Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning strikes a fine balance between platforming precision, aerial exploration, puzzle solving, and real-time combat. Early on, you’ll master Spyro’s signature fire breath before unlocking ice, electric, and earth elements taught by each freed Guardian Dragon. These breath abilities are not just for combat—they serve as keys to hidden areas, puzzle mechanics, and environmental traversal, keeping each level feeling fresh and rewarding. As Spyro progresses, he gains new skills that open previously inaccessible paths, encouraging backtracking and deeper exploration in a Metroidvania-like fashion.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat in A New Beginning is straightforward but satisfying. You’ll chain standard flame attacks with elemental breaths, dodge rolling strikes, and occasional charge moves. Boss encounters, particularly against the lesser guardians of Cynder, gradually introduce new mechanics—timed dodges, shield breaks, and environmental hazards—that demand precision. While the core combat loop never becomes overly complex, it gains enough depth from ability upgrades and varied enemy types to remain engaging throughout the roughly 8–10 hour campaign.

Puzzle design and level layouts are among the game’s strengths. From switching elemental breaths to manipulate ice platforms, to activating ancient mechanisms in the Homelands of the Guardians, each world requires clever use of Spyro’s growing repertoire. The game also includes several flying challenge levels that emphasize tight, responsive controls and reward accuracy. Collectibles such as hidden crystal shards and treasure coins add an extra layer of replayability, tempting completionists to scour every nook and cranny.

Graphics

Developed during the PlayStation 2 era, The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning still impresses with its vibrant, stylized visuals. Environments—from the murky swamps of the opening sequence to the crystalline caverns of the Crystal Glacier—are richly detailed, with dynamic lighting that highlights Spyro’s elemental breaths. Character models, especially of Spyro and the Guardian Dragons, feature expressive animations and smooth transitions between actions, bringing emotional weight to key cutscenes.

Technical performance remains solid, with a stable frame rate that rarely dips even during elaborate fire and ice particle effects. Occasional texture pop-in can occur in more expansive areas, but it seldom disrupts the flow of exploration. Artistic direction shines through any technical limitations: glimmering water surfaces, ornate temple ruins, and the foreboding fortress where Cynder awaits all feel distinct and inviting.

Animation quality extends beyond basic movement. Spyro’s flight sequences are fluid, with sweeping camera angles that convey soaring freedom. Boss introductions and Guardian teachings are presented through cinematic sequences, complete with voice acting that adds personality and depth. While some background textures can appear repetitive, the overall fidelity and cohesive visual style make A New Beginning a visually appealing adventure, even by modern retro standards.

Story

The narrative kicks off with an immediate sense of peril as Spyro and his dragonfly companion Sparx are ambushed in the swamps by mysterious creatures. The discovery of a ruined temple and the enigmatic Guardian Dragon instantly hook players, setting the stage for a classical hero’s journey. Spyro learns he may be the prophesied Dragon Child, tasked with retrieving the Crystal Shard from distant homelands and proving himself worthy of greater power and knowledge.

Each time Spyro frees a Guardian Dragon, players enjoy a deeper dive into the backstory: the tragic abduction of the four Dragons, Cynder’s rise under dark magic, and the growing threat she poses to the Dragon Realms. These encounters are interwoven with gameplay mechanics—each guardian teaches a new breath—making story progression feel meaningful rather than tacked-on. Voice performances bring sincerity to the characters, from the Guardian’s gravitas to Cynder’s tangled motivations, ensuring the final showdown in the secret temple carries genuine emotional stakes.

While the overarching plot follows familiar fantasy tropes, its pacing and world-building elevate it above many contemporaries. The structure of four unique homelands gives each new chapter a distinctive atmosphere and a sense of achievement upon victory. Predictable twists may arise for veteran gamers, but younger audiences and franchise fans will appreciate the clear character arcs, thematic elemental lore, and satisfying narrative resolution.

Overall Experience

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning delivers a well-rounded action-adventure platformer that remains accessible to newcomers while offering sufficient depth for seasoned players. Its combination of elemental combat, thoughtful puzzles, and spirited platforming ensures that each level feels distinct. The magic of unlocking new breath abilities and revisiting earlier worlds with newfound powers brings a gratifying sense of growth and discovery.

Strengths include a charming protagonist in Spyro, a colorful world brimming with secrets, and a progression system that steadily enhances both combat prowess and exploration tools. On the flip side, occasional camera quirks and repetitive enemy encounters can dampen momentum, and the linearity of objectives may feel restrictive to those craving an open-world sandbox. Nevertheless, the core loop of freeing guardians, mastering new abilities, and advancing the prophecy remains compelling from start to finish.

For anyone seeking a nostalgic dive into the Spyro universe or a solid action-platformer with a heartfelt story, A New Beginning stands out as a memorable entry. Its blend of platforming, light puzzle-solving, and elemental combat creates a varied gameplay experience perfect for solo play. Whether you’re revisiting the Dragon Realms or discovering Spyro’s origin for the first time, the journey is sure to delight with its engaging mechanics, vibrant visuals, and enduring charm.

Retro Replay Score

null/10