Spyro: Year of the Dragon

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 10, 2000
Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
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  1. Daily Radar
    100
    More creative minigames, a slightly higher difficulty level, superb level design and some of the best realtime graphics the PlayStation has ever seen all make Year of the Dragon a winner.
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  2. Hot Games
    100
    Like "Sonic" and "Crash," Spyro grabs on and doesn't let go, and the complexity of the levels, hidden games, and non-stop action make it one of the year's best platform games.
  3. GamePro
    100
    It's one of the best games to come out for the PlayStation in 2000.
  5. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    100
    Don't be fooled by that cutesy purple dragon - this ain't just a kiddie game. [Nov 2001, p.51]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. PSX Nation
    95
    One of the rare, few 32-bit games that still impresses, still retains magic after being beaten, and still begs for one last shot at exploring all its secrets and milking all its three-dimensional worth.
  7. Core Magazine
    91
    The relative ease of the game means that seasoned platform gamers should blow through this one without much difficulty at all.
  8. Game Revolution
    91
    Clearly the product of a talented group of developers who apparently give a damn about whether or not anyone actually likes playing their games. And unless there's something severely wrong with you, you will certainly like playing this one.
  9. IGN
    91
    A universally excellent game.
  10. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    The folks at Insomniac have built an incredibly detailed, fun, and immersive action/adventure that is definitely worth picking up, whether or not you're familiar with this franchise.
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  11. Game Fan
    90
    The game play in this episode is so thought out and well-realized that I found myself actually discouraged that this would be Insomniac's last venture with the purple dragon.
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  12. Gamezilla!
    89
    One of those exceptional games where the great gameplay makes up for mediocre graphics and sound.
  13. GameSpot
    83
    It's an extremely well-made game that offers a lot of fun to the player, but these few factors cause it to score right outside the class of "Super Mario 64" and "Banjo-Kazooie," so it only gets very, very high marks, instead of outrageously high marks.
  14. Da Gameboyz
    82
    They obviously are not the most realistic graphics, having more of a fairy tale, storybook-like quality to them, but there is so much richness and detail that they really stand out.
    All this publication's reviews
  15. Happy Puppy
    80
    Its true 3D exploratory gameplay, its vast and varied level designs, its colorful cast of characters, and its picture-perfect control create a fantastic atmosphere.
  16. Spank!
    70
    A good, solid 3D platformer that won't disappoint fans of the purple dragon, but may leave fans of the genre feeling a little empty.
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best PS1 Game of 2000
5
#5 Most Discussed PS1 Game of 2000
7
#7 Most Shared PS1 Game of 2000

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 424 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 371 out of 424
  2. Mixed: 40 out of 424
  3. Negative: 13 out of 424
  1. Pureray
    Aug 27, 2013
    10
    I shall never forget this game, it brings such great childhood memories, and still is a great game, Year of The Dragon showed somethingI shall never forget this game, it brings such great childhood memories, and still is a great game, Year of The Dragon showed something different then the other 2 spyro games before this, well you weren't able to play as different characters and a whole lot of fun mini games. I suggest you play this or any other spyro game that was for ps1, purchase it off of the Ps store today!… Full Review »
  2. CrystalFissure
    Nov 15, 2012
    10
    This game is absolutely incredible. Spyro: Year of the Dragon has it all, especially when it was first released. Graphically, it maxes out theThis game is absolutely incredible. Spyro: Year of the Dragon has it all, especially when it was first released. Graphically, it maxes out the PS1. Musically, Stewart Copeland and additional producer Ryan Beveridge did a great job continuing with that Spyro-esque sound with the strummy chords and all that.

    Gameplay wise, it excels. There's six (technically 7) playable characters in the game, and they are each very unique. I'll say this: Spyro STILL has the best swimming mechanic and any game, and Spyro the Dragon is probably the best controller platformer in existence. The engine is perfect.

    The story wraps up the original series in an efficient way, I just wish there were more great Spyro games like the first three.    … Full Review »
  3. AGoodGame
    May 31, 2018
    10
    Spyro 3 is one of my favourite 3D platformers of all time it's fun game play and awesome areas to explore just make for an amazing game, theSpyro 3 is one of my favourite 3D platformers of all time it's fun game play and awesome areas to explore just make for an amazing game, the soundtrack, boss battles and other gaming modes just make for a great time.… Full Review »
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