Town Square
Welcome to Town Square, the second vibrant and bustling level within the Artisans Homeworld. This stage serves as an excellent introduction to more complex platforming challenges and enemy types. Your primary objectives here are to collect all 200 Gems and rescue the two resident dragons, Gavin and Gildas. Pay close attention to your surroundings, as many secrets are cleverly hidden.
Objectives Checklist
- Collect all 200 Gems: Scour every corner, platform, and hidden alcove.
- Rescue Dragon Gavin: Located early in the level, often missed by rushing players.
- Rescue Dragon Gildas: Found after using the Supercharge ramp.
- Defeat all Enemies: Clear the level of Gnorcs to ensure no gems are missed.
Enemies Encountered
- Green Gnorc: The standard, easily flamed or charged enemy. They often carry a single gem.
- Bull Gnorc: These larger, armored Gnorcs require a specific strategy. Their front is invulnerable to flame. Wait for them to lower their heads to charge, then charge them from the side or back. Alternatively, a well-timed flame to their exposed backside will also work. They typically drop 2-3 gems.
- Chicken: While not an enemy, flaming chickens will drop a butterfly, which Sparx will consume to regain a segment of his health bar. This is crucial for survival, especially in later, more challenging levels.
Walkthrough and Gem Locations
Upon entering Town Square, you'll find yourself in a central plaza with a large fountain. Begin by exploring the immediate area:
- Starting Area & Dragon Gavin:
- Immediately to your right, you'll spot a small alcove. Inside, you'll find Dragon Gavin. Free him to receive valuable advice.
- Collect the scattered gems (typically 1-2 green gems) around the fountain and the surrounding ledges.
- Flame the nearby chickens to restore Sparx's health.
- First Bull Gnorc Encounter:
- Proceed forward from the starting area. You'll encounter your first Bull Gnorc. Remember the strategy: charge from the side or back.
- Behind the Bull Gnorc, there's a small elevated platform with a few gems (often a red and a green gem).
- The Supercharge Ramp & Reinforced Wall:
- Continue along the main path. You'll soon come across a distinctive Supercharge ramp. This ramp allows Spyro to gain immense speed and break through reinforced objects.
- Activate the Supercharge by running down the ramp. Aim directly for the reinforced wall ahead. Breaking it open reveals a new section of the level.
- Dragon Gildas & Hidden Gems:
- Beyond the broken wall, you'll enter a new courtyard. Immediately to your left, you'll find Dragon Gildas. Free him to progress.
- Explore this courtyard thoroughly. There are usually several green and red gems scattered on the ground and on low ledges.
- Look for a small, elevated platform accessible by a short jump. This often hides a few blue gems (worth 5 each).
- The High Platform Challenge:
- Near the end of the level, you'll notice a seemingly inaccessible high platform. This is a common spot for players to miss the last few gems.
- To reach it, you need to use the Supercharge ramp again. Start from the ramp, gain speed, and then jump at the very edge of the ramp towards the high platform. The momentum from the Supercharge will carry you across.
- On this platform, you'll typically find a cluster of blue and red gems, often totaling 10-15 gems. This is usually where the last few gems are located to reach the 200 total.
- Final Sweep:
- Before exiting the level, do a final sweep of all areas. Check behind pillars, under ledges, and in any small nooks you might have overlooked.
- Listen for the distinct sound Sparx makes when gems are nearby. If he's pointing in a direction, there's likely a gem there.
Common Pitfalls & Tips
- Missing Gems on the High Platform: As mentioned, the high platform accessed via the Supercharge ramp is the most common place to miss gems. Practice your Supercharge jump until you can consistently land on it.
- Bull Gnorc Strategy: Don't try to flame Bull Gnorcs from the front; it won't work. Always aim for their sides or back with a charge or flame.
- Sparx's Health: Always flame chickens when you see them. The butterflies they release are vital for keeping Sparx healthy, which in turn protects Spyro from taking direct damage.
- Exploring Every Corner: Town Square, like many early levels, has many small nooks and crannies. Take your time and explore thoroughly before moving on.
By following this guide, you should have no trouble collecting all 200 gems and rescuing both dragons in Town Square, setting you up for success in the levels to come!