Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning delivers a versatile side-scrolling platforming experience that balances precision jumping, combat, and puzzle-solving. Players take on the role of Spyro as he navigates treacherous environments, leaping across floating platforms and dodging perilous traps. The level design is thoughtfully structured, gradually introducing new platforming mechanics such as retractable bridges, moving platforms, and environmental hazards that demand both timing and spatial awareness.

Combat in A New Beginning feels fresh thanks to a combination of melee attacks, charge tackles, and an unlockable breath-attack system. Early on, Spyro’s basic melee swings and ramming charges suffice for common foes, but as you progress, elemental breath powers (fire, ice, earth, and lightning) become available. Holding the R Button unleashes a steady stream of the chosen element, while the L Button launches a ranged projectile. Once the purple Fury Meter is full, pressing L and R together triggers a powerful elemental burst that can turn the tide in tougher skirmishes.

Beyond the core platforming and combat, the game spices things up with a variety of mini-games and alternative gameplay modes. A whack-a-mole style challenge tests your reflexes, while flying stages evoke the feel of classic shooters like 1942. In these aerial levels, Spyro soars through the sky, dodging enemy fire and blasting foes with elemental breath. Boss battles, which often require pattern recognition and strategic use of your four elements, add a satisfying climax to each world and reward perseverance with new abilities or story milestones.

Graphics

For a side-scrolling title, The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning boasts surprisingly detailed sprite work and vibrant backgrounds. Spyro himself is animated with fluidity—his running, charging, and breath-attacking all feel polished and responsive. The elemental effects are especially eye-catching: fire swirls in bright oranges, ice crackles in frosty blues, earth pulses with rocky textures, and lightning arcs across the screen in jagged bursts.

Environments are varied and lush, ranging from sunlit temple ruins and verdant forests to shadowy caverns and the foreboding underground lair of Cynder’s forces. Each setting has its own color palette and atmospheric touches—glowing crystals in caves, drifting embers in volcanic regions, and wisps of fog in moonlit marshes—that enhance immersion without overloading the screen. Background parallax scrolls add depth and a sense of scale, making each level feel more alive.

While the game may not push the limits of modern hardware, it maintains a consistent frame rate and quick load times that keep the action flowing. Boss characters and major NPCs are drawn with extra detail, their animations conveying personality—Ignitus’s noble bearing, Sparx’s playful fluttering, and Cynder’s intimidating presence stand out amid the waves of standard enemies. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay well, blending charm with functional clarity.

Story

The narrative of A New Beginning revolves around Spyro’s discovery of his true heritage and his destiny to save the world from the Dark Master’s minions. Orphaned during an assault on the sacred temple, Spyro is raised by a caring dragonfly family alongside their son, Sparx. This tender opening sets an emotional foundation, as the bond between Spyro and Sparx provides both motivation and heartwarming moments throughout the adventure.

As Spyro matures and learns from the Fire Guardian Ignitus, the story unfolds at a measured pace, revealing the existence of other elemental guardians and the looming threat of Cynder—a dragon corrupted by the Dark Master. Along the way, Spyro’s interactions with side characters, such as the whimsical dragonfly kids and the stoic guardian dwellers, enrich the narrative and offer glimpses of humor, camaraderie, and occasional pathos.

Boss encounters double as story beats, each battle serving to free one of the captured elemental guardians or to foil Cynder’s schemes. Cutscenes woven between levels flesh out motivations and relationships, emphasizing Spyro’s growth from a curious hatchling into a determined hero. The tale culminates in a showdown that feels earned, tying together themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the classic clash of good versus evil.

Overall Experience

The Legend of Spyro: A New Beginning strikes an excellent balance between approachable gameplay and rewarding depth, making it suitable for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. The learning curve is well-paced: basic platforming and combat are introduced early, while advanced elemental techniques and combo strategies become possible as the game progresses. Frequent checkpoints and fair difficulty ensure that most players remain engaged without frustration.

Replay value is bolstered by hidden collectibles, optional mini-game challenges, and the satisfaction of fully mastering each elemental power. Speedrunners can aim for flawless runs, while completionists will appreciate the hunt for every gem and secret area. The game’s length—spanning several hours of main-story content plus bonus stages—offers a fulfilling adventure without overstaying its welcome.

Ultimately, A New Beginning captures the magic of the Spyro universe in a compact, side-scrolling package. Its blend of tight platforming, dynamic combat, vivid art direction, and heartfelt storytelling makes it a worthy addition to any fan’s library. Whether you’re drawn in by the elemental breath attacks or the endearing camaraderie between Spyro and Sparx, this title delivers a memorable journey from first hatch to triumphant victory.

Retro Replay Score

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