Spyro: Year of the Dragon

 PlayStation
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Oct 10, 2000
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
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  1. MichaelH.
    Feb 26, 2002
    10
    One of the best games on the playstation, a must to all gamers.
  2. RoccoRasco
    Feb 12, 2003
    10
    Best of the series, a blast!
  3. Jonny
    Oct 15, 2007
    10
    This game was brilliant. the imaginative levals just make you want to play it through the night. and the music is catchy.
  4. HillaryG.
    Nov 19, 2001
    10
    I hated playstation. My fiance was an additct to tony hawk pro skater 2 so while he was at work i put in a cd (it happened to be year of the dragon) At 3am i was still playing. I haven't finised it cause i dont have the time and every time i sit down i'm glued. It's like crack. I'm now a playstation addict and spryo is what hooked me.
  5. JonE.
    Oct 13, 2001
    10
    A true breakthrough in the world of gaming. Excellent play and story line. BEST EVER!
  6. AshtonM.
    Oct 18, 2001
    10
    This game is so easy I beat the whole game, and it was incredible!
  7. Bentleytheyeti
    Jun 26, 2003
    10
    Even if I was'nt the main character, I managed to buy a club for Bartholomew of a fat bear so he could beat up that mean Sorceress!
  8. Kasey
    Dec 27, 2006
    10
    This is by FAR my favorite game but I hate those new ones. I like the old Spyro sparx and hunter and the others. Those new ones dont even have the same voice...WHATS UP WITH THAT!?.
  9. technocrow
    Jan 21, 2016
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is nothing to say...............................................................................................................................… Expand
  10. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 30, 2011
    10
    Year of the Dragon is arguably the best Spyro game to date. Pros: Fantastic graphics; rich, colorful visuals; charming characters; a surprising amount of depth in level design. Cons: The control and camera are often wonky.
  11. koolkris200
    Mar 18, 2012
    10
    this game is fun because there's egg you collect and you get then get new dragon which is cool then you can win more and get more dragons this game is cool
  12. Brad91ley
    Feb 22, 2012
    10
    wow what a great game from my youth! I remember playing this for months on end! such an immersive world created and a great soundtrack to boot! easily my favourite ever ps one game!
  13. 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 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    This 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.    … Expand
  14. BobRichardsin
    Oct 7, 2012
    10
    Spyro 3 it took everything good about the first two Spyros and perfectly put it into one great game with new added features. Amazing levels, smooth controls, great characters this is a game that you can't help but love. By far the best in the series you should really check it out
  15. Seriosity
    Mar 22, 2013
    10
    What great level design. The higher difficulty and incredible (for its time) graphics, infectious exploratory gameplay, and colorful visuals make it one of the greatest games on the PS1.
  16. Rayman
    Jan 5, 2013
    10
    Not as good as perfect Spyro 2: Gateway to Glimmer, but still a great sequel. I miss the cutscenes, when you enter the level or get out of level. Gameplay is still fun, even though it gets a little bit slower, when you are playing with other than Spyro. I also like music, story and levels. 10 out of 10.
  17. 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 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!
  18. crashedragon
    Aug 30, 2013
    10
    This is literally among the best games i have ever played.

    If you have a ps1/ps2/ps3/psp or ps vita, then you NEED to own this game.

    And spyro 2

    and even spyro 1.
  19. gamersan
    Oct 13, 2013
    10
    spyro year of the dragon is one of my favorite games for the ps1. the levels are all memorable, the musics great and the 5 playable characters none of which feel tacked on and the story is great. well its a not epic RPG story but a nice simple story that is easy to follow and perfect cut scene to game play ratio. meaning the they aren't too many cut scenes to bog the game down but enoughspyro year of the dragon is one of my favorite games for the ps1. the levels are all memorable, the musics great and the 5 playable characters none of which feel tacked on and the story is great. well its a not epic RPG story but a nice simple story that is easy to follow and perfect cut scene to game play ratio. meaning the they aren't too many cut scenes to bog the game down but enough to have a story that flows thru the game. lastly the graphics for its time the graphics where amazing, colorful worlds and nice to look at enemies and characters. to simply put spyro year of the dragon is a must buy for your gaming collection and hell buy the other 2 ps1 spyro games there pretty good to.… Expand
  20. FreedomFighters
    Jan 11, 2018
    10
    Rarely does a third game come along and become the best in the series, but that is exactly what "Spyro: Year of the Dragon" manages to do. And the funny thing is this: the game sold almost 3.75 million copies (according to VGChartz) despite being released 3 days before the PlayStation 2 was released in America. Imagine how much more it would have sold early in the PlayStation's lifespan.Rarely does a third game come along and become the best in the series, but that is exactly what "Spyro: Year of the Dragon" manages to do. And the funny thing is this: the game sold almost 3.75 million copies (according to VGChartz) despite being released 3 days before the PlayStation 2 was released in America. Imagine how much more it would have sold early in the PlayStation's lifespan.
    Regardless of sales numbers, "Spyro: Year of the Dragon" is a fantastic game that, to me, still stands as one of the PlayStation's best games. Featuring plenty of expansive environments, plenty of minigames, gorgeous visuals that still hold up to this day, the same lovable characters from previous games to go along with plenty of new characters, great voice acting and plenty of polish to the gameplay, "Spyro: Year of the Dragon" is one of the PlayStation's finest titles ever. If you missed out on this masterpiece, go ahead and give it a shot. After all, it is available on the PlayStation Network, so go ahead and pick it up. I guarantee you'll have a blast!
    Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"    … Expand
  21. YoutubeTGW
    Nov 12, 2013
    10
    This is how my love for this tiny purple dragon originated when I was 6 years old when I first played this game. When I turned 9 I got 1 and 2 and took really good care of them 13 years later I still adore this version of Spyro, you can't find games like this anymore.
  22. Mdevil93
    Dec 20, 2013
    10
    A game that amazed me as a kid and amazes me now. I have recently started playing it after about 10 years and it is bring back my passion for gaming!!
  23. masterjohnson1
    Feb 15, 2014
    10
    One of the better games on the PS1 all 3 of the Spyro games are great and are still great to this day, if anyone has not played these they should get them from the store or anywhere they can, it is well worth the money
  24. SpyroPurple01
    Mar 5, 2014
    10
    The Spyro trilogy was my first set of games ever. I never got tired of playing these games. Spyro 3: Year of The Dragon was a awesome sequel to Spyro 2: Riptos Rage! So, practically, this game describes my childhood, along with many others. The game added many new features to keep it fun, but still not turn away from the other two original Spyro games. It is definitely worth your time andThe Spyro trilogy was my first set of games ever. I never got tired of playing these games. Spyro 3: Year of The Dragon was a awesome sequel to Spyro 2: Riptos Rage! So, practically, this game describes my childhood, along with many others. The game added many new features to keep it fun, but still not turn away from the other two original Spyro games. It is definitely worth your time and money to get this game! That is why I give this game a full 10/10.… Expand
  25. MargaretL
    Jun 17, 2014
    10
    Loved charging around as a little purple dragon. Sure the graphics are from 14 years ago, and the story is basic, but it's just light fun searching for eggs and completing tasks. Nothing complicated or hardcore.
  26. maestro_tim
    Sep 20, 2017
    10
    Games like Spyro: Year of the dragon are so rare these days. Just like Crash Bandicoot, this platformer was revolutionary. Game design was on top. Looking for the eggs was one of the best adventures I've ever had in my entire gamer's career! I wish developers would make a remake!
  27. sonicgum15
    Jul 16, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spyro 3: Year of the Dragon is, without question, among the best platformers ever made. A game that is consistently fun and engaging throughout your entire playtime, that never feels like it's wasting your time, and above all else, leaves an impression that most other games wish they could do.
    With it's fantastic level design, with immersive, memorable and cohesive worlds. It's charming, likeable and compelling cast of characters, whether main, supporting, or NPC. The wonderful controls of Spyro himself, as well as all the different playable characters and minigames that you can take part in. The lovely and unforgettable music of Stewart Copeland and his crew. Practically everything about this game works.

    Though not every single minigame or challenge is consistently great or even that fun, the majority of them really help make the experience, with how diverse, plentiful, simple, and just how plain fun they are. Even some of the lesser ones that can be frustrating still have an element of fun and satisfaction that can be gained from them.

    The other playable characters beyond Spyro are, at the very least, really enjoyable. Though I wouldn't necessarily say they were equally as good as each other, they were all pleasantly enjoyable and satisfying to play. Each character has their own unique playstyle, their own unique challenges and minigames, and all of them feel, at least, really good to control. The amount of variety with this game means you will never get bored with doing the same thing twice, as you're always doing something different. Even if there is a mission or minigame that is somewhat similar, how it's layed out and/or controls is always different.
    The boss fights are great. They each they interesting and complex attack patterns. Plus, the way a certain side character that you saved from Moneybags is integrated is genius and really helps make the boss fights feel distinct and memorable.

    The characters in general are easily among the most charming, lovable, and charismatic the genre has ever seen. Each and every NPC has their own unique quirks, personality and charm to them. The fact that they are integrated into helping Spyro get to another part of the Forgotten Worlds is just wonderful and really makes the overall universe feel alive, and is just really sweet and charming to see. It genuinely makes for nice worldbuilding and storytelling.
    Speaking of storytelling, while it's story is not by any means the best that ever been told in a platformer, let alone a game in general, the story we do have here is great. Unlike the previous game, where events of the game's story would be static until you advance to another world, this story actually advances beyond the worlds you're exploring. It also provides interesting lore for the Spyro universe, as well as character development, particularly with Bianca. The dialogue is simply great, with a lot of fun banter, nice humour, alongside the aforementioned likeable and memorable characters.
    Eggs are scattered throughout the entire game, and you must find them with mix of the aforementioned minigames, challenges, and side characters, as well as the traditional platforming and traversal this trilogy is so adept at. Many of the eggs are very cleverly hidden, and you must use your ingenuity and skills to track down every one. The game is just awesome in how it makes the most out of your core abilities, and how it tests your awareness. Each level is layed out and structured in such a way that it never gets tiring or boring, not just for Spyro, but the other playable characters too.

    As for flaws; It's like I said before; Not every minigame or challenge is as consistently fun as each other. There are some particularly bad ones such as the Sheila escort mission with the fireflies in Spooky Swamp, or the waves of enemies as Sgt. Byrd in Charmed Ridge, or the tank tournament as Spyro in Haunted Tomb, or even the boxing match as Bentley in Frozen Altars. But even so, most of those are still at least fun and enjoyable on some level, even if there's some real frustration and annoyance involved. The Sheila escort mission is flat out terrible, though, no dispute about that.
    It's also a real shame that the game lacks the opening and ending cutscenes from the previous game. The game's world was already highly captivating as it is, even more so I'd say, but the lack of opening or ending cutscenes for each world does sting in that regard.
    Another thing is that the game tends to reuse music tracks, particularly from the Midnight Mountain hub world onwards. Insomniac was on a tight deadline with this game, and it shows in the music. Along with the aforementioned lack of opening and ending cutscenes in this game. Again, it's such a shame, given how good the music is already.

    Still, regardless of all that, Spyro 3 still stands tall as among the best the genre, and even games in general, have to offer. If you haven't played yet, for the love of God, do so now.    … Expand
  28. BlasterDL44
    Aug 20, 2015
    10
    The best PlayStation 1 game I ever played. Colorful creative levels, memorable characters, outstanding graphics, tight controls and some of the most addicting gameplay you will ever experience. Holds up so well.
  29. Leahmarie
    Nov 9, 2015
    10
    As a child I would complete this game over and over again without boredom, along with gateway to glimmer (other favourite). So for that, my rating is extremely accurate!
  30. Mexican_Jesus
    Jan 19, 2016
    10
    Spyro:Year of the Dragon, succeeds in many places other platformers fail. It has excellent and fluid controls, allowing for smooth transitions between moves, as well as the single best swimming mechanic in any game.
    The game has excellently designed levels with more complex challenges, enemy movements, more colours, and many different stylistic themes including Beaches, Snowy Peaks,    Spyro:Year of the Dragon, succeeds in many places other platformers fail. It has excellent and fluid controls, allowing for smooth transitions between moves, as well as the single best swimming mechanic in any game.
    The game has excellently designed levels with more complex challenges, enemy movements, more colours, and many different stylistic themes including Beaches, Snowy Peaks, Haunted Tombs, Islands in the sky with giant crystals and magicians, A fireworks factory overrun by ninjas and many others. The amount of detail in the levels from the colours, to the Skies( nobody ever talks about the sky ), to the excellent variety of minigames ranging from Cat hockey to Skateboarding and everything in-between, Spyro's gameplay never disappoints. On top of this, there are an additional 5 characters to play as, including a James Bond parody on Sergeant Bird, to a monkey with ADHD and a Laser Gun, all of which control differently to each other with uniquely designed levels and minigames to utilize their unique abilities. Driving all these Fantastic gameplay and design elements home is an incredible soundtrack with upbeat and slightly fantastical melodies, mixed in with various other styles to give each level a distinct and atmospheric wonder that only Spyro can.
    It's charming, it's fun, it's unique, and it's excellent 10/10.    … Expand
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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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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
  1. 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.
    Read full review
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
See all critic reviews »