Spyro the Dragon Inspired 3D Tech Demo for Commodore Amiga Released

3D gaming was still quite early in its life when Commodore Amiga was a viable computing platform. Seeing any kind of impressive 3D on the computer is jaw dropping to say the least. To add in 3D reminiscent of a 1998 Sony PlayStation game, Spyro the Dragon, just makes it even more stupefying this is capable on stock Amiga hardware. Yet here we are. Please note, this is running on an emulator so speed may be affected when running on genuine hardware.

Image source: Hobby Consolas

Retro fans turning heads still

I am sure many fans reading this are familiar with one of the Spyro games, considering how many and how popular, some of, those entries were. While this demo does not feature any enemies, it is full of fly throughs inside and out, showing off the engine’s capabilities.

The first part of this demo shows off some Descent style corridors with basic obstacles. Impressive in that the hardware was never meant to run games like this. According to the English Amiga Board forums post by the developer, this portion was based on the Omniscent 4k intro video. Quite impressive the Amiga recreates it so well.

The Spyro influence

Spyro the Dragon came out in 1998 for the Sony PlayStation console. For some reason, Sony did not attempt to just outright purchase Insomniac, the developers behind Spyro (or Naughty Dog, those behind the Crash Bandicoot franchise but that is another article). Anyhow, running around a colorful world controlling a four legged dragon that can fly short distances and breath fire gave gamers tons of new things to do. It being in 3D helped expand the challenges beyond what a 2D game could offer.

This tech demo captures the early part of the first Spyro game in very well done demake fashion. This is clear to a fan of the franchise when viewing the video.

Who remembers Spyro? Are you a fan of 3D action adventures? Let me know in the comments below.