There are a handful of icons that old farts like me remember from when they had their first console.

The era of Crash, Tekken, and Spyro is one of glorious chunky goodness, so I was pretty eager to grab the PS Classics when they came out… except I forgot. Then came the Spyro Reignited Trilogy that like the Crash trilogy was the exact same game but looking like a 2019 game, and I was so damn in. Now it is on Switch, and I am in again.

The Spyro Reignited Trilogy consists of the three games: Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon, which are the originals from the PlayStation era. They epitomise the mascot platformers of their time with a simple style, a charming cute protagonist, and a kid friendly plot that for older games gives them a reason to enjoy the fun platforming on offer. Not every game has to be about the world ending or gritty shooting, and some people like myself have been itching for cute fun charming platforming for a while with only a handful of recent releases.

The story kicks off in Spyro the Dragon, where Gnasty Gnorc is watching TV when he sees dragons insult him. He sends off a magic spell which turns all the adult dragons to Crystal statues, so the young Spyro heads off to free them all from the imprisonment.

Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! visits Spyro again as he decides to go on vacation. He goes through a portal headed for the tropical holiday but instead winds up in Avalar where a frantic team says they accidentally summoned the angry warlock Ripto. So Spyros mission to beat him and his minions begins. Spyro: Year of the Dragon starts with Bianca, a hooded rabbit, who steals the dragon’s eggs for a sorceress, and Spyro comes to save the day again.

Those are some light summaries of the plots of the games because A: there are three of them which I could fill the whole review covering that alone, and B: you need to know the vibe of the game. If you have played these before then you know what you are in for with the plot, as it is the same as the original games. If you haven’t then they are cute and charming stories that give you a reason to run around Levels as Spyro lighting up the bad guys while saving the day. It is as true now as it was back then, this trilogy couldn’t be more family friendly if it was Easter Bunny Simulator 2019.

All the games are based around a hub world that Spyro can explore, opening portals to each of the Levels. This is something I disliked in the original games, but now I am less annoyed by it as I have become older. Jumping into Levels you generally explore by platforming, gliding with Spyro’s young wings, and blasting fire to dispatch enemies. He can also head charge but thanks to the camera being closer to Spyro than the original, this attack is a little more annoying than it used to be.

This isn’t the only thing that doesn’t sit quite right, the other thing is the special Levels that mascot platformers of the error became famous for, was their side games. The most notable is the skateboarding, which is so 90s and a fun throwback to the era, but my lord it couldn’t feel worse to play on a timer if it tried. When not on a timer it feels silly and charming, when on the timer it gets game breakingly frustrating.

The reality is these are to be expected with a faithful rebuild of a 90s game, which is what these games are; minor tweaks with a graphical and musical overhaul, so it is the game you remember playing. That graphical overhaul, like again the Crash trilogy, which was released two years ago, is fantastic. The game looks like a beautifully crafted animated film, which when even moved to the Switch, is outstanding. Toys for Bob have proven how amazing a surprisingly detailed game can run on this machine, even when it wasn’t built up for the Switch.

As with any port to the Switch, you are buying the lesser version of the games thanks to sacrifices having to be made.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is one of the cases for that sacrifice, but being small. On handheld and the big screen, the game looks fantastic and runs as well as I could have hoped for, which given the added portability I can’t recommend this enough to newcomers or returners to the iconic series.

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Last year Spyro the Dragon made his triumphant return in Spyro Reignited Trilogy, and on September 3rd, 2019 he’s continuing to spread the remaster fire by landing onto Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam for the very first time.

Currently available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One , Spyro Reignited Trilogy will soon allow Spyro fans to enjoy the three original Spyro games however they want to play on the go with Nintendo’s gaming console or looking better than ever on PC. The trilogy, which includes Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon.

Making its official Nintendo Switch debut during this year’s Nintendo Direct at E3, Spyro Reignited Trilogy will mark the first time all three original Spyro games will be available on a Nintendo console. The trilogy will also mark the first Spyro appearance on a Nintendo console since Skylanders Imaginators in 2016, and the first Spyro-led game on a Nintendo console in more than 11 years. With Nintendo Switch, players can jump, glide, charge and flame their foes as they take on the challenges and adventures from the remaster both on the go in handheld mode or from the comfort of their homes in TV mode.

Spyro will also take his first ever flight on PC via Steam when Activision brings the dynamic gaming collection in fiery 4K and an uncapped framerate to delight both veteran and new franchise fans.

Immaculately remade from the ground up, Spyro Reignited Trilogy features the exciting and nostalgic gameplay that fans enjoyed years ago with over 100 levels, enhanced reward sequences, as well as the beautiful redesigns of Spyro’s hoard of zany dragons and other goofballs (including Sparx the Dragonfly, Hunter, Sheila, Agent 9 and Sgt. Byrd) and many more. The trilogy also includes enhanced environments, a remastered soundtrack, updated controls, brand-new lighting and recreated cinematics for added pizzazz in this beloved adventure. Lead developer Toys For Bob is back at it again to bring the Spyro Reignited Trilogy to Nintendo Switch, while the PC version will have the talented developers at Iron Galaxy leading the charge.

“Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a love letter to the fans. Bringing this nostalgic experience to the Nintendo Switch and Steam means that no matter what gaming platform they choose, players will have the opportunity to experience this incredibly fun and iconic game,” said Michelle Fonseca, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing, Activision. “Our goal is to transport players back to their precious memories from the ‘90s, while also inviting new fans to dive into Spyro’s world on whatever platform they desire.”

Spyro Reignited Trilogy demonstrates the cultivation of epic game remastery that builds on the incredible experience of the original games. The characters and personalities are creatively re-developed with additional flavor allowing fans to reignite the flames with Spyro and his crew. Players will experience a trilogy packed with an astounding amount of detail, refreshed modern gameplay mechanics, and smooth camera handling.

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This has been a stellar year for games, making choosing the perfect gift your either yourself or the gamers in your life rather difficult.

Gaming giants, Activision, have outdone themselves this year with some great titles offering months of gameplay for all ages. From Spyro to Call of Duty, they have you covered.

To say Call of Duty is a gaming phenomenon is an understatement. Each game releases with day one-takings that would make a Hollywood producer envious.

This year’s entry, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, concentrates on the multiplayer game. Featuring gritty, grounded multiplayer combat, the biggest Zombies offering ever and Blackout, where the universe of Black Ops comes to life in one massive battle royale experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Activision has sci-fi fans covered with the Destiny 2: Forsaken- Legendary Collection. This epic package contains the original Destiny 2 game, Expansion I: Curse of Osiris, Expansion II: Warmind and the new chapter in the Destiny 2 story, Forsaken.

Whether you’re jumping into the Destiny 2 universe for the first time, or one of the millions of players seeking revenge for Cayde-6, the Destiny 2: Forsaken – Legendary Collection offers the complete Forsaken experience for new, returning and veteran players.

Again, Destiny 2: Forsaken- Legendary Collection is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC.

Gamers young and old will have fun with the return of Spyro the Dragon in his remastered Spyro Reignited Trilogy. For a budget price veteran gamers and newcomers alike can enjoy three games featuring the star of the Skylanders games.

The package includes the remastered version of the original Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripo’s Rage and Spyro Year of the Dragon.

Featuring the same sick burns, smouldering attitude and scaled up in stunning HD, this is the perfect stocking filler for younger gamers, families and old school Spyro fans who want to relive their childhood memories.

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is available now for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Another classic Activision character returning with remastered adventures is Crash Bandicoot, bringing some marsupial mayhem with the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

Crash fans can spin, jump, wump and repeat in the three-game pack. Players take on the epic challenges and adventures through remastered version of the games that started it all, Crash Bandicoot, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back and Crash Bandicoot: Warped.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is out on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One X, PC and PlayStation 4.

Activision’s Christmas line-up has you covered with gifts for gamers of all types and ages.

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We’re just a few days away from the start of Gamescom, one of the world’s largest video game shows! Attendees will be able to get hands-on time with four different Activision games during
the show.

Gamescom is one of the largest video game trade shows in the world, and with an attendance that tops over 350,000 visitors, that’s a lot of video game fans in one place. The show, held in
Cologne, Germany, is an important destination for Activision, and we have a lot in store this year as we showcase Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Destiny 2: Forsaken, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice,
and the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.  

The show begins on Tuesday, August 21st 2018, and not only will attendees and players be able to get hands-on time with all of these games while at the show, but there will also be news and announcements to share, along with full coverage across the Activision social channels. If you’ll be at Gamescom, Activision invite you to come and say hi, and check out one (or all!) of the games.

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Activision and Toys For Bob have announced to us the return of Stewart Copeland (The Police) to the Spyro franchise.

Copeland, the series’ original composer revealed a clip of the new soundtrack main theme featured in Spyro Reignited Trilogy to fans during the Spyro: Reigniting a Legend panel at San Diego Comic-Con.

Known as “Tiger Train,” Copeland’s new game intro reprises recognisable music motifs from the first three Spyro games into a memorable, orchestral-rock journey.

And the Spyro nostalgia beat doesn’t end there! Franchise fans can go down music memory lane as the Spyro Reignited Trilogy brings a new in-game audio feature allowing players to switch between Stewart’s original and the new remastered soundtracks. Players can simply fly in to the “options menu” at any time during gameplay, unleash their preferred nostalgic or scaled up groove using the “Reignited Music / Original Music” button, and glide right back into the Spyro action.

“Creating new music for the Spyro Reignited Trilogy has been incredibly fun and nostalgic for me,” said Stewart Copeland, rock star (The Police), acclaimed film score writer, and composer. “Seeing how the fans loved the original series and soundtrack was a very heart-warming experience 20 years ago, and being able to revisit that fun with the new game has brought things full circle. I can’t wait for players to hear the new intro title track and enjoy the option to play the remastered game to my original music when the trilogy arrives this fall. ‘Tiger Train’ include some of my favourite themes from the original soundtrack, which I’m sure the Spyro faithful will appreciate!”

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is a dynamic gaming collection that will have both veteran and new franchise fans “Spyro-ing” out of control when it releases September 21, 2018. Players will feel the fully remastered fire of the three original Spyro games that started the phenomenon – Spyro the Dragon, Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage! and Spyro: Year of the Dragon – complete with more than 100 Levels, fire-breathing attacks, lush environments, and Spyro’s zany cast of characters all in HD graphical glory on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Xbox One X.

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Activision, has unveiled its action-packed lineup for the 2018 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held from June 12-14, 2018 at the LA Convention Center.

At Activision booth #1001 in the South Hall, attendees will experience the first public hands-on gameplay with blockbuster titles Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Destiny 2: Forsaken and Spyro Reignited Trilogy. Fans can stay tuned for additional Activision announcements, including Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy news, next week.

“Activision’s E3 2018 slate is all about giving fans what they want – hands-on experiences with their most-beloved game franchises,” said Tim Ellis, CMO of Activision.“Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 delivers gritty, grounded, all-out combat in an incredibly deep multiplayer experience that players can jump into at the show; Destiny 2: Forsaken invites players to experience the frenetic pace of the all-new 4v4 mode, Gambit; Spyro Reignited Trilogy gives fans first hands-on gameplay with the totally remastered experience; and there’s more exciting news still to be announced!”

Hot off the heels of the most-watched game reveal in Call of Duty history, the title that offers more ways to have fun with your friends than any Call of Duty before, Black Ops 4 comes to E3 to give fans a new hands-on experience with the game’s multiplayer mode, including a new map debuting at the event. Black Ops 4 features grounded combat, along with new levels of customisation and tactical gameplay, and a variety of new weaponry, maps and modes for the ultimate Black Ops multiplayer experience.

The game features the return of the iconic Pick 10 system, along with a series of innovations in weapon controls, combat flow, health regeneration and player movement.Black Ops 4 features a combination of new and returning Specialists, each with their own unique weapons, equipment and playstyles. Players will be powerful alone, but devastating as a team working together. Attendees are invited to play the Black Ops 4multiplayer mode on PlayStation 4 and PC in Activision’s booth #1001 in the South Hall, and on PlayStation 4 in PlayStation’s booth #4322 in the West Hall.

Following the reveal of Destiny 2: Forsaken earlier this week, Bungie, High Moon Studios and Activision will showcase a new mode for the franchise called Gambit. Gambit is a 4v4 hybrid mode that merges PvE and PvP experiences into an epic battle. It’s a new way to play Destiny 2, offering something for all players to enjoy, appealing to those who thrive on the competition and unpredictable elements of PvP gameplay, while seamlessly blending the collaborative and cooperative elements of PvE. In addition, the franchise will debut hands-on with three of the brand-new Supers, the ultimate expression of power in the game. Attendees are invited to play Destiny 2: Forsaken’s new mode Gambit, on PlayStation 4, in Activision’s booth #1001 in the South Hall and in PlayStation’s booth #4322 in the West Hall.

Fans will have a claw-some time at E3 this year with playable Levels of Spyro Reignited Trilogy at the show. Spyro Reignited Trilogy at E3 is the first chance that Spyro-maniacs will be able to glide to new heights, unleash fire-breathing attacks, and explore lush environments all in HD graphical glory!

Fans will enjoy reliving some of their favourite Spyro experiences from 20 years ago in this remastered trilogy that features improved environments, updated controls, brand-new lighting and recreated cinematics – all mapped faithfully from the originals.

Stay tuned for additional Activision announcements, including an update about Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy.

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Activision Publishing continues to blaze the toys-to-life trail with Skylanders franchise firsts, racing and online multiplayer gameplay on console in Skylanders SuperChargers, developed by Vicarious Visions.

Whether fans prefer co-operative play in Adventure Mode or competitive multiplayer with up to four players in Racing Mode, Skylanders SuperChargers’ online gaming is fueled with adrenaline-pumping action right out of the box.

Skylanders’ all-new Racing Mode, playable in Land, Sea and Sky environments, features supercharged racing combat, layering in even more depth and excitement to the game’s online multiplayer component.

The high-octane mode is further amplified with all-new time trials, which include three-lap races that take friendly competition up a notch as players battle for the best time score on the leaderboard.  All Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Packs will come loaded with six dynamic race tracks – two each for Land, Sea and Sky.

With hidden routes, power-ups, and diverse locations, Racing Mode offers completely new ways to enjoy the game. Whether played in offline split-screen or online multiplayer, gamers can choose the best route to finish a race, trying to avoid attacks along the way as they navigate through dynamic environments. Voice-chat is available with friends for an added layer of excitement.

“Skylanders fans told us they wanted to go head-to-head in online multiplayer with their friends and family, and we delivered. Skylanders SuperChargers enables gamers to race against friends all over the world and brings an exciting new expansion to the Skylanders gameplay experience,” said John Coyne, senior vice president of consumer marketing, Activision Publishing, Inc.  “We continue to be firmly committed to driving Skylanders’ spirit for providing originality, innovation, creativity and fun with each game.”

Skylanders SuperChargers continues to rev its engine with the addition of Skylanders SuperChargers Racing Action Packs at launch and beyond.

These optional expansion packs, one each for Land, Sea and Sky, unlock even more thrilling racing content for Portal Masters. Each pack comes loaded with three special toys, including a SuperCharger, its signature vehicle and a villain trophy. The villain trophy unlocks two new tracks and new modes, including SuperVillain Cup, Boss Pursuit and Mirror Cup.

There are 12 boss villains across all three packs, with four in each pack, which players can defeat and play as. Fans can then store these boss villains on their villain trophy toy to play at a friend’s house.

Fans can augment their SuperCharger experience with a complementary, dedicated racing combat game; Skylanders SuperChargers Racing — for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. All-new tracks, augmented with power-ups, boosts, hazards and more, offer up to 50 different and exciting gameplay experiences.

On Nintendo 3DS, gamers can go head-to-head with competitive multiplayer via local play or online with up to four players. Iconic Nintendo character Bowser and his Sky vehicle, Clown Cruiser are available in the Skylanders SuperChargers Racing Starter Packs for Wii and Nintendo 3DS and can also be played on the Wii U.

The Supercharged character not only works in Skylanders SuperChargers Racing, but also as amiibo in compatible Nintendo games, so players can store their saved data in both modes with a simple twist of the figure’s base.

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Skylanders is bringing another trailblazing innovation with the launch of Skylanders SuperChargers releasing on September 25th in New Zealand and Australia.

Activision are the leaders of the toys-to-life category it created, and are expanding upon the franchise’s signature gameplay to introduce vehicles-to-life – an entirely new way for fans to experience the magic of Skylanders.

At the helm of powerful, tricked-out land, sea and sky vehicles, Portal Masters can engage in a high-octane action-adventure videogame like never before. Kids can speed across Skylands’ roads in vehicular combat, race down roaring rapids and engage in aerial dogfights as they barrel-roll through enemy swarms for the first time.

Developed by Vicarious Visions, Skylanders SuperChargers offers a rich story-driven gameplay experience, filled with vehicle-based and on-foot adventures, combat, puzzles, mini games, activities and platforming, set within a variety of all-new compelling environments.

“We created the toys-to-life category and have continued to lead it by bringing new innovations and new magic to the genre with each and every game. First we brought action figures to life, and now we’re bringing vehicles to life with Skylanders SuperChargers,” said Eric Hirshberg, CEO of Activision Publishing, Inc. “We love making these games because in order to do it well, you have to constantly tap into your inner kid. What kid hasn’t imagined epic vehicles with amazing powers and dreamed about the adventures they could have with them? Skylanders SuperChargers makes those dreams real.”

Skylanders SuperChargers features a brand-new class of heroes, called SuperChargers who are distinct with fresh moves, powerful attacks and all-new weapons.  These SuperChargers also have special in-game abilities that help Portal Masters fight Kaos.  Twenty new SuperChargers character toys and 20 new vehicle toys will be available.

Players will have the ability to customize all vehicles in-game with super cool modifications and upgradeable weapons.

For the ultimate gameplay experience, players can pair a SuperCharger Skylander with its signature vehicle to create a SuperCharged combination, unlocking an exclusive mod that revs up the performance of both the vehicle and character. Not only are the vehicles playable in the game, but also many feature moving parts, making them fun to play with outside of the game.  Additionally, Skylanders SuperChargers supports all 300+ Skylanders toys from previous games, enabling all Skylanders characters to pilot land, sea or sky-based vehicles.

“Since first partnering with Activision to bring the original Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure to our stores, we have believed whole-heartedly in the magic and innovation of this brand, as well as the company’s ability to reimagine and redefine play experiences with the toys-to-life concept,” said Richard Barry, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “With each new introduction, Activision never disappoints its highly loyal fans of the franchise, and we are thrilled to continue to offer the broadest assortment of all Skylanders merchandise, including the newly introduced Skylanders SuperChargers.”

The game’s storyline focuses on Kaos’ latest attempt to rule Skylands. In his efforts to take down the Skylanders, Kaos has unleashed his most sinister weapon ever – a massive “Doomstation of Ultimate Doomstruction” capable of eating the sky itself!  Fortunately, Master Eon has seen the warning signs and assembled a special team of Skylanders to pilot an unstoppable fleet of land, sea and sky vehicles with the power to travel through the reign of destruction to stop Kaos!

Fans can pre-order Skylanders SuperChargers Starter Pack beginning on June 4th, 2015 at select retail destinations worldwide, which includes two new Skylanders characters, a first-of-its kind Skylanders vehicle, newly designed Portal of Power and the full game.

Skylanders SuperChargers will be available on Xbox 360 and  Xbox One, PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, Nintendo’s Wii U, and a different, unique adventure will be made available on Nintendo’s Wii and the Nintendo 3DS.

Additionally, the complete Skylanders SuperChargers experience will be available on iPad.

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