Unfortunately, Gnasty Gnorc, Spyro's first enemy, has been brought back to life. Since Spyro's last adventure and after the defeat of Ripto, all has been tranquil in the Dragon Realms. Byrd the flying Penguin, and a new character, Blink the Mole. The game introduces a new antagonist, Red, a former Dragon Elder banished years before the events of the game, and sees the protagonist, Spyro, attempt to defeat him by destroying the Dark Gems that fuel his power with the aid of his best friend Sparx the Dragonfly, Hunter, Sgt.