Developer Insomniac's quest to produce the perfect platformer continues with the third instalment in the Spyro series. There are now four new protagonists to choose from, as well as the cutest dragon in town.

The game truly looks the part, with Spyro 2's beautiful 3D environments surpassed by even more gaggingly gorgeous backdrops. The sub-games are strong, and see our scaly chum driving speedboats and even 'doing a Tony' in a skateboarding session.

Steps have been made to introduce a difficulty curve that was so sadly lacking in Spyro 2, so expect the pedestrian early pace to turn nasty fast. Great for sprogs, engaging for adults.

With new characters, moves and sub-games, it's plenty big enough to occupy you for days. If we ever gain a platform game on PS2 that can match it for fun, it will rock indeed. Spyro 4, anyone?