Spyro: A Hero’s Tail (2004)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Spyro: A Hero’s Tail (2004)

Introduction

Spyro: A Hero’s Tail is the fifth console game in the original Spyro series and the ninth game in the series overall. Developed by Eurocom, it was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox, making it the first Spyro game to appear on the Xbox and the second for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. It is also the final installment in the original Spyro continuity for home consoles.

Gameplay

A Hero’s Tail is a 3D platformer in which the player controls Spyro the Dragon, who must travel across the Dragon Kingdom to defeat the evil Red, a former Dragon Elder who has been banished for his warmongering ways. Spyro is aided by his best friend Sparx, as well as three new playable characters: Hunter the Cheetah, flying penguin Sgt. Byrd, and mole Blink.

Each character has their own unique abilities that are required to progress through the game. Spyro can breathe fire, charge, and glide, while Sparx can fly and shoot projectiles. Hunter can run quickly and climb walls, Sgt. Byrd can fly and drop bombs, and Blink can dig underground and move through tight spaces.

The game features a variety of levels, each with its own unique challenges and enemies. Spyro must use his abilities to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles, and defeat enemies. He can also collect gems, which can be used to purchase upgrades and new abilities.

Story

The story of A Hero’s Tail begins with Spyro and Sparx returning to the Dragon Kingdom after a long absence. They find the kingdom in chaos, as Red has returned and is wreaking havoc. Red is a former Dragon Elder who was banished years ago for his warmongering ways. He has now returned to seek revenge and conquer the Dragon Kingdom.

Spyro and Sparx set out to stop Red, but they quickly realize that they cannot defeat him alone. They enlist the help of Hunter, Sgt. Byrd, and Blink, and together they form an unlikely alliance to save the Dragon Kingdom.

Characters

  • Spyro the Dragon: The protagonist of the game, Spyro is a young dragon who must save the Dragon Kingdom from Red. He is brave, loyal, and always willing to help those in need.
  • Sparx the Dragonfly: Spyro’s best friend, Sparx is a small dragonfly who accompanies Spyro on his adventures. He can fly and shoot projectiles, and he is always there to help Spyro out of trouble.
  • Hunter the Cheetah: A new character introduced in A Hero’s Tail, Hunter is a fast and agile cheetah who can run quickly and climb walls. He is a skilled hunter and tracker, and he is always ready for a challenge.
  • Sgt. Byrd the Penguin: Another new character, Sgt. Byrd is a flying penguin who can fly and drop bombs. He is a skilled pilot and tactician, and he is always ready to lend a helping wing.
  • Blink the Mole: The final new character, Blink is a mole who can dig underground and move through tight spaces. He is a skilled digger and explorer, and he is always ready to help Spyro find his way.
  • Red the Dragon: The main antagonist of the game, Red is a former Dragon Elder who has been banished for his warmongering ways. He has now returned to seek revenge and conquer the Dragon Kingdom. He is a powerful and ruthless enemy, and Spyro and his friends must use all their skills to defeat him.

Development

A Hero’s Tail was developed by Eurocom, a British video game developer. It was the first Spyro game to be developed outside of Insomniac Games, the original creators of the series. Eurocom had previously developed several other Spyro games, including Spyro: Season of Ice and Spyro: Attack of the Rhynocs.

A Hero’s Tail was released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2, GameCube, and Xbox. It was a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. However, it received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its graphics and gameplay but others criticizing its repetitive level design and lack of innovation.

Legacy

A Hero’s Tail was the final installment in the original Spyro continuity for home consoles. The series was rebooted in 2018 with the release of Spyro Reignited Trilogy, which featured remasters of the first three Spyro games. A fourth Spyro game, Spyro 4: A New Beginning, is currently in development and is scheduled for release in 2023.

Conclusion

Spyro: A Hero’s Tail is a fun and challenging 3D platformer that offers a variety of levels, characters, and challenges. While it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking Spyro game, it is still a solid entry in the series and is sure to please fans of the purple dragon.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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