Spyro the Dragon - Prima's Official Strategy Guide

by Elizabeth M. Hollinger, James Ratkos

Poor Spyro. All of his friends have been frozen by an evildoer who thinks that dragons should be locked in a crystal state. This fire-breathing dragon will go to the end of the world, er, make that 6 worlds, to liberate his friends. Get Spyro the Prima's Official Strategy Guide to learn how to run, jump, and head-charge through all 30 levels and rescue Spyro's friends. You'll also

Complete glide-through of all six worlds
Lessons from the Council of Dragons
Hot hints on beating the baddies
Location of every dragon
All 12 dragon eggs revealed
Secret Loot area revealed

112 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Dean Guadagno · Rating 4 out of 5]

My opinion of strategy guides in an age of internet is generally lukewarm, but I feel certain exceptions can be made. And this 1998 Spyro the Dragon entry is a perfect example. Perhaps it's a testament to the strength of Elizabeth Hollinger and James Ratkos who've historically done some great work in the Prima pantheon; or perhaps it's the fact that Spyro The Dragon is such a simple, yet visual game and a collage of screenshots is easier to follow than scrubbing through a YouTube clip.

The authors take the persona of the Council of Dragons, and speak directly to you (Spyro) throughout the pages. After a short introduction on the basics, you're taken to the first world, and guided through each of its 6 levels. Now, it's important to note that this guide 'does not' show you where all of the Gems are. There are no maps, and in fact, very few models and assets are used to spice up the pages (aside from blown-up screenshots backdropping each page). BUT, it does break each level into clear sections which gives you what you need to find all of the collectibles.

Possibly the most valuable pages in this guide, are the walkthroughs of the flying levels. From the point you start, dozens of screenshots highlight every twist, turn and collectible you should hit along the way. All mashed together onto 1 page, it looks like a grade-school research project, but it's effective. And not once did I struggle with getting 100% by following the guide.

Overall, it's what you'd expect from a late 90's platformer Prima guide. Bubbly fonts, hundreds of screenshots, and a charmingly snarky attitude. You won't find anything in here that can't be found online, but it's an example of a strategy guide that still has a bit of flame.

[Jennasis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This guide will help you get through all those difficult situations or lost moments!