Spyro: Year of the Dragon

About Spyro: Year of the Dragon

Spyro: Year of the Dragon is a 3D platform-puzzle adventure from Insomniac Games, released October 10 2000. It’s the third and final Spyro title the studio developed before handing the franchise over. As the purple dragon, you collect 150 stolen dragon eggs across six worlds, battling enemies and solving environmental puzzles. The PlayStation 3 and PSP remastered it alongside the original PlayStation version. Gameplay leans on precise platforming, elemental attacks, and quirky vehicle segments. It’s a classic late-2000s platformer with charm but dated visuals. Parents and fans of 2000s kids games often revisit it for nostalgia.

Gameplay

Each level is a timed challenge mixing platforming, combat, and exploration. Spyro jumps, glides, and uses fire or water to defeat enemies or activate switches. Later levels introduce tanks submarines and speedboats for set-piece variety. You collect eggs by navigating floating platforms or dodging hazards like lava and moving obstacles. Combat feels button-mashy but tolerable. Puzzles range from basic lever-pulling to manipulating water levels to access hidden paths. Sessions average 15-30 minutes per level, with occasional respawns if you fall. The camera struggles in tight spaces but the controls remain responsive for the era.

What Players Think

IGDB rates it 68/100 (210 ratings), lower than its initial reception but still a decent score for a 23-year-old game. Completion data isn’t tracked. Average playtime is around 12 hours. Reviews from 2000 praise its creativity but note technical limitations. A modern user on ResetEra called it “a solid but unremarkable sequel” with “ok pacing.” Nostalgia fans on Reddit often call it “a missed final entry” compared to earlier Spyro games. The Sorceress’ design and Sheila’s kangaroo moves are regularly cited as highlights.

PlayPile's Take

A decent but unpolished entry in the Spyro series. It works best for those already invested in the franchise or seeking 2000s kids’ game nostalgia. No achievements are tracked. While it’s available for under $10 on some platforms, it’s not essential unless you’re completing a collection. The gameplay holds up for short bursts but lacks the polish of earlier entries. Worth trying if you enjoy 3D platformers with charm but skip it if you prefer modern mechanics.

Storyline

The game follows the titular purple dragon Spyro as he travels to the Forgotten Worlds after 150 magical dragon eggs are stolen from the land of the dragons by an evil sorceress.