Dragons are, and always will be, hugely popular in gaming. Whether it’s adapting the mythical tales of old, creating a sprawling fantasy landscape, or working out how to defeat other monsters, dragons tend to up the ante when you face them. Of course, there’s the rageful power of a fire-breathing flying reptile that’s to be feared, but in some depictions, they are wise, ancient, and there to help guide you on your path.
In 2024, two massive releases will feature different forms of dragons. The split isn’t between wise and aggressive – as both seem to feature villainous dragons – but rather their origins. Dragons feature prominently in myth and folklore around the world, most distinctly in European and East Asian tales. In Europe, you get heftier bodies and usable limbs, while in Asia, they tend to be more serpentine. Here’s a look at the games drawing from these two distinct forms of dragon.
Battling European Dragons
European dragons are more often depicted with fairly short necks, four legs, and bat-like wings with a long, strong tail. Boasting hefty shoulders, they’re as menacing on land as they are in the air. Of course, there are many variations of these, but for the most part, the hind limbs remain, the head is reptilian, and if there aren’t forelimbs, the wings are bent to be walked on.
The dragon Saint George defeats is one of the most famous, followed by the dragon Níðhöggr, who gnaws on Yggdrasil in Norse mythology. In more modern spheres, it’s tough to look beyond Smaug in the Middle-earth writings as the most famous European depiction of a dragon, but there are many others. Those from the Westeros shows also spring to mind, as does King
Ghidorah from Godzilla media, even if it’s part of a Japanese-made IP.
Now, one of the most highly-anticipated games of the year puts dragons, or rather, a grudge against dragons, front and center. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Capcom’s cult hit released in May 2012. That was back in the days of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3! Now coming to the PlayStation 5 and other platforms on March 22, you’ll once again be tasked with taking out the dragon that marked you.
Your nemesis, the dragon, is exactly what you’d expect from a European depiction. It’s huge, dark red and devilish, sporting huge black wings, horns, and a lizard-like head. Of course, it also breathes fire at will. Aside from tracking down the dragon, in Dragon’s Dogma 2, you’ll get to explore a sprawling fantasy world, build your team of Pawns to take on the challenges of the world, and take on the other colossal creatures of the world.
Conquering Serpentine Dragons
Typically, the dragons originating from Far East Asia don’t come with muscular limbs, great wings, and often don’t even breathe fire. Most famously, the dragon of the Chinese zodiac represents good luck and strength. This is why they feature so prominently, along with the colors of red and gold, in the Vegas Slots Online. In 15 Dragon Pearls, 2 Dragons, 5 Dragons, and many, many other slots, it’s all about the good fortune depiction of dragons.
In all of these slots, you’ll spot the dragons without wings, with serpentine bodies, but being the ultimate symbols on the reels or the keepers of the bonuses. Of course, you’ll also see this aesthetic taken for Shenron in the famed Dragon Ball franchise and also in the Godzilla setting, arriving in the form of Manda. These dragons can still be fierce and powerful, but in different ways to those of European myth, and are different from what you see from other titles.
For this kind of dragon, turn to the Chinese-developed upcoming game Black Myth: Wukong. Following the incredible tale of Journey to the West, not only will you face Chiran the dragon, but we’ve also seen footage of what looks to be the flying nimbus. This is a serpentine, snow-white dragon that you encounter snaking around its battle arena. As cloud traversal is possible in the game, it seems that you may need to defeat the dragon to unlock or level up this skill.
This year, two top-class games will be feeding the need for dragons, but which one will you pick?
