About this game
Released in North America on September 9, 1998, Spyro the Dragon is the PlayStation 3D platformer that established Insomniac Games as one of the premier studios of the 32-bit era. The young purple dragon Spyro must traverse six homeworlds and over thirty levels to rescue dragons frozen in crystal by the villain Gnasty Gnorc. With a sweeping orchestral score composed by Stewart Copeland — former drummer of The Police — and an open, inviting world design that contrasted with contemporaries like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro became one of PlayStation's best-loved originals and a key entry in the console's golden age.
Key Features
Six homeworlds — each a small hub connecting multiple levels — plus a final boss world. Spyro can glide, charge, and breathe fire; the third ability (flame) destroys armored enemies while the charge works against others. Treasure gems are collected across every level; completing 100% required finding every gem and freeing every dragon. No combat deaths — if an enemy touches Spyro, his companion Sparx (a dragonfly) loses color stages before Spyro dies. The design encourages exploration over reflexes.
The Story Behind
Spyro the Dragon arrived at the height of the 3D platformer wars — the same year as Banjo-Kazooie and a year after Crash Bandicoot 2. Sony's marketing positioned Spyro as 'PlayStation's friendly answer' to Nintendo's Mario 64. Where Mario 64 and Banjo-Kazooie rewarded precision and collection, Spyro rewarded gentle exploration and atmosphere. The game sold over five million copies worldwide, launched a trilogy of PlayStation originals (Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage, Spyro: Year of the Dragon), and was remade as the Spyro Reignited Trilogy in 2018.
Tricks & Tales
Stewart Copeland, the composer, was the drummer for rock band The Police (known for 'Roxanne,' 'Every Breath You Take,' etc.). His involvement was Mark Cerny's suggestion — Cerny, who produced the game, had been impressed by Copeland's unconventional instrumentation. Spyro was originally going to be green, but the developers feared he would blend into the grass; the change to purple made him instantly distinctive. Charles Zembillas, who designed Spyro's character, had also designed Crash Bandicoot — making him responsible for two of PlayStation's most iconic animal mascots.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
North America released first in September 1998. Europe followed in October 1998. Japan released on April 1, 1999 with Japanese voice acting and text added. The Japanese version was published by Sony Computer Entertainment Japan.
Maintenance Tips
Standard PlayStation CD-ROM disc. Store in original jewel case to protect against disc rot. The game has no battery backup — save data uses the PlayStation memory card. Both Japan and North America versions are common and readily available.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
Unexpected Discoveries
Games you weren't looking for — but might be glad you found.
Memories from around the world
This is a young museum, and this page is still waiting for its first voices. The memories people send reach Taisei personally, and the ones that move him find a home here over time — always with the writer's blessing. Yours could be the very first for this game.
Share your memory ↑