A sequel worthy of attention.
Orbs are the main item you'll be focusing on in this game as they are required for you to advance to new worlds. In addition to Orbs and the usual Gems, Talismans for each level have been added. You'll need all the Talisman of each world in order to access the boss arenas that block the way to the next world.
Spyro 2 also introduces some new abilities such as the Headbash, Wall & Stair climbing and swimming underwater. Consequently, these powers also introduce a new character, Moneybags. Moneybags is a greedy aristocrat who will do anything to get some more Gems, which he seems to succeed in getting in this game.
If you compare this to the original, it's not as good. But it is one of the closest to the original style Spyro games around. I recommend you try Spyro 2 out sometime, but not before you try the original!