Spyro the Dragon, the lovable, purple dragon with an attitude, has been a staple of many gamers' childhoods. With a series spanning over two decades, Spyro has seen his fair share of adventures, spin-offs, and reboots. But, which one of these games reigns supreme? In this article, we'll delve into the world of Spyro, exploring the highs and lows of each game, and crowning the ultimate champion.
Introduction to the Spyro Series
The Spyro series, created by Insomniac Games, debuted in 1998 with the release of Spyro the Dragon for the PlayStation. The game's unique blend of exploration, platforming, and combat quickly gained a following, and the series went on to spawn numerous sequels, prequels, and spin-offs across various platforms.
Ranking the Original Spyro Trilogy
The original trilogy, consisting of Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!, and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, is still widely regarded as one of the best platformer series of all time.
- Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000) - This game is often cited as one of the best in the series. Its innovative level design, new characters, and improved gameplay mechanics make it a standout title.
- Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! (1999) - The second installment in the series built upon the success of the first game, introducing new worlds, characters, and abilities.
- Spyro the Dragon (1998) - Although it laid the foundation for the series, the original Spyro game feels somewhat dated compared to its sequels.
The Legend of Spyro Series
In 2006, Sierra Entertainment released The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning, a reboot of the series that aimed to revitalize the franchise.
- The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon (2008) - The third and final game in the reboot series, Dawn of the Dragon, received mixed reviews, but its co-op gameplay and new combat mechanics were notable improvements.
- The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (2007) - The second game in the reboot series introduced new characters and abilities, but its story and gameplay were met with criticism.
- The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning (2006) - Although it attempted to breathe new life into the series, A New Beginning received lukewarm reception due to its short length and lackluster gameplay.
Skylanders and the Reboot
In 2011, Activision released Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure, a spin-off that merged the Spyro universe with the Skylanders franchise. Although it was a commercial success, the game received mixed reviews from critics and fans.
- Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (2011) - The game's innovative use of toys and its vast character roster were notable, but its lack of traditional Spyro gameplay was a major drawback.
- Skylanders: Giants (2012) - The second Skylanders game improved upon the original, introducing new characters and gameplay mechanics, but it still felt like a departure from the classic Spyro formula.
- Skylanders: Swap Force (2013) - The third Skylanders game continued the series' trend of innovation, but its poor storyline and lackluster gameplay were major disappointments.
Reigniting the Classic Formula: Spyro Reignited Trilogy
In 2018, Toys for Bob released the Spyro Reignited Trilogy, a remastered collection of the original three games. This collection not only updated the classic games with modern graphics but also reintroduced the series to a new generation of gamers.
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018) - The collection's faithfulness to the original games, combined with its stunning visuals and updated gameplay mechanics, make it a must-play for both new and old fans.
The Verdict
After ranking the Spyro games, it's clear that the original trilogy still holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. However, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is the ultimate champion, offering a refreshed and revamped take on the classic formula.
Ranking:
- Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018)
- Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000)
- Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! (1999)
- Spyro the Dragon (1998)
- The Legend of Spyro: Dawn of the Dragon (2008)
- The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night (2007)
- The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning (2006)
- Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure (2011)
- Skylanders: Giants (2012)
- Skylanders: Swap Force (2013)
We want to hear from you! Which Spyro game is your favorite? Do you agree with our ranking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What is the Spyro series?
+The Spyro series is a collection of platformer games that follow the adventures of the titular character, Spyro the Dragon.
Which Spyro game is the best?
+According to our ranking, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy is the best Spyro game, offering a refreshed take on the classic formula.
Is Spyro still a popular franchise?
+Although the series has experienced a decline in popularity over the years, the release of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy has reignited interest in the franchise, and it remains a beloved series among gamers.