Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Platform
- Platforms: Nintendo GameCube, PlayStation 2
- Developers: Check Six Games, Equinoxe
- Publishers: Universal Interactive Studios
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly (2002) Review
The Basics
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is a platformer game developed by Equinox Digital Entertainment and published by Vivendi Universal Games. It was released for the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube in 2002, and is the fourth installment in the Spyro the Dragon series.
The game follows Spyro, a young purple dragon, as he embarks on a quest to recover the stolen Dragonflies, a set of magical artifacts that power the Dragon Kingdom. Along the way, Spyro must battle enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate a variety of colorful worlds.
Gameplay
Enter the Dragonfly features similar gameplay to the previous Spyro games. Players control Spyro as he runs, jumps, and breathes fire to defeat enemies and progress through the game. However, this installment introduces several new gameplay elements, including the ability to pilot vehicles.
Spyro can now take control of four different vehicles: a manta ray, a UFO, a tank, and a Spitfire attack plane. Each vehicle has its own unique abilities and can be used to access different areas of the game world.
For example, the manta ray can be used to swim underwater, while the UFO can be used to fly through the air. The tank can be used to destroy obstacles, and the Spitfire can be used to attack enemies from a distance.
Story
The story of Enter the Dragonfly is relatively simple. Ripto, the main antagonist from Spyro 2: Ripto’s Rage!, has returned and stolen the Dragonflies, which are the source of power for the Dragon Kingdom. Spyro must travel to different worlds to recover the Dragonflies and defeat Ripto.
Along the way, Spyro meets a variety of characters, including Sparx the dragonfly, Hunter the cheetah, and Bianca the rabbit. These characters help Spyro on his quest and provide comic relief.
Development
Enter the Dragonfly was developed by Equinox Digital Entertainment, a relatively new studio at the time. The game was originally intended to be a launch title for the PlayStation 2, but was delayed several times.
The development of Enter the Dragonfly was troubled, and the final product was rushed to meet its release date. This resulted in a number of glitches and technical issues, which were heavily criticized by fans and critics.
Reception
Enter the Dragonfly received negative reviews from critics upon release. The game was criticized for its numerous glitches, long loading times, and choppy framerate. Critics also found the gameplay to be repetitive and uninspired.
Fans of the Spyro series were also disappointed with Enter the Dragonfly. Many fans felt that the game was a major step down from the previous installments in the series.
Legacy
Enter the Dragonfly is widely considered to be the worst game in the Spyro series. The game’s poor reception led to a decline in the popularity of the series.
However, Enter the Dragonfly has gained a cult following in recent years. Some fans appreciate the game’s unique gameplay elements and quirky sense of humor.
Overall
Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable platformer. The game features charming characters, colorful worlds, and a variety of gameplay elements. However, the game’s numerous technical issues and repetitive gameplay hold it back from being a truly great game.
Score: 6/10
Review Score
2/10