spyro was poor because (like sonic) its a series which has run too far.
on the other hand there were only 2 games with the name "the lost vikings" here's a clip.
1 or 2 players control 3 unique vikings and try to reach the end of each level without any of them being killed. the vikings were: Eric the swift, He could run and jump, and he could run into some walls head first to break them down. Olaf, he carried a large shield which he could hold infront of him to block most harmful things or he could hold it above his head and glide. Baleog, he ad a sword and a bow, meaning he could kill most enemys and was the only viking with a way of hitting buttons at range.
i would best describe it as a platform/puzzle game.