The original Spyro trilogy doesn’t hold up as well in comparison to other 3D platformers of its time. Super Mario 64 has more compelling platforming and secrets. The same is true for Banjo-Kazooie, boasting more amusing, clever writing as well. Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are in classes of their own with their sprawling dungeons and magnificent stories. While each Spyro title progressively improved in mechanical and level design, they were designed for children, as if overbearing reminders of bare controls, superfluous checkpoints, and bosses that are pitiful pushovers don’t give the target audience away. There are only glimpses of depth with few challenges involving flying, charging, and minigames. Other than that, the games can be a boring breeze.
But I don’t care.
