The I of the Dragon

Being a dragon is literally the coolest thing ever. Fire breath go brrrr.‍

Rating: 9.0/10 The I of the Dragon is a unique action RPG that gives players something rarely seen in gaming: the chance to become a powerful dragon. Instead of controlling a human hero, you take to the skies as a mythical creature, protecting the fantasy world of Nimoa while battling monsters and developing your dragon's abilities. With its unusual concept, open-world environments, and impressive aerial combat, it remains a memorable hidden gem even years after its release.

одна из лучччших игр

I remember playing this game on bootleg CD 20 years ago, Seeing this on steam store made the memories rush back to me, Couldn't even get past zone 3 back then. The gameplay still holds up even 22 year later which surprise me the most, It's even better than I remember but still have some quirk of old game design such as extremely terrible human section.

The I of the Dragon occupies a fascinating place in PC gaming history. Developed by Primal Software and published by TopWare Interactive, this fantasy action RPG dares to answer a question few games have ever seriously explored: what if the hero of the story was not a human, but a dragon? Released during an era dominated by sword-wielding protagonists, the game instead places players in control of one of three ancient dragons tasked with protecting the realm of Nimoa from a growing darkness. Even years after its debut, the title remains memorable because of its unusual perspective and willingness to experiment with genre conventions. The game's story revolves around an ancient evil resurfacing after centuries of uneasy peace. Players can choose from three dragons, each possessing distinct abilities, strengths, and magical affinities. Whether favoring brute force, elemental mastery, or more tactical forms of combat, each dragon provides a slightly different experience that encourages multiple playthroughs. The narrative itself leans heavily into classic fantasy themes, featuring prophecies, cursed lands, and desperate kingdoms, but it benefits greatly from allowing players to experience these events from the skies. There is an undeniable sense of scale when soaring over forests, mountains, and villages while acting as the world's last line of defense. What makes The I of the Dragon particularly ambitious is the way it blends several gameplay systems together. Combat is centered on aerial encounters against monsters, undead creatures, and rival threats scattered across expansive maps. Beyond simply defeating enemies, players are also responsible for protecting settlements and reclaiming territory. Liberated regions can be developed into functioning towns, creating a strategic layer that adds purpose to exploration. Watching civilization slowly spread across areas once overrun by evil gives players a satisfying sense of progression and reinforces the idea that their actions genuinely affect the world around them. Character development is another notable aspect of the experience. Dragons gain experience, improve their attributes, and unlock a variety of magical powers throughout the campaign. Progression feels rewarding because players begin as relatively vulnerable creatures before eventually becoming fearsome predators capable of unleashing devastating attacks. The game successfully delivers on the fantasy of growing into an ancient and powerful beast, and that transformation remains one of its strongest accomplishments. Combined with collectible upgrades and specialized abilities, the progression system ensures that players are continually working toward greater power. Of course, the game shows its age in several areas. Combat lacks the fluidity expected from modern action RPGs, and some encounters can become repetitive over time. The interface is functional but dated, while movement and targeting occasionally feel cumbersome. Technical limitations from its original release are also evident in the visuals, with simplistic models and environments that cannot compete with contemporary standards. Yet many of these shortcomings are easier to forgive when viewed within the context of its release period. The game's ambitions were considerable, and not every idea reaches its full potential. Despite its flaws, The I of the Dragon possesses a charm that has helped it maintain a loyal following among fans of classic PC titles. There are very few games that allow players to fully embrace the role of a dragon while combining RPG progression, open exploration, and strategic world management. Its willingness to pursue such an uncommon concept gives it an identity that many technically superior games still struggle to achieve. For players who appreciate older fantasy adventures and can overlook dated mechanics, it remains a worthwhile journey through a world filled with danger, mystery, and fire-breathing heroics. Rating: 7/10

The "I" in "The I of the Dragon" stands for "I like this game".