Since the Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy released last year, fans have been calling for Activision to bring us another PlayStation classic series from yesteryear to be remastered in one glorious collection, such as the beloved Spyro the Dragon series. Fans soon got their wish with Spyro Reignited Trilogy which includes remade versions of the three original games that released between 1998 to 2000. Just like the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, with latest collection of remakes, while the graphics have had a complete overhaul (using Unreal Engine 4), from what I hear, they play almost identically to that of the originals. Now I say “from what I hear” because I never played the original games, in fact, up until now, I’ve never even played a single Spyro game…shocking I know!
So despite me never playing a single Spyro game until now, this collection of remakes serves its purpose remarkably well, because not only is it a love letter of fan service for returning fans, but it also gives a great opportunity for those that missed the original games to experience first-hand why the Spyro the Dragon games are so loved to this very day. However, it’s not just the older generation such as myself that can enjoy these classics for the first time, because my 7-year old son also quickly fell for the series spellbinding charm, so they really do welcome gamers of all generations.
Spyro Reignited Trilogy includes Spyro the Dragon, Spyro: Ripto’s Rage and Spyro: Year of the Dragon. While the original versions were developed by Insomniac Games, these remakes are handled by Toys for Bob, who also developed the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy (as well as the Skylanders series), so from the get-go, you know these remakes are in good hands. Upon appearing at the main menu, you will be able to jump into any one of the three games and play them in whichever order you choose, and coming from someone that has never played these games (as already mentioned), my enjoyment wasn’t hindered by playing these games in any chosen order.
As soon as you started any of the three games, the first thing that you’ll probably notice is just how gorgeous these games look. With the added factor of the fantastic voice-acting and gleeful soundtrack, at least from the cut-scenes, you’d be forgiven in thinking that you might be watching a Spyro the Dragon animation. The in-game visuals also spare no expense as they look equally as good on the eye and perform at a very smooth framerate from what I can tell. I must add that with its art-style, this is one of the best looking games on console for sure. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not the best looking game to the likes of God of War or Horizon Zero Dawn, but for that DreamWorks-like aesthetics, you won’t find many games as good looking as this one.
Gameplay-wise, while the plots differ with each game from saving your fellow dragons from being crystallised by the villainous Gnasty Gnorc, saving a fantasy realm from Ripto the Warlock or reclaiming dragon eggs from an evil Sorceress, each game offers one of the most pleasurable and stress-free platform gameplay that I’ve experienced in quite some time. There are moments that do require some trial and error as you attempt to access a seemingly out-of-reach area, but in the most part, these are some of the most relaxing games that I’ve played as you explore, take out enemies and collect loot. This is quite the contrast of difference to some of the most hair-tearing sections encountered in some of the very difficult moments in Crash Bandicoot N.Sane Trilogy.
All-in-all, being totally new to the Spyro series and thinking that my platforming days were behind me, Spyro Reignited Trilogy has reminded my child within of how much I loved this genre back in the day and if nothing else, if the quality of each of these remakes are anything to go by and the quite impressive sales numbers leading up to Christmas, this is proof that there is still plenty of life in this genre yet. You won’t get to much to test your patience here, other than perhaps some of the mini-games, but that all just adds to Spyro’s pleasing charm. I won’t use the easy difficulty against these games, because if they are as true to the originals as they seem, each of these three games are clearly meant to be this way. However, I would say that it’s a shame that this collection isn’t available for the Nintendo Switch, at least at the time of writing and a feature to switch between old and new graphics on the fly would have been great. But in conclusion, whether you’re new or returning to this beloved series, Spyro Reignited Trilogy offers a fantastic collection of remakes that transcends generations and is a great addition to your gaming family.
