Spyro the Dragon (1998 Video Game) User Reviews

Great game, now considered a classic

[FrankBooth_DeLarge · 8/10 · 22 May 2005]

It has been years since Spyro was released, and it is still played today. It has even had a few sequels that spawned from it.

The storyline is about a universe where dragons live peacefully amongst each other. Until one day when an ugly, and very evil creature named Gnasty Gnorc, steals the dragons' beautiful treasures and turns them into his henchmen, sends out pesky little thieves to steal dragon eggs throughout a few of the worlds, and traps most of the dragons in stone, the only one he misses is Spyro, a little dragon. Now, it is up to Spyro along with his guardian, a dragonfly named sparks, to save all of the dragons, recover every dragon egg, find all of the treasure, and defeat the evil Gnasty Gnorc.

There is a wide variety of creatures that add to the creativity of the game(this is one of the most creative platform games ever). The main creatures in the game are dragons from certain worlds. The 5 dragon worlds are the artisans world, peace makers world, magic crafters world, beast makers world, and the dream weavers world. The setting of each world sort of resembles parts of our world. The artisans world is like parts of Europe, the peace makers world is all desert, but strongly resembles the Australian outback, the magic crafters is a mountain filled area, it sort of resembles Switzerland, the beast makers world is like an African village, and the dream weavers world is like an area with a lot of castles.

The other creatures in this game are Gnorcs(a mix between a gnome and an orc), fairies, dragon egg thieves(they have blue hooded cloaks), and normal animals from our world(sheep, chickens, lizards, etc.) The Gnorcs take certain forms, such as many resemble human like creatures, but many resemble animals. The fairies help guide everything in the dragon worlds. In one level, they assist Spyro if he falls from a cliff, and in many levels, if Spyro is kissed by a fairy, he will get a temporary power to destroy certain metal objects with his fire.

Along the way, Spyro learns many different techniques in order to save everything in the Dragon Kingdom. Completing the game 100% is difficult, but it can be done. It just requires plenty of thought and skill that you will probably develop while playing the game.

The game play is very fun, the animation is amazing(the villains are very cool looking), the music score is also good. If there is one thing I have a complaint about, it is the voice work for Spyro. His voice is very wimpy, and his character is kind of annoying in certain parts. If he had much better voice work done with him, the game would be even better than it already is.

Spyro is a very fun game. People of any age can play it. I was 10 the first time I played it. I absolutely loved it. Now I am well into my teens and I still enjoy playing it. Play this game at all costs, it is really fun.

A very good game for puzzle and adventure fans.

[sinisterdrecc88 · 9/10 · 29 March 2009]

Spyro The Dragon is the first game in the unbeatable Spyro series (well, it was only unbeatable when it was on the PsOne), and it really delivers. Unfortunately, unlike the other Spyro games, there is very little dialog, and pretty much the only characters that talk are Spyro and dragons you free from stone by walking up to them, but the game makes up for that and a few other flaws by its amazing and fun game-play,and the worlds and characters beautiful animation. The music also is great, and I think you should definitely play this game if you are a fan of Spyro or just fun action adventure games.

9/10

The Best Rival To Crash Bandicoot

[roocadillac85 · 9/10 · 7 September 2019]

When Crash Bandicoot debuted in a PlayStation game, he became (albeit temporarily) Sony's mascot just as Sonic is for Sega, and Mario is for Nintendo. But if there's a character who rivaled Crash's popularity in the PlayStation scene better than anyone else, it's Spyro the Dragon.

Despite appearing in numerous games like Crash, I honestly can't say Spyro is at Crash's level of star power. I mean I've been knowing Crash since the late 1990s. As for Spyro, I didn't know the dragon was a thing until I saw a cover of his first game at a website just a year ago. So why is that? Perhaps Crash's adventurous yet goofy personality made the bandicoot more appealing to game fans than Spyro who is daring, serious, and a little sadistic.

When stores began retailing Spyro plushes and a compilation of the character's first three games, that was when my curiosity for Spyro grew. Thus I ask my sis to find a PS1 copy of this game which I played in my PS3.

Spyro is a 3D platform game released during the 3D craze of the 1990s kickstarted by games like Super Mario 64, Crash Bandicoot, and a PS1 game featuring an orange tabby which was lackluster but involved some respectable effort. Although the character can be controlled with the analog stick, I decided to stick with the d-pad. Why? Because analog sticks were new at the time of the game's release, I bet a lot of gamers who played this game only had the original controller which only had a d-pad. Therefore, I got interested in getting a more authentic feel of what those gamers of the day experienced.

Spyro attacks his enemies by letting out flames which spread but are short-ranged. With this, playing this game is like playing a third-person shooter with a soldier armed with a shotgun.

In most games, the character has a life bar which tells the player how much damage the character sustains before dying. But in this game, Spyro has a firefly that flies around him. Each time Spyro gets hit, the firefly changes its color until it disappears. If Spyro is struck without the firefly around, he'll lose a life.

To move to the next world in most games, you have to defeat the boss of the world you're in. While there are bosses in Spyro, defeating them is for other purposes, and they are not the keys to the later worlds. To reach the later worlds, the player has to collect a certain number jewels or free a number of dragons trapped in statues.

When it comes to taking on the final boss, this act is more of a game of tag rather than a boss fight. I mean the boss is often running away from Spyro in the fortress. Yes, the boss would stop sometimes and shoot projectiles at Spyro. But as Spyro comes close, the boss would start running. I imagined a lot of players getting frustrated and giving up because of how difficult it is to land a hit on the boss. But in my case, I just kept trying until I figured how to have a better chance scoring a hit. Once Spyro lands that first hit, the boss runs into multiple passageways in the fortress where Spyro has to jump on several platforms and avoid falling into the lava below. After the chase, the boss will stop to fight the approaching Spyro. And once Spyro lands that second hit, the boss is down for good. With this, I understand why the final boss was running a lot.

What can I say about this game? Well, the graphics are detailed, the controls are fine as in any decent 3D platformer, and the voices fit the characters. Fun fact, Spyro is voiced by Carlos Alazraqui who would later voiced Lazlo, the monkey in the Cartoon Network series Camp Lazlo.

While he may remain being second fiddle to Crash in the list of famous mascots in the PS1 scene, Spyro is certainly a household name in video games.

A brilliant game!!!!

[BewitchingIchabod · 10/10 · 15 March 2002]

This is a brilliant game that had my dad and I hooked for weeks (well months for him). It is challenging and has a great story line. In the world of dragons an ugly (and I mean UGLY) villain emerges after exile in hope to capture the dragon worlds. When Gnasty Gnorc (what would an ugly villain be without an ugly name?) encases all the dragons in crystal, he misses one, a small purple dragon by the name of Spyro. He and he alone (well with the help of a dragonfly named Sparx) must save the dragon worlds from a horrible fate at the hands of a horrible gnorc. With over 30 levels of colour and adventure, Spyro the Dragon is an ideal game for all ages.

Great Classic

[MalboroTentacleSeeker · 10/10 · 4 August 2000]

Even though Final Fantasy is my life... this is a great game. Usually Strategy games don't appeal to me as much as RPG's and games like Gundam Wing Endless Duel For SNES but this game is great. Although this game does have some rough spots... it's all covered up with its great gameplay!

Great game, started the new gaming world!

[travsta_92 · 13 December 2005]

Spyro The Dragon is a great game and now considered a classic. I found this game very educating as I was only 6 years old at the time this game came out. Therefore I am 13 at the moment. It also was one of the first games to have realistic graphics. When I was eight my dad bought me a Playstation, Spyro was the first game I ever bought and I was so excited to play this game and when I played it, I could not let go of the controller. Looking for the dragons, unlocking new levels by completing one of the levels on the particular world that you are in.

Even my Dad enjoyed playing as he always loved flying around in Sunny Flight, Night Flight, Crystal Flight and all the rest. It was a brilliant conclusion to the game as it was extremely fun in the Gnasty Gnorc level and then in Gnasty's loot.

It would probably be a great game if it was released today!

"The best PS1 game ever!"

[vip_ebriega · 10/10 · 16 February 2007]

I really grew up loving this fantastic PS1 game. I can still remember playing it when I was younger, and remember how it enticed and entertained me every time I play it. It has such wonderful 3-D settings, memorable characters and villains and has a fantastic fun-loving spirit. The creativity is always present, it's like everything you touch is interactive. The hero is memorable. The villains are great, and even funny too. Well, there are those that can get annoying (like the green druids or the mooning soldiers), but they were meant to be as annoying as they can get, so the more you get to squash them or burn them. Anyawy, I really love it. No matter what age you may be, I really recommend it. Nice graphics, neat settings and all that and more.

One of my Favorite Games of All-Time. A Classic!!!!

[merriweather_post_pavilion · 10/10 · 4 September 2009]

Back in the 90's, when the gaming world wasn't dominated by FPS, fake guitars or sandbox-like GTA-gameplay, there were many great 3d platformers. But it was one of them which really, really got me since the first time I played it. No, I'm not talking' about Super Mario 64, neither Banjo Kazooie, it's all about a tiny purple dragon called Spyro.

"Spyro the Dragon" came out in 1998, a time where the industry move into 3d was almost complete and it was, IMO, a perfect example of this move done right. This game was awesome, it had everything a good platformer should have: interesting characters(mainly in design, but sometimes also in personality), huge areas to roam (pre-GTA), plenty of stuff to collect, several secrets to discover, inspired (if somewhat quirky) enemies to defeat, vibrant, colorful graphics and environments and the best part is that it didn't feel like another Mario clone!!!!.

So, if you are into platformers or just want good clean fun, you should definitely try this game or any of its great sequels ("Spyro: Ripto's Rage" or "Spyro: Year of the Dragon"). Highly recommended!!!!

The Best PS Platform!!

[DragonDos · 10/10 · 20 April 2001]

This game simply has some of the most beautiful graphics I've seen on the PlayStation.It has a nice,cartoony feel to it.You can interact with objects in the worlds(i.e. Flaming a rose causes it to burn).The voice acting for the dragons is great,too.Although I must admit the game isn't really that much of a challenge,if you love staring at good graphics this platformer can't be beat! :)

SPYRO THE DRAGON

[TCurtis9192 · 10/10 · 30 March 2020]

I can complete this game, 100% and without dying, in just under 4 hours with bathroom breaks. I love it. I don't know how many times I have played it through but it's a lot. It remains the best SPYRO game in the franchise after so many entries as it isn't convoluted with irritatingly fiddly missions.

Stuart Copeland's music is the legendary icing on the cake. The designs of the hub worlds and levels are enthrallingly original. The voice acting is spot on. I love this game.

Excellent

[Terryfan · 10/10 · 18 April 2015]

I still remember seeing the previews of Spyro The Dragon back in 1998 it only build up my interest and wanted to play it.

I got to try out the demo before finally getting it to rent and later own my copy on Playstation.

Spyro The Dragon is one of the best reasons to have a Playstation and it is one of the best video games ever created.

The game just have everything that a video game fan would want and then some plus the game is family safe and the whole family will enjoy it.

I mean what's better than being a Dragon and getting to use fire breath attack? In a open world that gives a strong reason why Platform video games are always a winner.

The story of the game is that little purple dragon named Spyro must save his world from a evil creature named Gnasty Gnorc who cast a spell turning all the other dragons into Crystal statues and it's up to Spyro to rescues them as well as he must collect all the treasure that Gnasty Gnorc has stolen as well.

Graphics in the game are amazing for the Playstation as you can see the open world in each World you visit in the game. The game has such great designs and super colors for the characters and levels for the game to give it a great attention. Every world in the game feels awesome.

The sound is top notch as the music is a driven force in the game, each world has it own theme. They did good with making great music for the game that you wish it was on CD. Plus the voice acting is very good the monsters in the game making funny grunts.

The controls in the game are easy to pick up and play, it what makes the game great for the controls make it fun.

The Game play is a winner as well nothing better said about Spyro Game play where everyone can pick it up and play. It also tests your game skills and gives you a challenge when you want it.

Spyro The Dragon is one of the best examples of a video game done right and is a must have for any fan of platform games and video games in general.

I give Spyro The Dragon an 10 out of 10

Platinum #30

[ocesarebr · 10/10 · 5 January 2024]

Spyro 1 platinum and what a wonderful game. Even though I'm from 1996 and this original game was part of my childhood, I never played the original so I don't even have nostalgia. But when I saw the trailer for this reimagined trilogy (is that word right?) at launch I fell in love, beautiful graphics, great gameplay, platform games usually don't have a good story so it's normal not to be strong in Spyro 1. I bought it right away at launch. I must have platinumed this game more than ten times easily. Super easy platinum, you practically see what the trophy is asking for and go easy. No missable trophies, all trophies you can leave and enter the stage to try again. Platinum #30 Platinum Game on January 4, 2024.

Amazing PS1 game

[Josephpr1990 · 10/10 · 1 June 2023]

I remember playing this game on Sony PS1 when I was a kid. It's absolutely amazing. The gameplay is excellent, the graphics are very nice and the music is catchy but it's bit too easy for teen and adult players especially boss battles. It came out in autumn 1998. It was developed by Insomniac Games (who are famous for Ratchet and Clank series and Marvel's Spiderman series as well).

I know it's about a young dragon, Spyro and his dragonfly pal Sparx who rescue all fellow dragons who have been turned into crystallised statues by a baddie named Gnasty Cnorc.

It's probably one of the best PS1 games of all time and it is one of my favourite PS1 games of all time as well.

If you love dragons, you'll definitely play it!

A fiery debut for the iconic purple dragon

[MegaWatOfficial · 9/10 · 15 December 2023]

As we may know by now, the 5th generation of consoles really saw the beginning of a new era of gaming. With the ability to finally play in legitimate 3D worlds with complexity never seen before, it was certainly an exciting time to be a gamer. With the likes of "Super Mario 64" and "Crash Bandicoot"; both of which releasing in 1996, it was very clear that this was the direction gaming was, and should have been heading, as both games (especially the former) would become forever classics. Sure, the visuals may not quite hold up as well as games released on 4th gen consoles like the Sega Genesis or the Super Nintendo with their wonderful 2D sprite works and backgrounds, but the gameplay was way more immersive and inventive than ever before; and some could make the argument that the blocky visuals from games on the 5th gen consoles have an undeniable charm to them.

Just about two years later, both Nintendo and PS1 game developers have cemented the 5th generation of game consoles as a roaring success with hit after hit, like "Final Fantasy VII", "Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back" (though "Warped" would release a few months later after this game), "Diddy Kong Racing", "Banjo Kazooie", among many others that still, to this day, are a blast to play. Things were already looking great for the first true 3D gaming experiences, but Insomniac games would not only throw their hat in the ring, but do such a good job at it over the next few years, that they often either match or outshine everyone else.

And they already get pretty close to that with this: "Spyro the Dragon". A 3D collectathon that manages to feel incredibly balanced and consistent from start to finish, and while it may suffer a tiny bit from a couple of minor first-time drawbacks, this is still one hell of a first game that is still fun to this day. Mix all of that with the overall wonderful presentation that hasn't aged that badly thanks to it's lively landscapes, as well as some of the best music in any PS1 game from Stewart Copeland from The Police no less, and it's no wonder why this game is still remembered so fondly.

One big reason is just how well everything is designed. Each level and hub world are all so thoughtful and an absolute joy to try and complete, and the way each of them use the move set given to Spyro is genius. Same goes for the speedway levels where Spyro flies and has to flame 4 groups of items or gnorcs before the time runs out. They're not only creative, but also sometimes makes the player think outside of the box, which makes them fantastic additions to the game. Overall, there's really not a single level in the game that I don't remember, as they're not only well designed, but also very rewarding.

I can't sing the praises for this game enough. However, while that's all well and great, the game isn't quite perfect. For one, the camera system is a touch awkward and hasn't aged all that well. Here, unlike any other 3D platformer you may think of, you can't use the right stick to move the camera. Instead, you must use the L1 and R1 buttons. I understand that it's so that people with non DualShock controllers could still move the camera, which is good, but when the game still has analog movement with the left stick, it's a bit confusing as to why the game doesn't have the option to use the right stick for camera movement at all. It doesn't necessarily ruin the game by any means, but it's still worth noting.

Another thing worth noting are the bosses in this game; which is the game's only true low point. While the levels each boss (or "boss" in quotation marks) is in are well designed and great, the so-called bosses themselves are pathetic and not that harder than regular enemies at all, as they don't have really any creative ways of taking them down. I appreciate them adding depth to the game and the levels they're in, but when everything else about the game is so close to perfection, it's hard to not wonder why the bosses are so lackluster. They're not hard or threatening. They're just kinda there for you to take down without much of a fight. And it's a shame because it makes the villain Gnasty Gnorc not have that much integrity since his boss fight at the end is also pathetically easy. The bad boss battles don't necessarily ruin the game as a whole, but it's clear to see that this was where Insomniac games really needed to step things up for the inevitable Spyro 2.

Aside from that, this game is still fantastic to this very day. Whether it be the wonderfully designed levels with gems to collect and eggs to take back from snarky running thieves, the very good execution of Sparx the dragonfly, the charming dragons to free after them being crystallized by the egotistical Gnasty Gnorc, fantastic speedway levels, atmospheric presentation that's still lovely to this day for the most part, and a soundtrack that still kicks butt to this day, there's no way this isn't a forever classic. It may not quite be the very peak of the series, but for a first game in the series, it gets WAY closer than you think it would. If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and check this one out. There's a reason why the iconic purple dragon caught on quick, and it's because of this game right here.