Top 10 Spyro Games

Okay, we know this game upset many Spyro fans, including us. (Seriously, that redesign is just...dreadful!) However, as hard as it may be to believe, “Skylanders” is not a terrible game. Some of the characters are actually really well-designed, and they each have their own unique moves to bring to the table. Levels aren’t too tricky either. Instead, “Skylanders” decides to keep things simple with its mechanics and puzzles, allowing anyone to have fun regardless of their skill level. With the decline of the “toys-to-life” genre, the “Skylanders” series is a lot cheaper than it used to be, and it’s an entertaining game to play with your kids or younger siblings.

At the time of this game’s release, Spyro had just found his footing on the Game Boy Advance. With two games already made, “Spyro: Attack of the Rhynocs” did what every third “Spyro” entry did; go big or go home! As the third game on the GBA, “Attack of the Rhynocs” successfully transitioned Spyro from a 3D adventure to a 2D adventure with an isometric view. It also packed in more content than the previous titles, giving players more worlds to explore and more quests to complete. Needless to say, we couldn’t put our GBA’s down when we got this one!

Our purple dragon would have a rocky life on home consoles, but most of his handheld titles would prove to be terrific titles. The first of these would be “Spyro: Season of Ice”, which, admittingly doesn’t do anything innovative. Nevertheless, its a solid adventure for Spyro on such a small handheld. Levels are somewhat challenging, and the sound design and music are top-notch. It may be taxing when playing for an extensive period of time, but hardcore Spyro fans won’t mind. After all, this was only the first “Spyro” game on a handheld, and it would be the start of a (possibly) promising future.

If you had grown tired of the tried and true “Spyro” formula, chances are you picked up the reboot known as “The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning”. As the title implies, this was a chance to bring Spyro into a new light, changing up the entire formula. Unlike previous titles, “A New Beginning” focused more heavily on combat, providing Spyro with a multitude of unique moves. As for the story, the game aimed for a more cinematic approach, and the voice acting was absolutely fantastic. It may not have looked like a “Spyro” game, but it certainly proved itself worthy to be called one.

Serving as the final chapter in the “Legend of Spyro” trilogy, “Dawn of the Dragon” sought to expand upon the world it had established. Despite critics giving the game lukewarm scores, “Dawn of the Dragon” was a game many fans felt they had been wanting for years. For the first time in the series, players could fly and freely explore open environments. Additionally, players could control both Spyro and Cynder throughout the campaign, both having their own set of elemental breaths. “Dawn of the Dragon”may not have been a perfect game, but this was some of the most fun we had had in a “Spyro” game in a long time.

Critics may have been a little harsh towards “Spyro: A Hero’s Tail”, but for “Spyro” fans, this was an excellent experience. The story may not have been as strong as it could have, and the game wasn’t exactly challenging. However, that wasn’t what most players were excited for. “A Hero’s Tail” allowed players to control four other playable characters: Sparx, Hunter, Sergeant Byrd, and Blink the mole, and they each provided unique sections of the game to keep things fresh. For fans, this was a wonderful return to form for the series, even if it didn’t do much to innovate it.

The first game was simply trying to find solid ground for Spyro to stand on. With “Spyro 2: Season of Flame”, Spyro managed to find a successful home on the Game Boy Advance! Boasting colorful and detailed visuals, “Season of Flame” was a tremendous improvement over its predecessor. The controls were tighter, environments were more diverse, and there were more challenges that made completing the game worthwhile. Despite the hiccups of the first game, “Season of Flame” proved to be a must-have for GBA owners.

You didn’t think we’d forget about the games from the PS1, did you? “Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage” was a terrific sequel, releasing a year after the first “Spyro” game. In addition to better graphics and a fantastic soundtrack, the game put our skills to the test with its increased difficulty and extensive list of collectibles to find. “Ripto’s Rage” also expanded upon the gameplay by adding in side missions and new moves for Spyro to use. For “Spyro” fans that craved a harder game, they found solace in “Ripto’s Rage”.

It’s the game that introduced Spyro to the world. When the monstrous Gnasty Gnorc overhears the dragons talking smack about him, he transforms them into crystal statues, leaving Spyro to rescue his friends. Despite its age, “Spyro the Dragon” is still one of the most unique games ever made with its colorful worlds, excellent music, and creative level designs. It also provided an experience that wasn’t too easy nor too challenging, allowing players young and old to enjoy it. The game may not have given Spyro as many moves as future titles would, but “Spyro the Dragon” is remarkable in its technical achievements and simple gameplay.

What a way to end a trilogy as magnificent as this! “Spyro: Year of the Dragon” took everything that made the first two games fantastic and expanded upon them. Levels were bigger and rich with detail, minigames were incredibly enjoyable, and the multiple playable characters kept the gameplay fresh and exciting. We also cannot forget the excellent soundtrack that Stewart Copeland delivered, which some fans regard as the best between the original Spyro games. With a game as fun as this, 2000 certainly was the year of the dragon, and we can’t wait to revisit it in the “Reignited Trilogy”!