ASCEND IMAGING Unveils "Spyro Year of the Dragon" – Bringing Nostalgia to Life with Cutting-Edge 3D Reconstruction

Austin, TX – October 26, 2023 – ASCEND IMAGING LLC, a leading innovator in 3D data capture and reconstruction technology, today announced the launch of “Spyro Year of the Dragon” – a groundbreaking project that digitally recreates iconic characters and environments from the beloved PlayStation platformer, using the company’s advanced imaging techniques. Located at 6805 Pioneer Pl, Austin, TX, 78757-4378, ASCEND IMAGING is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with digital preservation and experiential technology. You can reach them at 920-960-9928. For a generation, "Spyro the Dragon: Year of the Dragon" remains a cornerstone of gaming history. Its vibrant world, memorable characters – Spyro himself, Hunter, Sheila, the Sorceress – and engaging gameplay have earned it a dedicated fanbase and a permanent place in pop culture. ASCEND IMAGING recognized the potential to not just remember this classic, but to re-experience it in a completely new way. “We’re huge fans of the original 'Spyro' games,” explains Dr. Anya Sharma, ASCEND IMAGING’s Chief Technology Officer. “We saw this as a perfect challenge – could we leverage our technology to capture the essence of 'Year of the Dragon', and bring those characters and worlds into the real world – or at least, into a stunningly detailed digital form?” What is ASCEND IMAGING Doing? ASCEND IMAGING isn’t just making pretty pictures. They specialize in capturing real-world data and transforming it into highly accurate 3D models and environments. Their core technology utilizes a combination of photogrammetry, LiDAR scanning, and advanced computational algorithms. In simple terms, they take tons of pictures and scan data, and then a powerful computer figures out the 3D shape of everything. But "Spyro Year of the Dragon" isn’t about scanning existing physical objects (though they can do that too!). This project is about reconstructing something that originally existed only as 2D sprites and polygons on a PlayStation console. “It’s a lot more complex than scanning a statue,” explains Ben Carter, Lead 3D Artist on the project. “We’re working from the original game assets – the character sprites, the level designs – and essentially building these worlds and characters from the ground up in 3D, while staying true to the original art style.” How Does it Work? The Technology Behind the Magic The process is multi-layered. First, the team meticulously disassembled the game’s assets. Every sprite, every texture, every level tile was carefully analyzed. Then, they used a combination of techniques: Sprite to 3D Conversion: This is where the real challenge lies. They developed custom algorithms to interpret the 2D sprites as 3D forms. This isn’t just about adding depth; it’s about understanding the implied volume, the character’s posture, and the overall silhouette. They've focused on making Spyro's scales, Hunter's armor, and Sheila's mechanical parts feel tangible and realistic while respecting the original, cartoonish style. Environment Reconstruction: The level designs from “Year of the Dragon” are iconic. ASCEND IMAGING used those designs as blueprints to recreate the levels in full 3D. They are working to capture the feel of the Artisans Home, the Sunrise Spring Flatlands, and the Forgotten Worlds – including the tricky gem collecting spots. Texture Enhancement: The original PlayStation textures were limited by the technology of the time. ASCEND IMAGING’s team is carefully upscaling and enhancing those textures, adding detail and realism without sacrificing the original aesthetic. Rigging and Animation: The 3D models aren’t just static sculptures. They are being rigged with skeletons and animated to recreate Spyro’s signature moves – the charge, the glide, the breath attack. What Can You Do With These 3D Models? This isn’t just a tech demo; ASCEND IMAGING has big plans for the “Spyro Year of the Dragon” project. They envision several potential applications: Virtual Reality Experiences: Imagine exploring the world of "Year of the Dragon" in VR, as if you were actually in the game. ASCEND IMAGING is developing immersive VR experiences that will allow fans to interact with the 3D environments and characters. Augmented Reality Apps: Bring Spyro and his friends into your living room with AR apps. Users could place 3D models of the characters on their desks or even battle enemies in their own homes. 3D Printing: Fans can finally own physical replicas of their favorite "Spyro" characters and environments. ASCEND IMAGING is making the 3D models available for 3D printing. Museum Exhibits: The project could be showcased in museum exhibits dedicated to video game history and art. Content Creation: Game developers and artists can use the models as a base for creating new content. “We’re really excited about the potential applications,” says Dr. Sharma. “We want to give fans a new way to connect with this classic game and share it with a new generation.” ASCEND IMAGING: Beyond Spyro While “Spyro Year of the Dragon” is a flagship project, ASCEND IMAGING’s capabilities extend far beyond retro gaming. The company provides 3D imaging and reconstruction services to a wide range of industries, including: Archaeology: Creating detailed 3D models of artifacts and historical sites. Architecture: Documenting buildings and creating virtual tours. Engineering: Reverse engineering parts and creating digital twins. Medical Imaging: Visualizing complex anatomical structures. Entertainment: Creating realistic 3D assets for movies, games, and VR experiences. “We believe that 3D imaging is going to play an increasingly important role in how we interact with the world,” says Dr. Sharma. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and providing our clients with the highest quality 3D data and reconstruction services.” Availability & Future Plans ASCEND IMAGING plans to release early access VR demos and 3D printable models of Spyro and key characters in late 2023. More information, including release dates and pricing, will be announced on their website ([website address will be added here]) and social media channels. The company is also exploring partnerships with game developers and publishers to bring other classic titles to life with their cutting-edge technology. “We’re just getting started,” says Ben Carter with a smile. “There are so many amazing games and worlds out there that deserve to be experienced in 3D.”