DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders

I know this is geared more for kids and thats who will enjoy it the most but overall i found it a nice experience. That said it's short, easy and not worth $30. The game only has 3 main islands with 2 parts each but does offer 6 more islands with only 1 part each that you can skip if you wish. Do note there are no voice acting outside them saying a word or grunting before you need to read. I'ed almost rather not have anything because them saying something as the text pops up kept making me think they were going to talk.
Gameplay has you controlling 2 characters a human and a dragon that you swap between. Both are new characters but you do interact with Hickup, Astrid (sells potions for flowers you find) and Gobber (upgrades weapons and sells gear for ore you find) then the rest you'll send letters to/from. The human has 3 weapons that have a swing attack and a charge move (hold attack). The stronger the weapon the slower it swings and they are used for puzzles (mainly the hammer as any weapon can cut trees). The dragon uses breath attacks that can also be charged and also have an added effect. Cold will freeze water, fire will burn thorns but also clear smoke, and Thunder can activate statues. Both characters have a block pluse a roll/dodge ability that also breaks stuff rolled thru and you can use potions but only the week potion is used without going into the menu (i don't think you can pick your active item). You can also leave areas at any time except boss fights.
If you like how to train your dragon this is not to bad game but it is a kids game so it's not very hard and even dying will just reset you in the room or a room back with all items you found. There are some bugs but i did not run into anything gamebreaking though i did fall off the map a few times (you just die and reset).
6/10 get it on sale/bundle

Its pretty good honestly. The best part of the game is when you get a little freedom to island hop while flying the unique dragon to this game. There really aren't any other httyd games out there anymore, this one is fun to an extent. The puzzles are easy, the game play is very simple. I don't have much to complain about but just as little to compliment. All in all if your a dreamworks lover or httyd fan its still some nice content to check out.

DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders, developed by Climax Studios Ltd. and published by Outright Games Ltd., is an action-adventure title that expands the beloved How to Train Your Dragon universe into an engaging, family-friendly game experience. The game follows the story of Scribbler, a young amnesiac scholar, and Patch, a unique dragon known as a Chimeragon, as they embark on a quest to stop the sinister Eir from exploiting dragons for her own malevolent purposes. Set across multiple vibrant locations within the dragon world, the narrative weaves together themes of friendship, discovery, and courage, making it accessible and appealing to fans of all ages, particularly younger players and those familiar with the franchise.
One of the game’s primary strengths lies in its storytelling approach, which balances straightforward plot development with a healthy dose of charm and humor. While the story may not break new ground in terms of complexity, it effectively captures the spirit of the Dragons series, introducing new characters and expanding the lore in meaningful ways. Scribbler’s quest to regain his lost memories intertwines naturally with Patch’s struggle to understand his identity, creating a narrative that motivates exploration and progression. The inclusion of familiar landmarks like Havenholme and Valka’s Mountain further grounds the game in the franchise’s universe, providing fans with a sense of continuity and nostalgia.
Gameplay centers on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, with players alternating control between Scribbler and Patch to utilize their complementary abilities. The top-down perspective provides a clear view of the colorful and intricately designed environments, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny. Combat is approachable yet satisfying, with Scribbler wielding his sword in close-quarters fights, while Patch employs elemental powers such as ice breath to freeze enemies and manipulate the environment. This dual-character mechanic adds a layer of strategy, requiring players to thoughtfully switch between characters to overcome obstacles and defeat foes. Although the controls are generally smooth and responsive on foot, flying sequences—where players get to pilot Patch through the skies—are less polished and occasionally feel awkward, slightly detracting from what should be a thrilling feature.
Visually, Dawn of New Riders excels in delivering a bright, vibrant world that feels faithful to the aesthetic of the How to Train Your Dragon franchise. The environments range from lush forests to mysterious caves, each rendered with detail that invites curiosity and discovery. The character models, though somewhat stylized, maintain the charm and personality fans expect from the series. However, the game’s dialogue is entirely text-based without voice acting, which might be a drawback for younger players or those who prefer more immersive storytelling through spoken lines. This absence makes some interactions feel less dynamic, although the writing itself remains lighthearted and engaging.
Reception to the game has been mixed but generally leans positive among fans and casual players. Steam reviews reflect a warm appreciation for the game’s accessible gameplay and faithful representation of the dragon universe, with many praising it as a solid entry point for younger gamers or fans looking for a light adventure. On the other hand, some critics and players have pointed out that the game’s simplicity, relatively short length, and occasional control quirks prevent it from standing out in a crowded market of action-adventure titles. The flying mechanics, in particular, have been highlighted as an area needing improvement to fully capture the exhilarating sensation of dragon flight that the franchise promises.
In summary, DreamWorks Dragons: Dawn of New Riders offers an enjoyable, family-friendly adventure that captures much of what makes the How to Train Your Dragon franchise beloved. Its blend of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving provides a balanced gameplay experience that is accessible to a wide audience, especially younger players or newcomers to the series. While it may lack some polish in flying mechanics and voice acting, its colorful world, engaging story, and charming characters make it a worthwhile title for fans seeking a lighthearted journey through the dragon-filled skies. The game stands as a heartfelt tribute to the franchise’s spirit, delivering a solid, if not groundbreaking, experience in the realm of licensed adventure games.
Rating: 8/10

I am rating this as a kids game and not a full Dark Souls game or something. It is a pretty fun game that doesn't over stay it's welcome. It is quite easy to 100% and also a fun 100%. Fighting/combat in this game isn't the greatest, but maybe I just didn't understand it. Doesn't really matter, none of the fights are difficult. The art they show on the loading screens, scrolls, and menus look amazing and wish they had more of that. As for the game look itself, it is fine. They look good for a kids game and I do like the look of Patch. Only ran into one bug but it was fixed my restarting the game. Overall, I would suggest getting it on sale if you really want it. It is probably an 7.5/10

This game is easy to pick up and play even younger kids will get the hang of it fast. The visuals are mostly nice, though the characters' faces can look a little funky at times. Still, the characters really bring the story to life, and overall, it's a fun, solid game.

Worth $10, not $30
The game is defenitely too short, not to mention janky combat and flight system without the ability to rebind anything at all, puzzles were fun though, but it is NOT worth the full asking price, get it on like a sale like i did instead.
The designs are cute though so i'll give the devs that, though i really wish we could rebind the controls and turn off the stupid inverted flight controls, if i wanna fly up i wanna use the "up" button, not "down".

x-- 7/10 --x

A fun little gem, can be a bit repetitive, but the dragons are the real stars here!