Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, released last year, brought back memories and helped us to experience the exploits of the orange jamraj. In a similar vein, Spyro: Reignited Trilogy reminds us how delightful the purple dragon’s platform-arcade adventures from the original PlayStation were.
Toys For Bob’s creators have compiled a collection containing the first three parts of the series. They were all developed from the ground up using a completely new graphics engine, which is instantly evident. It’s not simply a remaster, like the revitalized Crash, but a full-fledged remake – although solely visual. The game design is identical to the original versions, notwithstanding small alterations in a few situations. If we recall where a secret was, it will be in the same position in the next version. The boards, on the other hand, make a considerably greater impression. The gameplay in the three games is identical, and we can simply begin playing in any section, but it is still worthwhile to approach the trilogy in chronological order to enjoy the many changes and innovations – then the third installment, Year of the Dragon, leaves the most effect.
It is “three” that provides the most vast and intriguing locales, as well as diversifying the action with interesting sequences like as skating or a boxing mini-game. Even without them, the principles of the game are enough to keep the player entertained for at least a few moments, owing to the well-designed boards. The trilogy’s approximately one hundred stages are the epitome of what’s greatest in traditional “collector” platformers – ones that are mostly about gathering various riches. We get vast, but not too large, areas that give the player a sense of freedom rather than restricting him to small passages like the first Crash. The game is played differently here. The most essential thing is to enjoy the delight of uncovering numerous secrets and clearing the entire board of all goods and foes – especially in the second phase, when beating adversaries might give access to various bonuses. Of course, there is battle, albeit it is fairly simple. We strike adversaries with fire breath or charge, and these fundamental moves are frequently employed creatively during boss battles. Overall, the Spyro games aren’t too demanding; some portions are difficult, but not as severe as some of the Crash Bandicoot boards.
Spyro also features gliding, which has always differentiated the dragon series from other platform games – and in fact, you can sense how much more intriguing the level design was made possible exactly because Spyro can glide anywhere. Fortunately, the developers also considered missions in which we fly all the time, which is a welcome difference.
Spyro: Reignited Trilogy is highly recommended for anybody with even a passing interest in platform games. Even if we recall the old games vividly, discovering a magnificently renovated environment is an unforgettable experience.