Spyro Reignited: A Nostalgic Trip Back in Time

Spyro: Year of the Dragon introduced us to a cast of colorful characters with unique abilities and their own levels to navigate. But what's remained constant throughout the series is Spyro's movement mechanics, allowing him to glide from platform to platform with ease. In special time attack levels, he can even fly properly.

One of the standout features of the original trilogy was its imaginative variety of tasks. In Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, non-player characters offered a range of challenges, such as spitting rocks at lizards or leading baby turtles to safety. This attention to detail is what sets the series apart from others in the platforming genre.

The collection makes the trilogy feel more unified than it originally was, allowing some moves to be used across all three games where they weren't before. For example, players can now direct Spyro's dragonfly companion Sparx towards the nearest gem.

Throughout the series, there are plenty of secrets for players to discover (or rediscover). The expansion of skill points to all three games rewards the kind of playfulness that has one idly flaming potted plants dotted about the level only to realize the developers knew you might try that.

The original Spyro characters have been updated with added detail, arguably retaining the old charm. Cartoonish baddies disappear in a puff of smoke, and the writing and humor are aimed squarely at kids. The basic tasks of getting through levels and defeating bosses are never too challenging, making it unashamedly family-friendly.

Some fans may be unhappy with the aesthetic additions, but overall, the visual style is coherent and consistent with the original playful tone. Other characters, such as Sheila the Kangaroo, have been fleshed out, gaining new features like red hair, a jacket, and mascara.

The worlds are still bright and colorful, but far richer. The dragons Spyro rescues from statues in the first game have been redesigned and infused with personality. Buildings that were once blocky ideas have become fully realized, and objects throw shadows. Even the gems Spyro must collect are nestled in shifting blades of grass, adding a new level of depth to the environments.

Of course, the original PlayStation was not capable of such beauty. Spyro Reignited brings new detail to classic locations like Sunny Villa, making it a nostalgic trip back in time that fans will love.

Spyro reignited