It improved the new playable character levels of the second game. They felt more polished. Not the best, but better. For instance, the yeti character needs a better camera position because he's tall. It vastly limits your view. The level designs are improved from the second game. More enjoyable to explore since they are linear and not large maps. They have improved the speedway levels to be more clear in the order of collection.

I also love the fact they brought back dragon animations. Instead of rescuing adults dragons from statues, you are collecting eggs. Each rewards you with an animation that is much more fun than simply getting a boring orb in the second game. Some of your helper NCPs return from the second game. Namely the professor and Hunter. The professor I understand, but Hunter? He's still useless. Not sure why they brought him back. Comic relief? The story and villain are more fleshed out and shown here.