Spyro the dragon is back and looking more fly than ever

Two decades after he made his debut on our PlayStations, Spyro the dragon is back. But will the remakes do justice to fans’ childhood memories?

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy games hit stores today. Picture: Spyro Reignited

It has been 20 years since the loveable purple dragon, Spyro, graced our childhood PlayStation screens.

But now the original roast master is back and, unlike us, the decades have been kind to him because he’s looking even better than before.

The remastered video game, Spyro Reignited Trilogy, is released in stores today and guarantees gamers a major trip down memory lane.

According to tech website Digital Trends, rapper Snoop Dogg was so excited to play the remastered trilogy, Spyro himself vowed to deliver the game straight to his door.

Hang tight @SnoopDogg I'm coming. NYC to LA. #SpyroToSnoop #SpyroDrone pic.twitter.com/laNiZYUBym

— Spyro (@SpyroTheDragon) October 30, 2018

Game developers Toys for Bob have done an amazing job, giving us a game that long-time fans will appreciate, without excluding new players in the process.

As the name suggests, Spyro Reignited Trilogy includes fully remastered versions of all 3 original Spyro games: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2 Ripto’s Rage! (Also known as

Gateway to Glimmer) and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.

These platform games were originally released on the PlayStation console between 1998 and 2000, and received widespread praise from critics, making Spyro one of the most popular mascots in gaming history.

The original roast master is back looking even better than before. Picture: Spyro Reignited

Each game follows Spyro the dragon through various adventures as he helps out friends, collects treasure and defeats his enemies, one firey roast at a time.

The original plot lines remain unchanged, and, in a way, that’s great news because they are just as enjoyable as they always were.

Updated graphics make for amazing imagery, bringing the series to life on modern consoles.

While the visuals have been improved, the general layout of the games have stayed more or less the same, as well as collectibles and enemy locations. 

The game controls have been tweaked slightly, to adjust the feel and play to current generation consoles.

Similarly, the music has been retuned with a modern spin, while still keeping touches of the original game’s melody.

The score is now dynamic, and responsive, adding an extra level of immersion.

But if you’re there for the full nostalgic experience, you can switch back to the original soundtrack.

Spyro’s updated graphics and soundtrack makes for an immersive experience. Picture: Spyro Reignited

Small changes like these are a masterstroke, making the Spyro remaster feel both familiar and new, all at the same time.

Instead of producing a traditional remake, Spyro Reignited has recreated the original from the ground up.

The game’s initial release date of September 21 was pushed by Toys for Bob in order to apply the finishing touches to the final versions.

It seems the extended deadline worked wonders, as the result is a testament to hard work and ingenuity.

Each character in each game has a polished, unique look. Picture: Spyro Reignited

Each character now has a unique look, rather than recycling the same models in different colours like the old versions did.

Original voice actors have returned to reprise their roles and re-record their lines.

Even the grass beneath your feet responds to your actions and movements.

A lot of love and care has clearly gone into this beautiful remake, and it has certainly paid off.

Follow Spyro as he helps out friends, collects treasure and defeats his enemies. Picture: Spyro Reignited

While the game has been given a makeover, some things have remained the same.

Those include the satisfaction you get from catching the annoying egg snatchers or having 100 per cent completion of a level. 

While most levels can be passed through fairly easily, you will need some degree of luck and a proficiency in problem solving to completely finish some missions, particularly the flying time-trial levels.

In a year dominated by serious plot driven games, Spyro Reig n ited offers gamers a pleasant break.

It’s strong nostalgic vibes certainly make up for the story’s lighter plot lines. Gamers of all ages, especially those who grew up playing the original Spyro games, are guaranteed to love this remake.

Don’t be surprised if you end up playing it more than other blockbuster title releases this week.

RELEASE DATE:

Spyro reignited trilogy releases on November 13th on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. A possible Nintendo Switch and PC port may also be on the horizon, but this is yet to be confirmed.

PRICE:

While regular retail price should be around $69, JB Hi-Fi will be selling the game for only $49 on the release date. Three amazing remastered games for under $70 is a great deal, no matter where you buy it.