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Spyro the Dragon

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Spyro the Dragon
Developers: Insomniac Games
Universal Interactive Studios
Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
Collectibles: Image:gem.png 12,000
Image:drago.gif 80
Released: NA(September 10, 1998)
EU (October 23, 1998)
AU (November 15, 1998)
Genre: Platform
Modes: Single-player
Rating: ESRB: Everyone
CERO: A(All)
Platforms: PlayStation
PlayStation 3
PSP
Media: CD-Rom
Download

Spyro the Dragon (スパイロ・ザ・ドラゴン in Japanese) is a 1998 platform game developed by Insomniac Games for the PlayStation. It stars the title character, a young purple dragon named Spyro and is the first in the series of Spyro the Dragon video games.

European Cover For The Game
Japanese Cover For The Game

Contents

[edit] Story

In a land known as the Dragon Realms, the elder dragons are preparing for a video documentary of sorts about their realm. Meanwhile, the antagonist Gnasty Gnorc, who had been banished from the realms, becomes upset over comments the dragons make of him. Whilst banished, Gnasty Gnorc begins experimenting with magic and finds two which he uses- one which freezes the resident dragons into crystalline statues, and another which turns any loose treasure into an army of Gnorcs.

However, Gnasty somehow missed imprisoning the youngest dragon in the realm, Spyro (who was seen chasing sheep in the background during the dragons' documentary shoot). Realizing who is responsible for the disaster, Spyro sets out to free the realm's dragons, recover their treasure hoard from the invading Gnorcs, and then confront and defeat Gnasty Gnorc himself.

[edit] Characters

[edit] Enemy bosses

  • Toasty, boss of the Artisan world. What appears to be a scythe-wielding, pumpkin-headed scarecrow is ultimately revealed to be nothing more than a sheep on stilts. To defeat this boss, you must first defeat his dogs (they take two hits; one to char them, and a second to finish them off) then flame him. He takes three hits.
  • Doctor Shemp, the incredibly obese witch doctor boss of the Peacekeepers' world. He wears sunglasses, swings a staff with a skull on it and thinks he's cool. He is guarded by a number of berserk charging tribal warriors whose eyesight is impaired by metal visors. A rescued dragon notes he needs to watch his back.
  • Blowhard , boss of the Magic Crafters' world, and possibly in charge of the wind wizards seen frequently throughout that world. He is literally a whirlwind, his lower body a cyclone. He is also capable of generating thunderclouds to defend himself.
  • Metalhead, boss of the Beast Makers' world. This large robot ape is impervious to all of Spyro's attacks, and thus must be defeated by having his power supply cut off. His attacks include two varieties of electric rays and the hurling of the apelike Beast Maker enemies.
  • Jacques, a demonic jack-in-the-box (the toy after which he is named) and the boss of the Dream Weavers' world. He resides in a nightmare landscape populated by creatures born from bad dreams, and is fought on a series of platforms levitating above a volcanic crater. He is fond of throwing boxes at Spyro.
  • Gnasty Gnorc, the main antagonist and final boss. His main means of attack is firing a green light from his scepter. He is initially out of Spyro's attacking range, so a key must be retrieved from a thief to lower a stairway leading towards him, after which he runs through a junkyard and eventually down a magma-filled hallway before he can be trapped and defeated. Afterwards he reappears as the first boss in Spyro: A Hero's Tail, in which he thought he defeated Spyro in Spyro the Dragon.

[edit] Homeworlds

There are six Homeworlds in the game. These act as hubs from which Spyro can travel to other levels similar in appearance via numerous portals. In each level there is a set number of gems to obtain and a small number of dragons (with the exception of flight levels). Use select as a shortcut to view your status. With the exception of Gnorc Gnexus in Gnasty's World, each Homeworld contains five portals to separate levels. These are three standard levels, a boss confrontation and a flight. Nearly every level and world is bordered with oceans, or endless drops. (Note: If you're in a level and fall, you can quickly exit the level to save your life.)

Artisans. In Spyro's homeworld, the Artisan dragons are tranquil and take a calmer approach to most problems. The Artisan World consists of pleasant countryside and ornate castles. You're required to free 10 dragons from their crystal enclosures before finding the balloonist, who takes you to the next world.

  • Stone Hill The first Artisan level, which is set in a green hillside by the ocean. It features a large castle next to the exit portal, which overlooks the ocean, and has a series of tunnels connecting the various areas of Stone Hill. The only enemies here are rams that try to charge Spyro, and shepherds that will whack him with their crooks if he approaches them. There is a key located in a cave on the seaside, which opens a chest inside a well. There is also a thief who stole a dragon egg in this area.
  • Dark Hollow As the name implies, this area is set at night, in a hollow that is lit by lamps. Spyro can light several piles of wood with his flame to light up some of the areas. There is also a small lake which can only be reached through halls guarded by large Gnorcs which are impervious to frontal attacks. This area is the first area that shows the concept of Spyro's flame defeating large enemies, and his charge defeating armored enemies. There is a key in the lake area, which unlocks a chest on an elevated platform.
  • Town Square Basically a town area which is set in at evening. It has many buildings that border a lake, and a fountain in the main square of town. This area focuses on gliding, as it is required to reach the exit. Here, bulls which behave like the rams of Stone Hill will either chase after Spyro, or the Gnorc toreadors that are trying to tame them. There is a thief here who has stolen a dragon egg.
  • Toasty The level in which the boss is fought is set in twilight, which features a large castle that Spyro must traverse, which is set atop a cliff overlooking a lake. The shepherds return in this level, along with watchdogs that pounce Spyro if he approaches them, and take two attacks to defeat. The battle against Toasty himself takes place in the castle courtyards, where this tricksters true identity is revealed. As with every other boss level, there is only one dragon to rescue.
  • Sunny Flight The first flight level, which is set on an island in the middle of the ocean, and as the name suggests, it is sunny, set at morning. It features several crystals growing out of the island, and also tracks which trains carrying barrels ride upon. There is also a spire in the middle of the water which has several Gnorcs flying around it in planes, along with a tunnel and alcove holding chests. Here, Spyro must destroy the 8 barrels carried by the trains, fly through 8 green arches that are set in a circle around the island, destroy the planes, and also the 8 chests to complete the flight. Note: It is located by the waterfall with the five stepping stones. The location is given by a dragon in the Wizard Peaks Realm (See Magic Crafters).

Peace Keepers. In the second world, Peace Keeper Dragons have an "attack first, ask questions later" attitude. The Peace Keepers' homeworld is a dusty desert land (with the exception of Ice Cavern) with frequent tar pits. A number of secrets can be found via perilous flights 'round cliff faces. Gnorc enemies are subject to the theme of the world and are typically clad soldiers, some of which attack with spears, and others who use cannons. The spear-soldiers are cowards and will retreat into their tents at the sign of trouble. You take control of various cannons to continue through this world. There is a dragon egg thief and a key/chest in this homeworld. You are required to gain 1200 gems before moving on.

  • Cliff Town This level is based on a high mesa with a large concentration of pueblos situated on a cliff across the river. It is also mainly based on whirlwinds and, at one point, gliding. Enemies here are ugly female cooks who give a nasty (but not directly harmful) whip attack with their hand which can knock you into the surrounding gorges, vultures, and small bandits that wear armored ponchos that use daggers as a weapon against Spyro. A dragon egg thief is hiding behind the castle you enter into, and takes a little while to gain the means to reach him.
  • Dry Canyon Here, the main object of the level is gliding. LOTS of gliding. Like Cliff Town, vultures are in here, except some of them are used as living clubs by very large Gnorcs. These, along with small rifle-wielding Gnorcs, are your enemies. Dragons in this level are placed in hard to reach areas which must be skillfully glided to. This level introduces a new kind of gem casket which must be flamed and then jumped back from to avoid being harmed in the ensuing explosion. Keep your eyes open for another dragon egg thief and a key/chest. The chest here is difficult to reach, and can be frustrating if you glided to it without having the key first.
  • Ice Cavern This is a large, underground cavern full of bats, Gnorcs on skis which hurl snowballs at you, purple, buffed up enemies who seem to be more ape-like and with very low intelligence, and some green, large armored enemies which resemble their purple counterparts yet are impervious to direct damage from flame or charge, though they are easy to defeat, as ice tends to make armor very slippery. Passages are very narrow, along with ice bridges to other areas in the level. Caution is recommended. There is a key/chest in this level. Use the L2-R2 buttons frequently to find a platform holding 3 additional lives.
  • Night Flight This is the second flight world, littered with lighthouses, chests, rings, portals, and Gnorc planes. Like all flight levels, you must get these items within the allotted amount of time.
  • Doctor Shemp A Boss Level where you encounter a large witch doctor that thinks he's cool. He, the cooks from Cliff Town, and armored and blind soldiers are your foes, but fairly easy to take out. This area is focused on stay away from cliffs. At one point, their is a gem worth 25 on a butte that seems impossible to glide to from the watch tower. But that is a mere Grand Canyon trick.

Magic Crafters. The third world is filled with landscape that defies the laws of physics. The Magic Crafter Dragons like to use brain, not brawn to keep things in order. The scenery here is that of partially snowy mountain sides. It is here where supercharge ramps are first introduced to the game. These give Spyro a blisteringly fast and powerful charge, and they can be used to glide much longer distances. Enemies here include green druids which shift the landscape either to avoid attack or to bar Spyro's way, and smaller sorcerers which resemble 'pineapples' and try to whack you with their scepters. There are two dragon egg thieves in this homeworld, as well as a key/chest. If you miss the first thief and are unable to reach him, simply come back later. You are required to recover 5 dragon eggs before moving on.

  • Alpine Ridge This is a large land with steep cliffs, a castle and a few arches all surrounding a central enclave. Here, the Ice Wizards , Green Druids, and Sorcerors attempt to defeat you with beasts that have a striking resemblance to Beast from Maggie and the Ferocious Beast. The main point in this realm is gliding and timing, since the druids are shape shifting the land. Note: The druids and the wizards hate each other. Use that as a weakness. There is a dragon egg thief in this level.
  • High Caves An expanse of caverns and a large castle, large arachnids coated in armor are your primary enemy. The supercharge and the Fire Fairy here can easily deal with that as you progress and defeat Wind Wizards and Green Druids. Gliding and supercharge are the main usage in High Caverns. At the first stage of the level you must eliminate some ice wizards which are in conflict with the cyclone-producing Wind Wizards, both of which will ignore you unless you get too close (advantage!). There are two dragon egg thieves in this area.
  • Crystal Flight The third in flight challenges, you fly in a sea dotted with crystal towers here and there. Gnorc planes, the chests, the arches, and the rings return in here.
  • Wizard Peak One of their hardest levels in the Magic Crafters Realm, supercharge is a dominant asset, as you must defeat the Ice Wizards, their Ice Gnorcs, and the Storm Wizards. Like Alpine Ridge (see above), rivalry exists, as the Sorcerers and the Ice Gnorcs clash, making this a bit easier to endure. Be sure to use L2-R2 to get fully through this area. There are two dragon egg thieves here.
  • Blowhard The Magic Crafters boss world, this mountain fortress is guarded by Storm Wizards, Green Druids, and governed by Blowhard himself. Blowhard is the leader of the Wizards and is basically a cyclone with an upper body. Use caution, as he sometimes circles you and attacks without warning.

Beast Makers. In a dark swamp turned electrified battlefield, Beast Maker Dragons send others to defend them (but don't mind getting in the battle themselves). Be careful of the native wildlife and electricity loving Gnorcs. There is a key/chest in this homeworld. Look out for the tree trunks filled with swamp sludge -- specifically the one without the swamp sludge. You are required to free 50 dragons before moving on.

  • Terrace Village The Gnorcs here all use electrical weapons, featuring the Gnorcs from the homeworld which charge up electrical pads under them to hurt Spyro, small tank-like Gnorcs which have an over-developed trigger finger with their electric gun (you may encounter them shooting chickens!), and large punk-dressed Gnorcs which will try to hurt you with a lightning rod. There's a staircase near the end that is camouflaged with the wall.
  • Misty Bog A large swamp covered in mist and inhabited by chickens, fierce attack frogs and large plants that take you by surprise and try to eat Spyro. Some Gnorcs have set up traps to catch chickens. These Gnorcs are armor clad and behave the same as the small enemies in Cliff Town, there is also a reappearance of the large hogs which will charge at you, also knocking down any Gnorcs in its path.
  • Tree Tops Stated by some to be the hardest level in the entire Spyro series, like the name says this is the top of a jungle with lots of supercharge ramps. The main enemies are small apes that throw bananas and large apes that kick Spyro. There are also two thieves, a red one and a green one, who are difficult, but not impossible, to catch. Only too often will you find yourself plunging into the mists because you just missed that ledge. Enter this level with lots of lives, or use the 'Exit Level' option to save the life and start again. There is a key/chest in this level.
  • Wild Flight Flight challenge number four, the name obviously implies the level's characteristics; the constricted spaces full of planes, boaters, arches, and chests make this a very fun level to go through over and over again.
  • Metalhead This is a small fortress in a swamp, with same enemies as in Tree Tops, with the exception that the small monkeys wear metal armor, and may be shoved at Spyro by the larger monkeys. Most of the level is getting in to the fortress, while the boss battle takes place inside it. Keep your eyes up and down to find all the crystals you need. There is a key/chest in this level.

Dream Weavers. In a world of wonder and confusion, Dream Weaver Dragons are in charge of keeping and creating dreams, making for an illusion-filled world. Keep your eye out for fairies; help them, and they will return the favor. Dream Weavers consists of numerous inexplicably floating islands high in the air. Beware, because some things are not always as they seem. Main enemies here are shape-shifting Gnorcs which resemble nightmare fairies, male and female, the female wearing armor. There is a special cannon in this homeworld you're sure to enjoy playing with, as well as the harmless Jesters. You are required to collect 6,000 gems before moving on.

  • Dark Passage On a shadowy mountain that hovers far above the ground, the problem here is that the enemies don't stay the same. In the light they are small dogs and metal-shelled turtles, but when they are in the shadows they become huge monsters. With fools who shade their lights, it can be difficult for Spyro to defeat some. But attacking fools brings a temporary, solid light in an area. Also here are small flying devils which will shoot Spyro with arrows.
  • Lofty Castle An airborne castle sometime near the end or beginning of night, Spyro needs to free three caged fairies to move to each part of the level. Enemies here include large, metal-wearing Gnorcs that dangle below balloons, "handsome devils" and platypus-like creatures which will fly at you with their sharp beaks. There is a key/chest in this level.
  • Haunted Towers Named for the heavy suits of armor that come to life when a wizard casts a spell on it, this is one of the only levels where Spyro can get a temporary super-flame, which lasts a mere minute after being kissed by a freed fairy. Other enemies include the small Gnorcs which will hurl grenades at you and wizards similar to the weather wizards in Magic Crafters, only this time wearing a cape covered in moons and stars. The supercharge here is extremely difficult compared to the rest, and generally requires many tries before getting it right. There is a very special fairy here whose kiss will grant you a 'super flame' until you leave the level.
  • Jacques The boss of the Dream Weavers Realm, this is a large mountain fortress dotted with lava craters and is crawling with creatures of nightmare. To beat the boss, Jacques, you must always remember the advice of the wise dragon "Aim high in life and always look out for flying boxes". He is just a demented Jack-In-The-Box that chucks boxes at you (hence the mysterious advice). The trick into completing this world is flaming the jesters. Other enemies include monsters created from nightmares which attack you with their over-sized hands. There is a key/chest in this level.
  • Icy Flight The final time trial flight, Heli-Gnorcs drive trains with barrels as cargo in this world of ice and lighthouses.

Gnasty's World. Gnasty Gnorc's industrial home world. He was banished there long ago and has now turned it into his evil empire. Each level must be unlocked by completing the previous. Known by dragons as Gnorc Gnexus.

  • Gnorc Cove This large harbor stocked full of ships, barges, and docks is Gnasty's harbor to transport Gnorcs throughout the Dragon Kingdom. The mechanics and crewmen attempt to subdue you to halt your progress with their cargo, which isn't that hard to avoid. Note: Use the Barrels. There is a key/chest in this level.
  • Twilight Harbor A 1940's style land full of war-torn and battle-hardened Gnorcs, this world has much action included for Spyro and Sparx. Many storehouses connected by a winding walkway amongst the islands are guarded by the Gnorcs, all wielding some type of weaponry. Use extreme caution, as bullets give you quick injuries.
  • Gnasty Gnorc The final boss, Gnasty focuses on keeping his distance by running and using thieves as an advantage. Here, all of the junk has been made into a large walkway around a Gnorc-made lake, with two entrances to a lava chamber and a maze of tunnels. Hint/Note: Gnasty runs fast for his size, so skip by holding down X and [] to catch up to him.

[edit] Bonus stage

When the player has released all the dragons, collected all the gems, and has exactly 100% as shown in the inventory the player can enter the stage Gnasty's Loot, where the player can take back all the gems that Gnasty has stolen from the dragon kingdom. Gnasty's Loot is located in Gnasty's World. This level allows Spyro to fly for an unlimited time while in this stage only. This flying power, however, is controlled by how high Spyro can start his flight. A series of keys held by thieves must be captured in order to proceed to the highest flying peaks in this stage. This stage consists of Gems with values of 10 and 25 with a grand total of 2000, this is in reference to the opening sequence where the dragons cannot decide if there are 12,000 or 14,000 gems within the Dragon Realms. When Gnasty's Loot is completed, another 20% will be added to the games completion, making the game 120% complete. There is also a cut scene after the level is completed.

[edit] Abilities/Controls

  • Press X to jump
  • Press X twice to glide
  • To fall, press triangle while gliding Note: You drop immediately
  • Press the circle button to breathe fire
  • Press the square button to charge
  • Press R2 or L2 To roll
  • Hold Square and X to skip. It's useful for charging down quick enemies like the thieves and Gnasty Gnorc.
  • L2 and R2 move your camera.
  • L1 and R1 give the '007 Duck-N-Roll'. Only available in this game and the demo of Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage.
  • Select shows your inventory.

[edit] Cast

Carlos Alazraqui as Spyro

Andre Sogliuzzo as Sparx

Clancy Brown, Carlos Alazraqui, Michael Gough, Jamie Alcroft and Michael Conner as the various dragon voices

[edit]  Ratings

  • Electronic Gaming Monthly: 8.1 out of 10
  • GameSpot: 8.3 out of 10
  • IGN: 9.0 out of 10
  • Official Playstation Magazine (US): 4 out of 5
  • PSM: 4 out of 5

[edit] Download

The game is now available for sale on the PlayStation 3's PlayStation Store, where it was released on October 29, 2007. This allows you to play it on a PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.

[edit] External links


Retrieved from "http://spyro.wikia.com/wiki/Spyro_the_Dragon"