Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rageby Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform: PlayStation
ESRB Rating: Everyone
ASIN: B000034DC2
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Features:
• Sequel to kid-friendly adventure game Spyro the Dragon
• Many new moves
• Jump, swim, and fly
• Several minigames
• Music by Stewart Copeland
Editorial Review: The feisty little adolescent dragon is back in a sequel that is far superior to the original. Both Spyro fans and those who didn't play the first game will revel in the exploratory greatness that is Spyro: Ripto's Rage. Gone are the impossible tasks, unbeatable enemies, and fragmented game flow. This game sports superior controls, more colorful and faster graphics, a tighter story, achievable goals, and plenty of gameplay variety.
Don't be fooled by Spyro's cuteness--this isn't a kid's-only game. With multiple goals and side quests, a fantastic soundtrack by ex-Police band member Stewart Copeland, and a veneer of understated humor, Spyro: Ripto's Rage is highly addictive. The playfulness of the main character comes through in the exploration of the otherworldly levels using the new moves, including super high jumps, rapid underwater swimming, and extended flight and hovering maneuvers.
Determined explorers are always rewarded--sometimes with an ice hockey match or other sub-game, sometimes with riches enough to learn a new move or uncover a new area. Simply put, Spyro: Ripto's Rageis one of the best action/adventure games for the system. Despite the fact that this game is a sequel, it manages to bring a fresh new look and feel to PlayStation gaming. --Jeff Young
Pros:
Massive, fun levels are completely navigable
Cute and quirky sense of humor will appeal to all ages
Responsive controls are an extension of Spyro's upbeat and exacting personality
Cons:
Camera angles can be problematic, but are completely adjustable
GameSpot Review: The original Spyro was a technical feat for the PlayStation: It gave us a fully 3D, pop-up-free world, the likes of which we'd only seen in a few titles on the Nintendo 64. Its presentation was exceedingly top-notch on a system that was starting to show signs of age (even last year), and the level design and gameplay also held to high standards. Its downside? The game was over a little too quickly, and its stages felt a bit cookie-cutter toward the end. Spyro 2, however, injects a dose of soul and variety into a game that was already pretty fun to play.
After the events of Spyro the Dragon, Spyro and his dragonfly friend decide to spend some time vacationing on scenic Dragon Shores, only to be pressed into freeing a kingdom from the clutches of the pocket-sized dictator Ripto (a name inspired by the Japanese "spelling" for Spyro). To gain entry into the domains of Ripto and his minions, Spyro must gather a number of items (orbs and talismans, for those keeping track) across a host of different worlds, righting wrongs and completing quests.
As in the first game, Spyro can glide across short distances, breathe fire, run enemies down like a rampaging bull, and fly (with the help of a power-up). In Spyro 2, the dragon has picked up a few new skills, such as the ability to ice skate, spit objects from his mouth, swim, and head butt - a move pretty similar to Super Mario 64's butt-stomp, except you use the other end. The interaction with other characters has also been expanded, and little in-game engine cartoons flank both the beginning and end of each level.
So far, it might sound as though Spyro 2 has only made a few ancillary improvements over the original, but that's not the case at all. Yes, it does look and play almost exactly like the first game, but that's not a bad thing. The control is still elegantly smooth, the camera is still all but perfect, and the graphics are still very sharp. The big changes come from what appears to have been the game's inspiration - Sony's MediEvil. What really made MediEvil shine was that it presented extremely fun puzzles and extra bonus quests within each level. And the greatest addition to Spyro 2? Fun puzzles and extra bonus quests within each level. That's not to say these features are similar to those in MediEvil, because they're not - except perhaps theoretically.
These additions are much more what you'd expect from a full 3D world, and they revolve around things like blasting a number of objects with your flame breath while flying; hunting down monsters; and gathering items for the weak, helpless, and small. For instance, in one level, you play a game of hockey against a yak, but unlike in your normal game of hockey, you pick up the puck with your mouth and blast your opponents with fire if he's in the lead . In another level, you must stop a horde of just-out-of-the-shell lizards from chowing down a group of friendly cave men. In both levels, the timing is set up to be challenging, though not impossible - it hits that perfect level of fun that makes you keep playing long after you had expected to leave the house and go out. Since there are from one to four fairly dissimilar minigames per level, a lot of variety is added to the "collect all the gems" mechanic found at the heart of Spyro 2. And it makes the game almost twice as long to beat.
Spyro 2's addictive features show up early and keep on going right through to its excellent final boss level, creating a game that makes you actually want to acquire every single object and coin to see the alternate ending. That's rare to see, and something you really should attempt. While it won't absolutely blow you out of your socks like Super Mario 64 or Banjo-Kazooie did, it's the most charming platform game since Sony's infectious little surprise MediEvil. --Joe Fielder
Customer Reviews:
wow this is really interesting!, December 3, 2002
Reviewer: dakota from pa
this game is really good bc it is amazing.i bought it and i loved it. me or u will have lots and lots of fun.so buy it today.
WOW! I love this game!, November 3, 2002
Reviewer: A gamer from Ione, CA United States
This could easily be my favorite of the PSX Spyro games. It's hard to collect enough orbs to get to Ripto himself, but other than that, it's GREAT! I highly recommend this game to anyone else who isn't that good at video games and of course, to anyone who plays video games.
Beautiful and Fun Gameplay, November 2, 2002
Reviewer: Margaret P. Harvey from Charlottesville, Va United States
I really enjoyed the first Spryo because of the fun and imaginative gameplay that involved fanciful levels and a loveable cast of characters. The first time I played Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, I was amazed at how much the graphics had improved. If you loved the scenery in Spyro, you'll love the beautiful levels in Spyro 2. In this game, you have several new challenges and abilities. In Spyro 2, you get to swim underwater, which really adds something to the gameplay. Another addition is the orb, which Spyro can get for completing challenges. Although the challenges are sometimes tedious, this is also an interesting addition because it allows you to test your abilities. Spyro 2 expands on the fun and creativity of the first Spyro, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves fun, fantastical gameplay and especially to those who enjoyed the first Spyro.
Spyro: Ripto's Rage/Gateway To Glimmer Part 2, October 13, 2002
Reviewer: An 11-year old gamer
Worlds and Realms
Avalar has three Home Worlds:Summer Forest, Autumn Plains,
and Winter Tundra. Within each Home World are many realms. You must travel to each realm, help the inhabitants fight off Ripto's forces and win a talisment. You must also win orbs by accepting challenges.
You begin the adventure in the realm of Glimmer. Help the Gemcutters there, win your first talisment and a portal to the Home World of Summer Forest will appear.
Ripto has taken over the world of Summer Forest. You must kick him out of the castle before entering Autumn Plains.
Talisments and Orbs
Talisments
Most of all the realms in Summer Forest and Autumn Plains contain a talisment that you must win. Speedways don't contain talsiments. Talisments are important because winning them is your only way of entering Ripto's hideouts. To gain talisments, help the beings in each realm. If you are successful, they will reward you with a talisment. When you win a talisment, it becomespart of the Guidebook and gives Spyro magical powers. Gain enough talisment power, and you unlock the doors to Ripto's hideouts.
Orbs
All of the realms in Avalar contain orbs. Orbs can open portals and doors. Never pass up the chance to win an orb! You win orbs, most of the time, by completing challenges from the inhabitants of Avalar. The challenge may be a game such as a puzzle or athetic event. It might also be a task you do to help someone.
1.Find out about challenges by talking to characters during your travels.
2.When a character challenges you, say YES or NO by selecting it in the dialogue box that appears and press the x button. If you don't want to accept a challenge, you can select NO and come back later.
You need orbs because:
1.Sometimes they activate closed portals/doors.
2.They are Spyro's only way of ever getting to Dragon Shores.
Navigating Between Home Worlds
The main area to each world is called the Home World. This is where you enter the world, and where you'll leave it after collecting the talisment. When you are in one Home World, you can warp to another Home World using one of the Warp platforms.
Spyro: Ripto's Rage/Gateway To Glimmer Part 1, October 13, 2002
Reviewer: An 11-year old gamer
The Battle for Avalar
Spyro the Dragon and Sparx the Dragonfly are looking forward to relaxing vacation at Dragon Shores. They're going to rest up their victory over Gnasty Gnorc in thier first aventure. But fate is about to give their travel plans a big ugly tweak.
In the world of Avalar, a dinosaur-riding trouble-maker named Ripto is making life miserable with his magical spells. Statues are coming to life and atacking thier makers. Monsters are messing up the electrical systems. Eskimos are being turned into ice cubes and fish are running out of water!
The folks of Avalar have to come up with a plan, Quick! They decide that a dragon is what they need to defeat Ripto and his gang. One of the defenders, the Professer, has created magical orbs that will snatch a dragon out of another world and shoot it through a portal to Avalar. Just Spyro and Sparx leave for their trip, the Professor revs up the orbs.
In the blink of a gnorc's eye, it's "Good-bye, Dragon Shores," and "Hello, Avalar!" as Syro and Sparx tumble though a portal and into an strange place. If they ever want to take their beach vacation, Spyro and Sparx have to help get rid this raging Ripto.It's enough to make a dragon spit fire!
Spyro never passes up a challenge or a chance to toast a few enemies- and their are plenty of both here. The vast worlds of Avalar contain beautiful mountains, bubbling lava flows and gem-filled lakes. The local folks seem pretty nice too.... wierd - but nice. But some of the scariest creatures ever seen live here and that's by dragon on standards! Will Spyro ever get back to his world? It's a snap if your a dragon.
Spyro and Sparx
Spyro- Spyro is a meschievous hero of his tale. He may be the smallest hero in the Dragon Family, but even the Elder Dragons admit he's got gumption! Just ask Gnasty Gnorc- he won't mess with Spyro again! Spyro is always rarin' to go, especially when he can head bash some sheep or flame some frogs. He's so full of energy, he'll keep you on the move! Spyro is extremely curious and hardly ever cautious, which sometimes gets him into trouble!
Sparx- Sparx's job is to keep Spyro out of trouble. When Spyro takes a hit, he feels it, and he changes color. He goes from yellow(full health), to blue(medium health), to green(near death)and one more hit Sparx disappears. To revive Sparx, Spyro eats little rodents that turn into butterflies for Sparx.
Three Steps to Saving The World
To complete a world/realm:
1.Complete the talisment task. Talk to the first person you meet when you enter a realm. Look for someone standing next to a banner and listen for hints about what is needed from you.
2.Complete all the orb tasks. Talk to any friendly folks who invite you to accept challenges. Some may ask you to do multiple tasks.
3.Collect all the gems. Gems are scattered all over Avalar.
You must win all the talisments and many of the orbs to beat Ripto. Complete all of the worlds of Avalar to win the game. Collect 100% of everything in the game and you will be generously rewarded.
The Good Folks of Avalar
Elora- Listen to Elora for tips on moving through the game or finding important things. She will also take you to important portals. If you get lost, try to find Elora. She can help you get un-lost.
Hunter The Cheetah- If you want to learn how to perform tricky moves, Hunter the Cheetah is your cat. He challenges you to learn
athletic tricks that you'll need throughout the game. Hunter will also show you how the controls work. He loves contests, so be sure to say YES when he wants to compete.
Professer- Sharpen your wits by listening to the Professer. He may challenge you to some brain teasers. He will also give you valuable information to solve some of Avalar's confusing riddles.
Moneybags- Moneybags will always help, for a price. You have to pay him with your collected gems. He will open passages, rent equipment or show how to perform moves. His high-priced services are definitely worth the investment.
Zoe- Zoe is a fairy who zaps Spyro with her wand every time he comes near her. Each zap saves Spyro's progress. When you progress to a certain point, you will see her hovering around. Go up to her for a quick zap. If you are defeated, you return to the game at the last point where Zoe zapped Spyro last. Zoe gives you quick gameplay hints on how to operate controls or defeat enemies.
Frustrating but very fun, October 13, 2002
Reviewer: Sirome from Naytahwaush, Mn USA
The first time I saw Spyro at a friend's house, I knew this would be my first playstation game. The game is the second game in the series of Spyro games. The game is about a purple dragon called Spyro and his sidekick Sparx. Ripto (bad guy)and his sidekicks Gulp and Crush have taken over the world called Avalar. Professer and his friends Elora and Hunter send a dragon the Avalar using orbs. It's up to Spyro to save Avalar. Thier are 3 worlds in Avalar. Summer Forest, Autumn Plains and Winter Tundra. In order to go to the next world you must get talisments. You can find talisments in levels scatter around Avalar. Sometimes you need orbs to get into sertain levels. Once you complete a task, you get an orb. To get an talisment you must complete a level. When you get 6 taliments, you get to go to another world. After you get your taliments, you have to complete a boss.I forgot. Gems are scatter all around Avalar. You need gems, so you can pay Moneybags to go across bridges, enter levels, ect.
The only thing that I don't like it that it's frutrating. It you get frustated easly this is not your game. I's not confusing or anything, it's just when your trying to complete a boss or a hard task, you get frustrated. I love this game. It's not a lot of money and it's not a waste of money. Great for gifts. Rate E for everyone.
Best Spyro ever!, September 14, 2002
Reviewer: A 9-year old gamer
I have Spyro I, II & III!
This is by far my favorite!
We baught on January of 2000 and I finnished it about
17 months ago.
I did all the skill points, Collected all 10,000 Gems and 64 Orbs, Defeated Ripto, got all the Tokens in Dragon Shores, and beat every single little task!
And not even one little seceret tip from the Internet, well, basicly.
I didn't finnish without the "Guid Book."
You Do need to buy The Guide Book for this game if you want to know all the tips and tunnles and coves, etc.
This is a great Game!
Better than the original, and genuinely fun for all ages., July 3, 2002
Reviewer: Beau Yarbrough from North Hollywood, CA USA
As much as I loved the original Spyro -- the sequel blows it away.
Everything that I liked best about the original -- the interactivity, the detailed and sophisticated environments and fun stuff like blowing things away with cannons -- is back and cranked up several notches.
Everything that made the original game sometimes seem repetitive -- doing nothing but collecting gems and dragons, the tiny worlds, only being able to use a few moves in any given environment -- is dumped.
And while this game really is perfect for kids -- the worst thing in it is some cartoon violence of dinosaurs swallowing cavemen and spitting out an enormous bone -- it's a hoot for adults, with lots of subtle humor and a game that's challenging enough without having anything as frustrating as Tree Tops from the original game.
An instant classic.
Good, but not as good as the first one., July 2, 2002
Reviewer: An amazon visitor from Lake Tahoe, California.
The game wasn't as good as the first one. Plus, it didn't have the same feel and architecture that the first one did, which made the second installment in the spyro trilogy a little non-spyro. It's as if the designers were trying to get away from the first one instead of creating a different game but going for the original roots, which I hoped they would do, yet they didn't. Plus some of the minigames can be annoying and some parts are a lot more frustrating than the first one. The first one was great, a little challenging yet easy to beat, and plus it was highly addictive. I'd say that the only good things about the second one is the graphics, which are excellent, and plus certain mini games, (CERTAIN, CERTAIN, NOT ALL.) Anyways, the game is worth the money, but it's still not as good as the first.
I uhh I um I...I like to blow up things with his fire breath, June 23, 2002
Reviewer: seany from DragonTown
Just kidding
This is a great kids game