The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon

 Wii
Metascore
64

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 11
  3. Negative: 1 out of 11
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  1. Nintendo Gamer
    86
    Sky-high production values, lavish special effects and great fun to explore with a friend. A highly enjoyable adventure that you'll happily forgive for its shortcomings. [Christmas 2008, p.63]
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  2. n-Revolution Magazine UK
    80
    In many ways, this is the Spyro game fans have been waiting for, and a perfectly plausible place for everyone else to start.
  3. Game Chronicles
    75
    While there are some glaring flaws that should not have been overlooked, The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon is a pretty decent game that will satisfy Spyro fans and capture the attention and interest of new fans as well.
  5. IGN
    70
    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.
  6. Game Over Online
    70
    For fans of the series or for fans of fantasy/adventure games in general, I can recommend this game. If that’s not your cup of tea, however, this is not the game to draw you in, because of the number of issues.
  7. 3DJuegos
    62
    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.
  8. GameZone
    60
    This game is just not much fun. Spyro Dawn of the Dragon could have been a great game, but the game as a whole isn’t an engaging experience on the Wii. There are worthy qualities present, but they don’t succeed in raising this game above mediocrity. It’s hard to recommend this game to anyone except a die-hard Spyro fan.
  9. Nintendojo
    60
    However, for the adventure fans still looking for a fix, go back and give Twilight Princess another playthrough instead.
  10. GameSpot
    50
    Lackluster gameplay makes this a disappointing conclusion to the Legend of Spyro series.
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    50
    This legend ultimately isn’t very legendary, stumbling in way too many places to get a good grade. You’re better off replaying Twilight Princess if you want something epic, or watching Lord of the Rings if you want something with Frodo Baggins in it!
  12. Game Informer
    40
    Long story short, this is a flawed game through and through. Even the most devout Spyro fans should avoid it.

Awards & Rankings

100
#100 Best Wii Game of 2008
68
#68 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2008
82
#82 Most Shared Wii Game of 2008

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 32 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 32
  3. Negative: 7 out of 32
  1. iloveFFC
    Aug 12, 2012
    7
    this game is a little too hard im stuck at the level right before the dark master's lair level, fighting two of those mace wielding giantthis game is a little too hard im stuck at the level right before the dark master's lair level, fighting two of those mace wielding giant grublins at the same time, but it has the most interesting plot and awesome cutscenes of the trilogy, but i prefer TLOS: A New Beginning more.… Full Review »
  2. GamecubeLover
    Jul 22, 2016
    7
    Dawn of the Dragon almost revives the series but not so much. The game does lack a lot and it is generic and the gameplay is stall butDawn of the Dragon almost revives the series but not so much. The game does lack a lot and it is generic and the gameplay is stall but everything else I like.… Full Review »
  3. Kleeiar
    Apr 23, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. The Legend of Spyro... More like The Legend of Boringness. So this is a game about exploration, but i just don't find the world really fun to explore. It's really confusing and its very easy to get stuck at times. And sometimes you don't even get enough tutorials on a few levels. For example. in one level in a place called Dragon City, you were supposed to close a door. However, i didn't know it meant, first use your fire ability in one of the spots and then close the door. The combat is also very tedious. It's a button mashing thing that just keeps repeating. It's just so boring too most of the time. So here's my list of the pros and cons:

    Pros:
    -Interestingly designed characters
    -A bit of atmosphere.

    Yes, that's literally it for the pros, so now we go to the bad things:

    Cons:
    -Lack of memorable characters
    -Button mashing combat
    -Not enough advice
    -Very confusing
    -Co-op almost needed for the entire game

    So, sorry Spyro fans but that's my rating to this game. And i don't even understand how the Wii port got
    better ratings than the other ports, even if it technically was the worst. So... yeah.    … Full Review »
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