Dragons have long been a symbol of power, mystery, and majesty in mythology and folklore. From the fire-breathing beasts of European legends to the wise, serpentine dragons of East Asian tales, these creatures have captured the human imagination for centuries. It’s no surprise, then, that dragons have found their way into the world of video games, where players can step into the scales of these magnificent beasts and experience the world from their perspective. In this article, we’ll explore the various games where you can play as a dragon, examining the different ways developers have brought these mythical creatures to life and the unique gameplay experiences they offer.
The Appeal of Playing as a Dragon
Before diving into specific games, it’s worth considering why playing as a dragon is so appealing. For one, dragons are often portrayed as incredibly powerful beings, capable of flight, breathing fire, and wreaking havoc on their enemies. This sense of power and freedom is something that many players find exhilarating. Additionally, dragons are often associated with mystery and ancient wisdom, which can add a layer of depth and intrigue to the gameplay experience. Finally, the sheer variety of dragon types—ranging from the classic Western dragon to the more serpentine Eastern dragon—means that there’s a dragon for every type of player.
Classic Dragon Games
1. Spyro the Dragon Series
One of the most iconic dragon-centric game series is Spyro the Dragon. First released in 1998, the series follows the adventures of Spyro, a small, purple dragon with a big personality. The games are known for their colorful worlds, charming characters, and fun platforming mechanics. While Spyro may not be the most fearsome dragon in the gaming world, his games are beloved for their lighthearted tone and engaging gameplay.
2. Drakengard Series
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Drakengard series, which offers a much darker take on the dragon experience. In these games, players control a dragon rider who commands a powerful dragon in battle. The series is known for its mature themes, complex storytelling, and intense combat. The dragons in Drakengard are far from the friendly, cartoonish creatures seen in Spyro; they are fearsome beasts of war, and the games do not shy away from the brutality of their actions.
Modern Dragon Games
1. Divinity: Dragon Commander
Divinity: Dragon Commander is a unique blend of real-time strategy and role-playing elements. In this game, players take on the role of a dragon who can transform into a human form. The game combines political intrigue, strategic warfare, and dragon combat, offering a rich and varied gameplay experience. The ability to switch between dragon and human forms adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must decide when to take to the skies as a dragon and when to stay on the ground as a human commander.
2. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn DLC
While Skyrim itself allows players to encounter and battle dragons, the Dragonborn DLC takes things a step further by allowing players to harness the power of dragons. In this expansion, players can learn the “Dragon Shout” abilities, which are powerful spells that mimic the abilities of dragons. Additionally, players can ride dragons, giving them a taste of what it’s like to soar through the skies as one of these majestic creatures. The Dragonborn DLC adds a new layer of depth to Skyrim, making it a must-play for fans of dragon-themed games.
Indie Dragon Games
1. Century: Age of Ashes
Century: Age of Ashes is a free-to-play multiplayer game that puts players in control of dragons in fast-paced aerial combat. The game focuses on team-based battles, where players must work together to defeat their opponents. The dragons in Century are highly customizable, allowing players to choose different classes, abilities, and skins to suit their playstyle. The game’s emphasis on speed and agility makes it a thrilling experience for players who want to feel the rush of dragon flight.
2. Draconia
Draconia is an indie MMORPG that allows players to create and customize their own dragons. The game is set in a vibrant, open world filled with other players and NPCs. Players can choose from different dragon species, each with its own unique abilities and traits. The game emphasizes exploration, combat, and social interaction, offering a rich and immersive experience for dragon enthusiasts. Draconia is still in development, but it has already generated a lot of excitement among fans of dragon-themed games.
The Future of Dragon Games
As technology continues to advance, the possibilities for dragon-themed games are virtually limitless. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could offer new ways to experience the thrill of dragon flight, while advancements in AI could lead to more realistic and intelligent dragon behavior. Additionally, the growing popularity of open-world games could lead to even more expansive and detailed dragon worlds for players to explore.
One exciting possibility is the integration of dragons into massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Imagine a game where thousands of players can take on the role of dragons, forming clans, battling for territory, and exploring a vast, shared world. Such a game could offer a truly unique and immersive experience, allowing players to live out their dragon fantasies on an unprecedented scale.
Conclusion
Games where you play as a dragon offer a unique and thrilling experience that taps into our fascination with these mythical creatures. Whether you’re looking for a lighthearted platformer, a dark and mature RPG, or a fast-paced multiplayer game, there’s a dragon game out there for you. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative and immersive dragon games in the future. So, strap on your wings, breathe some fire, and get ready to take to the skies as one of gaming’s most iconic creatures.
Q&A
Q: What are some of the most popular dragon-themed games? A: Some of the most popular dragon-themed games include Spyro the Dragon, Drakengard, Divinity: Dragon Commander, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - Dragonborn DLC.
Q: Are there any multiplayer games where you can play as a dragon? A: Yes, Century: Age of Ashes is a popular multiplayer game where players control dragons in fast-paced aerial combat. Additionally, Draconia is an upcoming indie MMORPG that will allow players to create and customize their own dragons.
Q: What makes playing as a dragon so appealing in video games? A: Playing as a dragon offers a sense of power, freedom, and mystery that many players find exhilarating. Dragons are often portrayed as incredibly powerful beings, capable of flight, breathing fire, and wreaking havoc on their enemies, which adds to the appeal.
Q: Are there any VR games where you can play as a dragon? A: While there are currently few VR games that allow players to play as a dragon, the potential for such games is significant. As VR technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more immersive dragon-themed experiences in the future.
Q: What are some upcoming dragon-themed games to look out for? A: Draconia is an upcoming indie MMORPG that has generated a lot of excitement among fans of dragon-themed games. Additionally, as technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative and immersive dragon games in the future.