be amused by the story, visuals and music but will be turned off by the gameplay’s many frustrations.
  18. Play UK
    54
    Spyro’s shortcomings have been evident for a few years now and this game will do little to change that. The visuals at least look the part on the PS3, but the disengaging action will only find forgiveness with die-hard fans.
  19. GameSpot
    50
    Lackluster gameplay makes this a disappointing conclusion to the Legend of Spyro series.
  20. GameShark
    50
    The good news is that the developers of the respective franchises are trying to regain the glory they once held. The bad news is there’s still a long way to go, especially for our purple dragon friend.
  21. Game Chronicles
    50
    The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragons is an average game but there is just too much that could have been better in the main gameplay for a better score.
  22. Video Game Talk
    50
    The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is a decent platforming title for the PS3, but it's definitely not the cream of the crop.
  23. 1UP
    33
    But decent two-player co-op's just ketchup on a crap sandwich. The game's buggy as hell, with severe slowdown, characters getting hung up in the level geometry, and stuttering audio. Those problems are amplified in the PS3 version, whose only other major differences are unneeded Sixaxis flight control and a noticeable lack of Trophy support versus the Xbox 360's Achievements.

Awards & Rankings

47
#47 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2008
56
#56 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 81 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 81
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 81
  3. Negative: 19 out of 81
  1. fanfic154
    Feb 25, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is tied for the best Spyro game of all time with the originals, in my opinion. As I jumped into this game, I had a fairly good grasp of what the plot was from the previous two installments, seeing as I didn't play them before this game. What I didn't expect was how high the graphics quality came out to be (playing on the Xbox 360), how decently written the story was, and how the co-op allowed you to work together with another player, allowing trust building where you had to lead at times and then pass on the baton of leadership to your teammate from time to time to progress on in the game (if you were playing with a friend). You had to work together, and seeing as the two main characters, Spyro and Cynder, were originally rivals, that brought the game out even more into reality, sharing what the characters feel being restricted by the snake charms that bound the two together. If you were playing single player, you had that kind of balance between the characters as well, whether it be through the combat or elemental challenges. The "take flight at any time" part of the game was a little skeptical. How can you have a game where you could go anywhere without obstacles? That would be a broken game. The developers found clever ways around it with the young age of the dragons and their physical strength. They used adamantite orbs to hinder your flight along with strong currents of wind that the two protagonists aren't strong enough to fly through yet (because of age). I only found the invisible walls a little annoying from time to time. Next, the beauty of the game had my jaw drop every time. From Twilight Forest to The Valley of Avalar to even the floating islands before Malefor. I was awestruck every time. The fact that everyone complains about it's "button mashing combat" is a bunch of ridiculous talk. As the game progresses, you are almost constantly fighting an enemy of Malefor. From grublins to golems to orcs, they are always around you. When players complain about this, I want to throw a tic-tac box at them. REALLY?! Every combat-related game can consider itself with tedious combat. Minecraft, Terraria, God of War, Gears of War, Halo, etc. The complaints from this function of the game mainly come from the hitpoint count of the enemy being relatively high and how many of each enemy you have to fight. In reality, this is supposed to be like that. Think that you are in the middle of a war, fighting inanimate objects against someone who has destroyed your side's armies for 3 years. Plus, your armies are living, breathing creatures. Every life counts. I don't think Malefor wanted each warrior to be unique from the rest if it meant he'd waste his time. He would rather spend his time plotting attacks and conquering the world. Well, actually ending the world. Each enemy is kind of like a zombie. It doesn't live with organs, or blood, or brains. It was built with magic, so the only hit points it has is how strong the magic used to create its being was. I felt immersed in a war playing this game. The stress also hits you in some levels, and not very many games can do that. Next, it isn't very violent allowing even more players. The age range is E10+. I think it could easily be E8+, but we don't have that. Its E. Finally, the romance between Spyro and Cynder, in opinion, was a great addition to the story. It fit in nicely with what went on, and when players say that it was just her way of thanking her savior. I think otherwise. Spyro gave her a chance, saved a killer's life, and constantly went after her, literally crossing the sky for her. He saved Cynder at the well of souls and disregarded the Chronicler's advice to leave her to fall again. Heck, Spyro seemed to be the one loving Cynder the moment he realized that she was forced to do the evil things, hoping she could be given a chance. To conclude, this was the best game I've played in the longest time. A ton better than skylanders, and it is up there with the originals. I highly recommend this game, and I hope many of those critics can see the better sides of the game.… Full Review »
  2. Platinumeta
    May 4, 2015
    8
    The Legend of Spyro Dawn of the Dragon is an amazing entry to the Legend of Spyro Trilogy. The game is far from perfect I will say that, butThe Legend of Spyro Dawn of the Dragon is an amazing entry to the Legend of Spyro Trilogy. The game is far from perfect I will say that, but grand overall. Let me add some detail.

    The gameplay is much more improved compared to past entries namely in the combat department as well as non-linearity and exploration. It gives you a run for your money in terms of keeping you on your toes and making you rush as fast as you can to complete your objective, while at times knows how to tone things down and make the game relaxing. It's a great adventure that will give you a wide range of emotions throughout. The only downside here though is... it suffers from a lack of content. There are 10 chapters in total, 11 if you count the final boss, and while they can be long, 10 chapters is pretty short to be blunt. There are no side quests aside from backtracking to get extra stuff you may have missed along the way. But it could use more replay value.

    The story is very well handled and adds a nice closure to the series (although I still wholeheartedly wish it could be continued) and while I love having a focus on adventure and meeting new allies, here's where we get back into the lack of content again. The elder dragons are there but not as important as they should have been, some only getting one or maybe two lines here and there. That aside, the story is a great continuation and closure as mentioned before. It depicts an epic journey and one you are left wanting more out of, but not necessarily in a frustrating way.

    The music is fantastic, getting you pumped for battle, allowing you to just soak in the area, the feeling of urgency and fear, the build up to the climax and that climax, the whole fact that time is running out... It's amazing. It works really well for an ost, and should not be overlooked.

    The visuals are mixed for me, I love the world and a lot of its characters, but some of the models seem somewhat irksome for me. The dragons particularly. I get that the game wants to make it more realistic, but even so it comes off as a tad awkward and cluttered at times for me. Even still, the environment perfectly depicts what it wants to give the impression of. A desolate lava area carved by doom and destruction? A lush field that makes you want to work to protect this world? It's all here, and it does its job spectacularly.

    Overall, the game is great. And this is coming from a fan who grew up with the classics. Don't let the nostalgia blind classic fans disorient or discourage you from wanting this game, it's a great experience for the open minded. Rich world that I feel holds up, great gameplay and despite a lack of content it did keep me fairly busy and was a great experience I will revisit again and again. I recommend this to anyone who is curious and anyone willing to give this series a try, not for classic nostalgia, but for an individual reboot series.    … Full Review »
  3. GrazieGraziano
    Jan 7, 2020
    9
    The Legend Of Spyro: Dawn Of The Dragon is a very underrated game. The Legend series in general is quite underappreciated, as it is oftenThe Legend Of Spyro: Dawn Of The Dragon is a very underrated game. The Legend series in general is quite underappreciated, as it is often outshined by the original trilogy. This last installment to the legend series is special though. I get that the controls aren't perfect, the gameplay gets repetitive and some plotholes are present. But what this game does right is creating atmosphere. The levels range from beautiful (Valley of Avalar & Twilight Falls) to terrifying (Ruins of Warfang & Burned Lands) to downright sad (Floating Islands). Every level has music that perfectly fits the setting. The soundtrack of this game is absolutely phenomenal and it contains some of the best music I have ever heard, period. It is a shame that Dawn Of The Dragon gets so much hate, because it is totally unjustified. Parts of this game feel like a movie. Gameplay wise, it may not be up there with the original Spyro. But in every other aspect, it is far superior. Dawn Of The Dragon remains one of the best games I have ever played, and I hope someday it will be recognized for its quality.… Full Review »
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