Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage offers a dynamic blend of platforming action and light puzzle-solving, leveraging both Crash’s raw spin-and-jump abilities and Spyro’s gliding and flame-breathing powers. Levels are designed to alternate between Crash-focused runs—where precision jumping, enemy spins, and Aku Aku power-ups reign supreme—and Spyro-themed challenges that reward exploration and elemental attacks. This back-and-forth keeps the pacing fresh, ensuring neither hero outstays their welcome in any given stage.

(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 👍)

Beyond the main campaign, Ripto’s Rampage is packed with mini-games that break up the core platforming. Whether you’re scooping gems for Spyro, racing enemy chariots in Crash’s world, or diving through timed obstacle courses, these bite-sized diversions add variety and a chance to practice each character’s unique moveset. The difficulty curve remains approachable, but a handful of late-game bonus rounds can surprise players with their tight time limits and dense enemy waves.

Multiplayer options further bolster replayability: two players can connect via link cable to challenge each other in head-to-head platforming races or cooperative card-hunting missions. Trading Cards are scattered throughout every level and serve as collectibles that encourage thorough exploration. Linking with Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy unlocks exclusive card sets and bonus mini-game modes, so owners of both titles will find added incentive to trade and play side-by-side.

Controls are responsive, with Crash’s jump height and spin attack feeling weighty yet precise, and Spyro’s glide and flame breath executing smoothly. Camera angles in 2D platform segments rarely obscure hazards, though a slight slowdown can occur when multiple enemies or particle effects overlap. Overall, the gameplay loop is satisfying, balancing run-and-gun excitement with collectible hunts and friendly competition.

Graphics

On the Game Boy Advance hardware, Crash Bandicoot Purple shines with bold, colorful sprites and richly detailed backgrounds. The artists have done a remarkable job translating both franchises’ distinct visual styles into a unified aesthetic: vibrant Wumpa Fruit trees sit alongside floating magic crystals, and familiar Spyro environments—like the Artisans’ homeworld—are rendered with crisp linework and bright palettes.

Character animations are lively and expressive. Crash’s spin attack generates a satisfying blur effect, while Spyro’s flame breath flickers convincingly in pixel form. Enemies exhibit clear telegraphs for their attacks, and environmental hazards—such as falling platforms or rolling boulders—are easy to read, which is crucial for split-second platforming sections. Minor graphical pop-in can be spotted when transitioning between zones, but it rarely disrupts the flow.

Attention to detail extends to interactive backgrounds: breakable crates and gem clusters gleam under a simple but effective lighting scheme, and parallax scrolling layers add depth to each scene. Menus and HUD elements borrow from the Spyro and Crash franchises, melding seamlessly without feeling cluttered. Even loading screens maintain a playful style, featuring character sketches and lore tidbits that keep you immersed while waiting.

While the GBA’s limited resolution means that some textures appear blocky upon close inspection, the overall art direction overcomes these hardware constraints. The visual presentation feels modern for a handheld release of its era, and fans of either series will appreciate the nostalgic touches sprinkled throughout levels and NPC designs.

Story

Ripto’s Rampage begins with an unlikely alliance: the pint-sized but power-hungry Ripto joins forces with the nefarious Dr. Neo Cortex to conquer both the Dragon Realms and the Crashverse. This cross-franchise plot breathes new life into familiar narratives, pitting two of gaming’s most recognizable villains against our heroes. The opening cutscene sets the stakes clearly—world domination hangs in the balance, and only teamwork can stop this twin threat.

From there, the story unfolds level by level as Crash and Spyro chase Ripto and Cortex through portals that link their worlds. Each realm introduces new minions, traps, and witty dialogue exchanges, giving the narrative a lighthearted tone. NPC cameos—such as Coco Bandicoot offering tech support or Sparx delivering comic relief—enhance the crossover charm. Voice samples are sparse but effective, peppered throughout key story beats to break up text-heavy cutscenes.

Although the plot doesn’t stray far from standard “defeat the big bads” fare, it compensates with playful banter and world-hopping surprises. Interludes between levels feature brief cutscenes where Cortex gloats over captured Wumpa Fruit or Ripto roars in frustration at Spyro’s flames, sustaining player interest and motivating progression. The final confrontation unites both heroes in a single showdown that rewards familiarity with each character’s abilities.

Fans seeking deep lore will find the story straightforward, but its strength lies in the clever mash-up of two beloved universes. By weaving humor, action, and loyal franchise references, Ripto’s Rampage delivers a narrative that both newcomers and long-time players can enjoy without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Overall Experience

Crash Bandicoot Purple: Ripto’s Rampage stands out as one of the most ambitious handheld crossovers of its time. It captures the essence of both Crash and Spyro, delivering a platformer that feels familiar yet fresh. The balanced level design ensures that neither hero overshadows the other, and the wealth of collectibles, mini-games, and multiplayer modes keeps players engaged well after the main story concludes.

The link-cable connectivity with Spyro Orange: The Cortex Conspiracy elevates the experience, encouraging social play and friendly competition. Completing your trading card album becomes a communal challenge, and exclusive unlockables add value for anyone who owns both cartridges. Even without a link partner, the single-player run is satisfying, offering a 10–12 hour campaign with optional side content that easily doubles that playtime.

Audio support—featuring catchy remixed themes from both franchises and sharp sound effects—complements the high-energy visuals. While voice clips are limited, they arrive at just the right moments to amplify key events. Load times are brief, and the save system is forgiving, letting you pick up right where you left off without frustration.

In sum, Ripto’s Rampage delivers a polished, entertaining handheld adventure. It pays homage to two storied series while carving out its own identity, making it a must-play for fans of Crash, Spyro, or anyone seeking a robust platformer on the go. The combination of engaging gameplay, vibrant graphics, playful story, and meaningful replay value makes this title a standout in the library of Game Boy Advance classics.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10