Season of Flame is built upon an isometric game engine, which is the root of all its problems. Obviously chosen for its ability to effectively display differences in elevation, the isometric engine raises control issues, which make the game somewhat frustrating to play. First off, the ¾ perspective assures that movement will largely be dependent on the diagonals. Sure you get used to it after a little play, but it never really feels natural or intuitive. It should also be noted that the tiny GBA D-pad makes this type of movement even less enjoyable. A bigger problem is evident in the game's many platform sequences. Judging heights and distances can be difficult, and the clunky control makes the extended gliding sequences seem like a matter of luck, not skill. It’s true that these are age-old problems with isometric games, but they definitely negatively affect this title. I certainly would have preferred a top-down engine.

If you can get past these problems, there is still plenty to enjoy here. You are given the task of stopping Ripto from destroying the Dragon Realms by activating a volcano. At first you don’t have the ability to breath fire. This, and other skills, must be obtained by harnessing the power of the fireflies. Of course, in classic platform style, that means collecting a bunch of fireflies, and other items, whose numbers grant you access to new levels.

It’s a tried-and-true formula, but Season of Flame tries to veer from the norm. Upon entering a level you’ll be confronted with a goal, which you must complete to earn more fireflies. The new breath types allow some puzzle-like aspects to enter into the action. For example, you can freeze some enemies, and then use your ram attack to shatter them. You will also encounter levels where you play as other characters. Probably the best of these are the side-scrolling levels in which you control Agent 9.

Visually, the detailed graphics really stand out on the small screen. Everything is drawn beautifully and sprites all animate quite nicely. Levels designs offer quite a bit of visual variety, so you won’t feel like it’s the same thing over and over again. Enemies and character design are sure to please fans of the series. The game features some catchy tunes, which are certainly loveable for fans of traditional game music. Sounds effects are all well done, and wrap up a very pleasing audio/visual package.

Overall, Season of Flame is a solid, but rather unspectacular platformer. While I can definitely recommend it to fans of previous Spyro games, I’m afraid others won’t find much to really hold their interest here. It has some gameplay issues but it’s an attractive, whimsical package that is sure to please its intended market.

. . . PBMaX