Spyro the Dragon evolved from a small game on the PlayStation 1 into a platforming icon, capable of holding its own against other platformers of its time. It’s no surprise that Spyro’s success motivated the creators at Insomniac Games to develop a direct sequel, titled “Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage.” According to Ted Price, Insomniac's president, this game was designed to provide more of a challenge for experienced players and to include greater gameplay variety. In this review, I will evaluate whether Insomniac's promises are reflected in the final game we know today.
Taking place after the events of the first Spyro game, Spyro (Tom Kenny) and his dragonfly pal Sparx are looking to take a nice relaxing vacation in Dragon Shores. However, instead of Dragon Shores, Spyro finds himself in a different realm known as Avalar there he meets some new accomplices including a Faun named Elora (Melissa Disney) a Cheetah named Hunter (Gregg Berger) and a character simply known as the Professor. They explain to Spyro that they were testing a portal device but accidentally summoned an evil warlock named Ripto (Gregg Berger) who is looking to take over Avalar and its different realms. Now the team needs Spyro’s help to defeat Ripto and save Avalar before Spyro and Sparx can ever think of being on vacation.
The Story retains the same charm and likability as the first game and even kicks things up a notch by introducing new villains and heroes, as well as new realms to explore. While it maintains a laid-back and cute atmosphere, the narrative also includes many epic fight scenes and moments of humor that made my inner child laugh with delight. The tensions in the story are higher than in the previous game, but it never loses sight of ensuring that players have fun in the world of Spyro the Dragon. Although the narrative is not groundbreaking, it still shines with delightful charm and zany humor, along with some epic moments sprinkled throughout.
The Characters, much like the story, are delightfully quirky and funny. Spyro is voiced by Tom Kenny, instead of Carlos Alazraqui as in the previous game. While Spyro does not undergo significant character development by the end of the story, this is understandable because he has a charming and confident persona that makes up for it. Spyro isn't the only character who stands out; several newcomers also make memorable appearances. Elora the Faun, voiced by Melissa Disney, is a sweet and helpful character, while Hunter the Cheetah, voiced by Gregg Berger, is a bit of a goof but has a good heart. He provides some of the funniest moments in the entire game. Another entertaining character is Moneybags, who serves as an intentionally annoying roadblock that forces our hero to pay him substantial amounts of money to continue through a level. Finally, there is Ripto, also voiced by Gregg Berger. He embodies the essence of a classic Saturday morning cartoon villain, complete with tricks up his sleeve that make him unpredictable at times. Whether good or evil, every character in this story is enjoyable to be around, and their performances truly enhance the overall experience.
The Gameplay is where this game truly excels. The creators at Insomniac promised that this title would be more challenging than the last, and they definitely delivered. The game is significantly harder than its predecessor, but the difficulty is fair and attainable. As before, Spyro can charge at enemies or shoot flames at them. His companion, Sparks, acts as a health meter; the color hue of Sparks indicates how many more hits Spyro can take. In addition to opening up areas, the character Moneybags can grant Spyro new abilities for a fee of required gems, such as swimming, climbing, and an overhead head bash attack. Some levels will feature power-up stations that unlock after completing specific tasks. These power-up stations temporarily give Spyro the ability to fly or supercharge to complete certain objectives. Each realm you visit contains its own set of levels. The main goal in most levels is to reach the end of each level while collecting gems and completing bonus tasks to earn orbs that allow access to new levels. At the end of every level, you'll receive a talisman, and collecting a certain number of talismans will allow you to face the realm boss before progressing to the next realm. Each hub realm has its own unique set of orbs and gems to discover. While everything may seem straightforward, certain tasks in the game will undoubtedly test players' skills, sometimes to a frustrating extent. However, all the trials and tribulations are worth it, as the game rewards you for every challenge you overcome. Even completionists will enjoy testing their skills and collecting everything the game has to offer for bonus material. It could have been redundant for Insomniac to replicate the previous game, but instead, the creators delivered a fun yet challenging experience that entices players of all ages to join in the fun while facing tough obstacles.
The Graphics may be dated, but they remain vibrant and colorful. It's clear that the technical limitations of the time hindered the game's polish. Nonetheless, the visuals are delightful in their simplicity, and it could be argued that this game takes a few steps forward, making things feel more grand compared to its predecessor. Each level boasts a distinct look; you might find yourself skating through icy terrains on one level and then running through scorching deserts in another. The character designs are just as charming as in the previous game, and I particularly enjoy the introduction and conclusion cutscenes featuring the citizens of each level, which can be either cute or humorous. The character expressions are clear and easy to read, despite the low-poly graphics. In some ways, the visuals in this game are even more impressive than those in the earlier Spyro game. Insomniacs truly poured their heart and soul into creating a visually stunning experience that surpasses the last installment.
The Music for the game was composed by Stewart Copeland, who also worked on the previous installment. His compositions maintain the tone and style of the earlier game while introducing new beats and sounds to enhance the overall experience. The playfulness of the score is simply irresistible, making it hard for me to turn away. While some tracks may be difficult to distinguish from those in the previous Spyro game, the music is still outstanding.
Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage invites players to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Spyro while being fairly challenged, demonstrating that Insomniac was truly more than just a one-hit-wonder. This game not only meets expectations but exceeds them, delivering what may be the best Spyro video game ever created. Its irresistibly charming narrative, lovable characters, outstanding gameplay, and joyful music make it one of the best games on the PS1 system. While the graphics may not have aged as well as other elements of the game, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy does enhance many aspects of the original sequel. Whether you're new to Spyro or looking for an enjoyable platformer with challenging side missions, Spyro 2 will definitely provide that and much more.
(Final Grade: A)