Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! builds on the tight platform-adventure foundation of its predecessor while adding layers of depth and variety that keep each level feeling fresh. The core loop of gliding, charging, and head-butting remains satisfying, but the introduction of Spyro’s new ground-pounding move significantly expands combat and traversal options. This move not only makes defeating certain enemies more dynamic, it also opens up hidden areas and puzzle solutions, rewarding players who experiment with different abilities.

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Level design in Ripto’s Rage! is markedly less linear than in the original Spyro the Dragon. Each of the three major realms unfolds into multiple hub worlds, each brimming with side-quests—from rescuing trapped fairies to herding sheep into corrals. Exploration is key: you’ll find yourself scaling towers, diving into underwater caverns, and navigating shifting platforms just to collect a handful of extra gems or unlock a secret chest. These optional objectives add a welcome sense of purpose, and the degree of challenge scales nicely as you progress.

Boss encounters in each world provide memorable set pieces that go beyond simple damage-dealing patterns. Whether you’re dodging fireballs from the mechanical Cottons candy creature Crush or outmaneuvering the oversized Duke in Akani’s Vale, these fights test your mastery of Spyro’s full move set. Alongside boss battles, puzzle elements such as rotating platforms, pressure plates, and color-based switches elevate the gameplay from pure platforming to thoughtful problem-solving.

Graphics

Spyro 2 makes a significant visual leap over its predecessor, delivering richer textures, more vibrant color palettes, and an overall boost in environmental detail. From the crystalline shores of Summer Forest to the neon-lit sentries of the Tech Sprawl, each realm boasts a distinct aesthetic that underscores its theme. Backgrounds are alive with motion—swaying plants, drifting clouds, and distant machinery—drawing players deeper into the world.

The character models feel more polished, with smoother animations and expressive details. Spyro’s flame breath now lights up nearby objects, and enemy designs range from silly to menacing in equal measure, adding personality to every encounter. Load times remain snappy on the PlayStation hardware, and frame rates hold steady even during intensive sequences involving multiple complex enemies or large-scale boss arenas.

Subtle graphical flourishes contribute to immersion: reflective water surfaces, dynamic lighting in cave levels, and hand-drawn skyboxes that change color as the day progresses. These effects don’t just serve as eye candy—they often tie into gameplay, such as using light beams to guide you toward hidden platforms or casting shadows that reveal invisible pathways. Overall, Spyro 2’s graphics represent a hallmark achievement for late-era PlayStation platformers.

Story

While Spyro 2’s story may seem lighthearted on the surface, it provides a cohesive framework for the adventure’s escalating challenges. Spyro is summoned to Avalar through a mysterious portal to help Professor Proctor, a clever if scatterbrained inventor, thwart Ripto’s plan to conquer the realm. The stakes feel immediate as you traverse each kingdom, encountering denizens who plead for help and often reveal new side-quests in the process.

Ripto himself is a memorable antagonist—sarcastic, temperamental, and prone to comic outbursts that lend a playful tone to cutscenes. Supporting characters like Hunter the cheetah and Zoe the sprite act as both guides and comic relief, often bantering with Spyro in between levels. Their dialogue, delivered through simple but effective voice clips, keeps the narrative moving without overwhelming players with exposition.

Each world’s theme ties back into the story arc, with mini-bosses that serve as Ripto’s henchmen and environmental obstacles that reflect the villain’s growing influence. By the time you reach Ripto’s castle for the final confrontation, the journey feels earned—not merely a series of platforming trials but a true quest to restore peace to Avalar. The story’s simplicity is one of its strengths, ensuring that the focus stays squarely on fun gameplay while still providing narrative context.

Overall Experience

Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! stands as a shining example of how to evolve a winning formula without betraying its roots. The blend of exploratory hub worlds, challenging puzzles, and exhilarating boss fights delivers hours of varied gameplay. Newcomers to the franchise will find much to love in Spyro’s accessible controls and gentle learning curve, while returning fans will appreciate the depth added by expanded move sets and secrets to uncover.

The game’s pacing strikes a fine balance between casual platforming and more demanding trials. There are moments of pure relaxation—gliding over serene landscapes or collecting gems in open fields—juxtaposed with high-stakes battles that demand precision and strategic use of Spyro’s abilities. Optional objectives reward curious players with special power-ups and bonus levels that extend replay value far beyond the main storyline.

Despite its age, Spyro 2 remains remarkably engaging, buoyed by a memorable soundtrack and charming world design. Each realm feels lovingly crafted to evoke wonder and discovery, with surprises lurking around every corner. Whether you’re revisiting Avalar for nostalgia’s sake or experiencing the series for the first time, Ripto’s Rage! delivers a thoroughly enjoyable platform-adventure that stands the test of time.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10