I think I would still enjoy the games, but not nearly as much, which seems to be the resounding opinion from most of us. Nostalgia plays a huge role, but I've played them all recently (1-3 at least), and the games are very well made, endearing, and humorous at times. Behind the simplistic design are some very well-crafted levels and genuinely interesting locations. I certainly haven't seen anything like Lofty Castle or Fireworks Factory in any other game.

Honestly, I'm not sure. In general, I usually avoid forums and the like because 'fandoms' usually ruin the fun for me.

I often feel the same way. Some people in fandoms can nearly ruin the enjoyment of the whole thing. Haven't stuck around on any fan forums since this one.

I'm actually embarrassed of telling people I'm involved here because some Spyro fans are just so... out there. o.O

I'm certain I'd be just as attached to him now as I was back then, however. There just aren't enough games that let you play as a dragon out there.

I'd say yes. I mean, the earliest Spyro games just have that feel that no other game gave me, not even the Mario games. You even play as a dragon. HOW MANY GAMES ARE GONNA LET YOU DO THAT?!?!?

i make an exception for Spyro because ... Spyro's just always been in my life. if i were introduced to it today, i ... i might still get into it a bit actually (i got a little kids' book at a store a year ago just because dragons were the main characters) but not near as much as i am now. i doubt i would have joined a forum about it, but who knows?

hm... in general, talking about alternative outcomes of things is pretty complicated. this is a simplified version.

The first Spyro game's story was extremely simple. No character development. The only plot explanation is the beginning cutscene.
The second Spyro does better in this regard, but is still not on par with a lot of other games that are available. Heck, I can think of a few PS1 games that have more fleshed out storylines, so it's not simply a matter of "older games are just like that."
The third Spyro was exceedingly better than the first two. It feels more fleshed out and planned, rather than a, "this guy does bad things, go get him"

Gameplay in all the games are pretty similar. I think the second and third ones made a much bigger effort than the first in regards to multiple characters and various minigames. But it's all so simple.
I'm aware that it's a kids game, but looking back on it I've never actually had much trouble with any point of the game. It's just plain too easy. The 'challenging' parts of them were more like the 'normal' setting on many other games.

So I'm going to say no. No I would not consider them to be excellent enough to have joined a community. I probably wouldn't have even played through all of them these days.

While the original games are great, I honestly don't believe I would be able to answer yes to either of these questions if I had first experienced Spyro as an adult. I believe the attachment I have to the games is mostly due to the fact that I was very young when I first played them, and they connected to something in my childish imagination. And if I had never gotten involved in the fandom, I doubt I would even think about Spyro much anymore.

This isn't to say the games have no value beyond nostalgia. I just don't "get into" things the way I used to.

What  about you guys?