Tag Archives: Gateway To Glimmer

Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer (PlayStation)

Spyro 2

Developer(s) – Insomniac Games

Publisher(s) – Sony Computer Entertainment

Artist – Charles Zembillas

Producer(s) – Grady Hunt

PEGI – 7

Developed as the sequel to the immensely successful Spyro The Dragon, Spyro 2: Gateway To Glimmer, or Ripto’s Rage as it was known across the pond, was like its predecessor. Released to universal acclaim by critics and gamers alike sold over 200,000 copies in the UK alone at the time. Although I have since re-assessed my opinion of which game is the best in the original Spyro trilogy, Spyro 2 remains a decisive improvement over the first game for many reasons. And still remains a classic of the original PlayStation. 

Graphics – 8/10

In terms of the technical side of the graphics, there hadn’t been a great deal of improvement made over the first. The textures and sprites for Spyro remain pretty much the same. However, in terms of the conceptual design, there were massive improvements made. The game is set in a number of diverse different areas governed by different species across each of the hub worlds. It also breaks away from the first game in the respect that it’s no longer confined to the medieval fantasy setting. But there is also scenery reminiscent of science fiction, the Scottish highlands, and Polynesian culture. 

Gameplay – 9.5/10

The most notable improvement between the first and second games, however, is undoubtedly in the gameplay. Boasting more side quests and more to explore across each level throughout, gave the game a lot more of a sense of purpose and enjoyment. Though there may be fewer bosses than in the previous game, the challenge that comes with them. Especially the second boss Gulp. The game also introduces us to Moneybags. A rich devious bear who Spyro must pay at certain points to progress through levels. Giving the idea of collecting treasure that much more meaning. The concept also leads to a very satisfying outcome at the end of the game. 

Controls – 10/10

The game’s control scheme is identical to that of the first game. Playing out like the type of 3D platformer the likes of Croc, Tomb Raider, and Blasto should’ve been made to play out like. The one massive improvement the developers made to the controls, however, was the ability to hover during a flight in order to gain a touch more momentum at the end of a glide to reach far-away ledges. It’s similar to how Insomniac games would add the sideways jump mechanics to the Ratchet & Clank. It’s a simple mechanic that provides a significant improvement over the previous game.

Lifespan – 8/10

The average time it takes to beat the game 100% is 8 hours. Which was higher than the average back when the 3D platformer genre was still in its relative infancy. It lasts there around the same amount of time as the first game. Something that would eventually be improved slightly with the third game. But overall, it provides a satisfyingly long gaming experience. 

Storyline – 7/10

In the sequel, Spyro, looking to go on holiday to Dragon Shores, is instead transported to the world of Avalar by three of its inhabitants. The professor, a fawn named Elora, and a cheetah named Hunter. They brought him into Avalar to fight Ripto. An evil tyrant who has invaded Avalar and brought evil and destruction throughout the land. Spyro resolves to defeat Ripto and bring peace back to Avalar. With more characters involved this time around, it definitely adds more to the story in terms of depth. But Spyro was also given a lot more of an impulsive attitude as well. This helped to add to the humor and make him more of a likable hero. Especially when he shows his compassionate side to characters like Elora. Of course, Moneybags also adds to the story in multiple ways as well; mostly for the better. 

Originality – 8/10

The most original element of this game is its diversity in scenery design; it’s the aspect that truly helped to break the mold early on and give the world of Spyro The Dragon a lot more depth than what was established in the first game. Even more so than the gameplay improvement because again, more or less the same gameplay principles apply as what they did in the original Spyro; travel and collect items to advance the game. Although gameplay elements would be expanded on even further with the third game, the diversity in level design would remain intact in Spyro 3, but the second is where that would stem from. 

Happii

Overall, Spyro 2, whilst not my favorite of the original trilogy, is still every bit as fun to play today as it was to play back in 1999. It provides one of the most memorable gameplay experiences of the fifth generation, and I’m personally happy that it got the remaster it deserved because it needed to be brought to a more modern audience. 

Score

50.5/60

8/10 (Very Good)