darkSpyro

I heard that you can play as Dark Spyro or whatever late in the game. I wonder if it has any real gameplay changes (such as getting a Dark Power-based breath or the likes).

Also, is the Dark Spyro transformation forced or is there a choice later on in the story?

Also, do the transformation has any effect on the ending and/or the storyline if it's optionnal?

I told you not to look!!so heres something I have to say:this game
is the best spyro game I ever played!Did you know I played as cynder.I loved it!

Yeah they are tricky obstacles, The trick is to let them run around until they head right twords you. Then use dragon time to get in front of them and head-butt them by pressing X,X,O. It's hard to get those pesky things at first, but with a little Perseverance I'm sure you'll get it

Spyro's transformation into Dark Spyro was an accident and bad timing more than anything else. He fell into the Soul Beam (my nickname for the red-purple-white fountain of energy that spills out of Malefor and Convexity) just as the moons aligned and was hit with the full burst of dark power. He struggled a little, but ended up becoming Dark Spyro.

When the fight with Gaul was over, he flew back up to the first level of the arena. Cynder knew exactly what was going on; she took a look at him and whispered "Oh no..." before leaping forward and knocking Spyro out of the Soul Beam. Once he was free of that, Spyro became himself again but he was horrified at what he'd just done and become. He said he couldn't stop himself.

As for this having an effect on the storyline in the future, I'd say it does. Most fans speculate that Spyro has been touched by the darkness and will have to fight against that. At the very least, it's had an emotional impact on him.