Spyro the Dragon: Full Review, Is It Worth Playing?
Spyro the Dragon, released in 1998 for the PlayStation 1, is a beloved 3D platformer that introduced gamers to a charming purple dragon with a fiery spirit. Developed by Insomniac Games, this classic blends exploration, puzzle-solving, and action in a colorful fantasy world. Having recently revisited this PS1 gem, I was hit with a wave of nostalgia and wondered if it still holds up for modern gamers. With its simple yet engaging mechanics and vibrant aesthetic, Spyro the Dragon remains a standout in the platforming genre. This review of Spyro the Dragon explores its gameplay, visuals, and overall appeal to help you decide: Is Spyro the Dragon worth playing today?
Story and Gameplay of Spyro the Dragon
A Dragon’s Quest
Spyro the Dragon kicks off with a straightforward story: the evil Gnasty Gnorc traps Spyro’s fellow dragons in crystal prisons, and it’s up to our pint-sized hero to free them. The narrative is light, serving as a backdrop for exploration across six vibrant worlds, each packed with levels, secrets, and collectibles like gems and dragon eggs. The simplicity of the plot makes it accessible, especially for younger players or those new to platformers.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
Spyro’s gameplay is where the magic happens. You control Spyro as he glides, charges, and breathes fire to navigate levels, defeat enemies, and collect treasures. The controls are intuitive, with tight platforming that feels responsive even by today’s standards. Each world, from the lush Artisans to the eerie Haunted Towers, offers unique challenges like chasing thieves or solving environmental puzzles.
The game’s pacing is spot on, balancing exploration with action. Levels are short enough to keep you engaged but varied enough to avoid monotony. According to community feedback on X, many players still praise Spyro’s smooth controls and satisfying collect-a-thon mechanics, with some calling it “the gold standard for PS1 platformers.” However, the camera can be clunky at times, a common issue for early 3D games, which might frustrate newcomers.
Graphics and Audio
Visual Charm
For a 1998 PS1 title, Spyro the Dragon’s graphics are surprisingly vibrant. The colorful worlds, expressive character designs, and smooth animations hold up remarkably well. Each hub world bursts with personality—think rolling green hills in Artisans or the mystical glow of Dream Weavers. While polygon limitations are noticeable (jagged edges and low-res textures), the art direction compensates, creating a timeless aesthetic. As noted on Metacritic, Spyro’s original score of 85/100 reflects its visual and gameplay strengths, with reviewers lauding its “charming presentation.”
Soundtrack and Voice Acting
The soundtrack, composed by Stewart Copeland, is a highlight. Its whimsical, jazzy tunes perfectly match the game’s tone, with tracks like “Artisan's Home” still iconic among fans. Sound effects, like Spyro’s flame or the clinking of collected gems, add satisfying feedback.
Ack. The voice acting, while sparse, is delightfully campy, with Spyro’s sassy one-liners stealing the show. Some players on X have mentioned the music alone makes replays worthwhile, though a few note the limited voice work feels dated.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Engaging Gameplay: Tight controls and varied level design make exploration a joy.
- Nostalgic Charm: Vibrant visuals and a stellar soundtrack create a memorable experience.
- Replay Value: Collecting all gems, eggs, and dragons encourages multiple playthroughs.
- Accessible for All Ages: Simple mechanics suit beginners, yet challenges keep veterans engaged.
Cons
- Dated Camera: The fixed camera can be awkward, especially in tight spaces.
- Short Length: At roughly 6–8 hours, some may find it too brief.
- Limited Story Depth: The narrative is basic, lacking complexity for story-driven players.
Is Spyro the Dragon Worth Playing?
Spyro the Dragon is absolutely worth playing in 2025, especially for retro gaming fans or those seeking a lighthearted platformer. Its blend of exploration, collectibles, and charming presentation makes it a standout, even against modern titles. It’s perfect for gamers wanting a nostalgic trip or introducing younger players to classic gaming. However, if you prioritize deep narratives or cutting-edge graphics, you might find it lacking. For PS1 enthusiasts or fans of games like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro remains a must-play. Its influence is evident in later platformers, and its Metacritic score of 85/100 underscores its lasting appeal.
FAQ
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Is Spyro the Dragon suitable for beginners?
Yes! Its simple controls and forgiving difficulty make it ideal for new gamers or kids, though some platforming sections require practice.
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How long is Spyro the Dragon?
The main story takes about 6–8 hours, with 100% completion (all gems, eggs, and dragons) adding a few more hours.
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Is Spyro the Dragon worth its full price?
Original PS1 copies can be pricey (around $30–50 on eBay), but digital versions on PSN are more affordable. Its replay value justifies the cost for retro fans.
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Can I play Spyro the Dragon on modern consoles?
Yes, it’s available via PSN on PS3, PSP, and Vita. Alternatively, the Reignited Trilogy remakes Spyro for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
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Is Spyro the Dragon too dated for 2025?
While the camera and graphics show their age, the core gameplay and charm hold up well, especially for fans of retro platformers.
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How does Spyro compare to Crash Bandicoot?
Spyro focuses more on exploration and collecting, while Crash Bandicoot emphasizes linear platforming. Both are PS1 classics, but Spyro feels more open-ended.
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Are there any modern remakes of Spyro?
Yes, the Spyro Reignited Trilogy (2018) remakes the original trilogy with updated graphics, available on modern platforms.
Ready to soar with Spyro? Grab Spyro the Dragon on PSN for a nostalgic adventure, or try the Reignited Trilogy for a modern twist. Loved this Spyro the Dragon review? Check out our reviews of Crash Bandicoot or Tomba! 2: The Evil Swine Return for more PS1 classics, or explore our PS1 Walkthrough for tips!