Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000)

by Christopher December 18, 2021

written by Christopher December 18, 2021 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2000
Genres: Adventure, Platform, Puzzle
Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable
Developers: Insomniac Games
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment

Spyro: Year of the Dragon (2000): A Nostalgic Adventure

Released in 2000, Spyro: Year of the Dragon is the third installment in the Spyro series and the last Spyro game Insomniac developed. It is a 3D adventure game in which the player controls Spyro, a young purple dragon, on a quest to retrieve 150 eggs that the evil Sorceress has stolen from Dragonworld.

Gameplay

Spyro: Year of the Dragon features a variety of gameplay elements, including:

Exploration: Spyro can explore a variety of worlds, each with its own unique enemies, challenges, and secrets.
Combat: Spyro can use his signature fire breath and charge attack to defeat enemies. He can also utilize several new moves, such as the ability to glide and swim.
Vehicle sections: Spyro can control a variety of vehicles, such as tanks, submarines, and speedboats. These sections add variety to the gameplay and provide new challenges.
Mini-games: Spyro can play a variety of mini-games, such as skateboarding and snowboarding. These mini-games are optional, but they can provide extra rewards and challenges.

Characters

In addition to Spyro, Year of the Dragon features a cast of wacky and memorable characters, including:

Sheila the Kangaroo: A strong and agile kangaroo who can use her powerful kicks to defeat enemies.
Sergeant Byrd the Flying Penguin: A skilled pilot who can fly Spyro around the worlds.
Bentley the Yeti: A friendly and helpful yeti who can use his ice breath to freeze enemies.
Agent 9 the Space Monkey: A mischievous and resourceful monkey who can use his gadgets to help Spyro.

Plot

The story of Spyro: Year of the Dragon is simple but engaging. The evil Sorceress has stolen 150 eggs from Dragonworld, and it is up to Spyro to retrieve them. Along the way, Spyro will travel to a variety of worlds, meet new characters, and overcome challenging obstacles.

Development

Spyro: Year of the Dragon was developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony Computer Entertainment. The game was released on the PlayStation on October 23, 2000.

Reception

Spyro: Year of the Dragon was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its charming characters, challenging levels, and iconic soundtrack. It was also a commercial success, selling over 5 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Spyro: Year of the Dragon is considered to be one of the best Spyro games and one of the best 3D platformers of all time. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and timeless appeal. It continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages today.

Conclusion

Spyro: Year of the Dragon is a classic 3D adventure that still holds up today. With its charming characters, challenging levels, and iconic soundtrack, it is a must-play for any fan of the genre. Whether you are a longtime fan of the Spyro series or a newcomer to the genre, Spyro: Year of the Dragon is sure to provide hours of enjoyment.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Christopher

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.