I'm going to start writing down my impressions of this game, in the hopes of an eventual review (so far there are zero on the site).

I'm finding it fascinating that the marketing for this game completely missed the game enthusiast community and we are sort have to find out about it on our own.

Personally I found out about it last week when I just happened upon the marketing display in Best Buy. I looked around but I couldn't find the game or anything there. That's when my Odyssey began...

Anyway I want to talk about the game itself, but just to get past a few things.

I think the tech is neat. I'm into new toy tech, though my son is too young to get into it.

I've never played a Spiro game, so I really have no idea about his character or the games he's in.

By the way this is called Spyro's adventure but he isn't in it any more than say the fish guy or any of the other characters.

I think the toys themselves are alright. They look good and seem sturdy. The think that makes them work with the game is embedded so I think they should withstand some abuse. The 2 year old hasn't gotten a hold of it yet though.

So the game:

I was looking for a new Lego type game to play with my son. I think this is going to fit the bill.

Basically you run around a level fighting monsters and smashing stuff to get loot. Loot comes in lots of variety but it all translates into gold, so no diablo style looting. So far the puzzle solving involves getting keys to open doors, pushing blocks around, and navigating teleporters and jump blocks.

No jumping. Controls are primary attack, secondary attack, special attack (haven't got those yet). I have upgraded my Spyro with a movement ability, I'd assume every character gets something like that.

Occasionally you have to jump into a turret and shoot at stuff. When you have a key you push the right stick forward to put it in the lock, and to open treasure chests you waggle the RS back and forward. I assume these are holdovers from the WII.

The game looks good. It has a nice Wow/Free Realms type art style. So far everything is in an outdoor 'sky islands' environment so the fixed camera isn't not a problem.

Each level has three stars or level of completion: 1 is just for getting to the end, 2 for getting through in a certain time, and 3 for finding every treasure and whatnot. Obviously you aren't going to be able to 3 star every level without getting additional figures. But I don't see any particular reason to do it anyway.

There is a challenge level for each character you have. I was able to beat the first one I tried but not the second. The challenge mainly comes from the time limit, so I think it's probably more a matter of memorizing the level than anything.

Each character has it's own unique animations and sounds. Voice acting is generally well done and charming.

Multiplayer PVP isn't bad, but is really hampered by being only 2 players.

I've only played through 3 levels, but I've done each one multiple times. Co-op with my son and then again to find secrets/grid the characters up a bit. Upgrades are all meaningful so far.

Also there are hats. Some are so ridiculous I can't bring myself to wear them (like a potted plant) but some look cool. Trigger Happy looks mighty fine with a cowboy hat on.