Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly builds on the classic formula of its predecessors, blending platforming challenges with light combat and exploration. You guide Spyro across multiple themed worlds—ranging from pirate-infested seas to enchanted forests—in search of dragonflies stolen during the Year of the Dragon festival. Each level tasks you with finding and freeing Dragon Eggs, rescuing lost dragonflies, and collecting hidden treasures, all while contending with simple enemy encounters and impish bosses.

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The control scheme remains intuitive: Spyro can run, glide, charge, and breathe fire, with Sparx by your side to ferry you health pickups and act as a dynamic HUD indicator. Charging into foes and breakable objects feels satisfying, and gliding sections add an aerial dimension to exploration. However, some players may find the camera occasionally stubborn, especially in tight corridors or during precision jumps, leading to occasional frustration when lining up tricky platform sequences.

Collectibles are plentiful, encouraging thorough exploration of each stage. Dragon Eggs and lost dragonflies unlock new areas and mini-games, while hidden treasure chests provide additional goals for completionists. Though the objectives become repetitive over time, the sheer number of side quests and secrets ensures there’s always something new to discover. Multiplayer mini-games also make a cameo, offering simple competitive modes for up to four players, though these can feel tacked on rather than fully realized.

Graphics

Visually, Enter the Dragonfly retains the vibrant, cartoony charm that defines the Spyro series. Levels are awash with bright colors, whimsical architecture, and imaginative creature designs. From the crystalline caverns to the sun-drenched beach levels, each environment feels distinct and carefully crafted to evoke a sense of fantasy adventure.

That said, the game’s technical execution occasionally falls short. On original hardware, players reported texture pop-in, long load times, and noticeable frame rate dips when too many enemies or effects fill the screen. While the character models of Spyro and friends remain fluid and expressive, background elements sometimes appear muddy or under-detailed, highlighting the console’s limitations.

Despite these hiccups, the art direction succeeds in delivering a cohesive world. Special effects—such as sparkling magic spells, glowing dragon eggs, and shimmering water—help mask occasional performance issues and maintain immersion. Animations for Spyro’s fire breath, charge attacks, and celebratory dances add a layer of personality that longtime fans will appreciate.

Story

Spyro the dragon is back yet again with his trusted dragonfly Sparx. After the end of the last game, Spyro and his friends Hunter, Bianca, Bentley, the Professor and Sheila, had a great time at the Year of the Dragon festival at Dragon Shores. But something goes horribly wrong when an unscrupulous sorceress or gang of villainous thieves (depending on the level) swoops in and abducts the precious dragonflies meant to protect the Dragon Realms.

This kidnapping sets the stage for a globe-trotting rescue mission. As Spyro tracks down clues, he learns of a deeper conspiracy: the culprits plan to harness the dragonflies’ magic for dark purposes. Moments of comic relief—courtesy of Bentley’s schematics gone awry or Hunter’s over-the-top bravado—tonally balance the urgency of the rescue mission, though the narrative never becomes truly high-stakes or emotionally complex.

Cutscenes are brief and often presented with light-hearted banter among the characters. While dialogue occasionally feels perfunctory, fans will enjoy seeing series regulars reunite after the Year of the Dragon festival. Ultimately, the story serves as a cheerful backdrop that motivates your treasure hunts rather than delivering profound twists or dramatic payoffs.

Overall Experience

Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly offers solid platforming fun and a vibrant world that will appeal to both series veterans and newcomers. The level designs are imaginative, the controls largely dependable, and the abundance of collectibles provides lengthy playtime. Casual players can breeze through the main objectives, while completionists will find hours of challenge in optional secrets.

However, technical issues such as frame rate instability, long loading screens, and occasional camera quirks prevent the game from reaching the polished heights of earlier Spyro outings. These performance quirks can hamper momentum, particularly in levels that demand precision or when exploring sprawling environments.

In spite of its flaws, Enter the Dragonfly captures the whimsical spirit of Spyro’s adventures and provides a satisfying dose of heroic dragon action. If you’re seeking a colorful platformer with ample content and don’t mind a few rough edges, this title remains a worthwhile addition to your collection. For dedicated fans of the series, the reunion with Spyro’s friends and the thrill of rescuing dragonflies make the journey a nostalgic delight.

Retro Replay Score

5.5/10