Spyro Reignited Trilogy is more than just an HD remake - it breathes new life into a beloved classic while staying true to the spirit of the original. The familiar worlds return, bursting with vibrant colors, dragon lore, and... nostalgia? And even if you're meeting Spyro for the very first time, boredom is the last thing you'll feel.
For us, it was a special gaming moment. My husband has known Spyro since the early PlayStation days, while I was discovering him for the first time. And surprisingly, we were both hooked. We even found ourselves struggling with the same moments - and sharing the same frustration:
"You can't get past this part either?!"
Visually, all three games look fantastic. Everything is crafted with care and passion. The colors are rich but never overwhelming, and the characters and enemies feel alive - like they stepped right out of a high-quality animated movie. You can really tell the artists put their hearts into it.
The music is pleasant and fits the atmosphere perfectly. You can even switch between the original and remastered soundtracks - we tried both and liked them equally.
The gameplay is relaxing and fun - run, jump, set things on fire, and enjoy yourself. The only downside is the camera, which can be a bit tricky at times, especially in flying sections. Underwater levels are annoying too - as expected. But overall, it's smooth sailing.
To make sure we don't miss a thing, let's take a closer look at each of the three games individually.
Spyro the Dragon: The first game in the trilogy is the simplest - and at times, it feels a little primitive. The levels are visually appealing, but structurally repetitive. Most of the time, you're doing the same things: fighting similar enemies, repeating the same actions (since there are no new abilities to shake things up), and chasing the same goal - rescuing dragons, without many twists to keep it fresh.
It starts to feel like walking through the same house over and over, just with different wallpaper in each room.
The game is divided into six worlds, each with several levels. Even in the hub areas, enemies appear before you can reach the portals - and when you return from a level, they respawn. Over time, this gets frustrating and starts to feel like a way to artificially stretch out the gameplay.
There are also no visual indicators near the portals to show which levels you've completed - a small detail, but one that interrupts the flow and forces you to keep checking the menu.
By the midpoint, fatigue starts to set in - not because the game is hard, but because of the monotony. Technically, you don't need to complete everything 100%, but progress often depends on the number of rescued dragons. Eventually, you stop exploring and just grind out what's necessary.
The boss fights are a letdown too. There's rarely an actual fight - usually, it's just: chase, flame, repeat. They feel more like short cutscenes than exciting battles, and they miss the mark when it comes to creating epic moments.
Overall, Spyro the Dragon is a decent game for a one-time playthrough, and it's totally fine if you decide to put it down for a bit. But don't judge the whole trilogy by the first game. The first game in the series doesn't fully reveal Spyro's potential, but he's still every bit as awesome a character as Crash Bandicoot - and he truly comes into his own in the second and third games.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!: This is where the trilogy really comes to life. After the slow and sleepy pace of the first game, the second feels like a strong cup of coffee - more dynamic, colorful, and full of personality. This time, there's a real story, new characters, and a stronger sense of adventure. You're no longer just rescuing dragons - you're on a journey.
The narrative is richer, and the new characters bring genuine charm, creating a cozy, lived-in world. While the first game leaned heavily on repetition, here the gameplay becomes more varied and engaging.
Each level has its own unique enemies and quirky backstory, giving the whole game a refreshing sense of variety. You really feel like you're entering a new world every time. And it's packed with mini-games and side quests - none of which feel like filler. You don't have to complete them all, but chances are, you'll want to. It's definitely one of those "Okay, just one more round, then I'll sleep" kind of games. Even at 2:47 AM.
The introduction of new abilities you can buy adds even more depth. These upgrades let you revisit earlier levels and access previously unreachable areas, making exploration more rewarding.
And finally, the boss fights - they're actual fights this time. Simple? Sure. But fun.
Overall, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! Is a huge step up. It keeps your attention, avoids repetitive grinding, and constantly surprises you with new things to do. If the first game left you underwhelmed, this one will more than make up for it.
Spyro: Year of the Dragon: The third installment wraps up the trilogy boldly and confidently - from the very start, it's clear the developers reached their peak form. If the first game felt a bit slow, and the second was lively and varied, the third adds even more by introducing new playable characters, each with their own unique mechanics.
The variety of mini-games is also impressive - they've become bolder and clearly stand out from the usual gameplay. At one point, Spyro suddenly turns into a skateboarder, performing tricks much like in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater. In another, he pilots a water scooter, battling a shark-shaped submarine. In some levels, you even play as different characters: a kangaroo, a rocket-equipped penguin, a yeti with a club, or a monkey with a laser. The diversity is striking - it adds excitement and keeps the gameplay fresh.
Otherwise, it's the same great game as the second installment, only richer and more multifaceted. It's hard to say which one we liked better - both have their own merits. But as the trilogy's finale, Year of the Dragon feels confident, fresh, and genuinely festive. A perfect ending to one of the warmest platformer series out there.
All in all, this collection is a real treat - both for longtime fans and for those discovering Spyro for the first time. 8/10.
