The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, is a significant event celebrated worldwide by millions of people. It is a time when families and friends get together to celebrate the beginning of a new year and bid farewell to the old one.

One of the most iconic symbols of this joyous occasion is the dragon. Dragons are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity, making them a symbol of power and strength. In video games, dragons have captured players’ imaginations and become iconic creatures that symbolize adventure and magic.

Whether they be friendly companions or formidable foes, these dragons have etched themselves into our collective memories. So, as we celebrate the arrival of the new year, let us take a moment to appreciate the magic and majesty of these legendary creatures.

Bahamut – Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy’s Bahamut is one of the most iconic dragons in the gaming world. A colossal and fearsome being, Bahamut is revered as a deity and possesses immense power. Classified as one of the most powerful summonable entities within the franchise, Bahamut is renowned for its signature attack, Mega Flare. This devastating manoeuvre involves the release of a massive surge of energy, leaving opponents no option but to surrender.

Grigori – Dragon’s Dogma

Grigori, a fearsome red dragon, serves as the main antagonist in the 2012 video game Dragon’s Dogma. A former Arisen, Grigori was once a powerful warrior. However, his downfall came when he faced the Seneschal and was defeated. The defeat resulted in Grigori being transformed into a dragon, forever cursed with this form. Now, his purpose revolves around challenging new Arisens, the warrior protagonists of the game, before they can confront the Seneschal.

Grigori’s riveting voice, delivered by renowned voice actor David Lodge, has captivated many players and critics alike. The voice acting has been praised for its exceptional performance and for effectively conveying Grigori’s subtle demeanour. He may look evil but his ultimate intention lies in finding a worthy Arisen, which makes him a truly formidable force in the game.

Shenron – Dragon Ball FighterZ

Shenron holds immense power as the all-powerful dragon capable of granting wishes to the characters. While the villains desire to tap into this power, the protagonists prioritize safeguarding it. However, in the Dragon Ball FighterZ game, players must gather 7 dragon balls to make a wish during the fighting tournament. There are 4 wishes and these wishes have a substantial impact on the outcome of the battle.

In the anime series, Shenron’s ability to fulfil wishes is not without limitations. While it cannot grant the same wish twice, the dragon cannot revive someone from the dead who has been deceased for more than a year. Despite these restrictions, Shenron remains capable of granting a wide variety of wishes, just don’t leave the dragon in the wrong hands.

Ridley – Metroid Series

From all the Nintendo villains, Ridley stands out as a character who may have returned from the dead too many times. Since its first appearance in the 1986 Metroid for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Ridley has been featured in numerous iterations, such as Neo Ridley in Metroid Fusion, Mecha Ridley in Metroid: Zero Mission, Omega Ridley in Metroid Prime 3, and many others.

Despite its many faces, Ridley’s persona remains consistent – sadistic and bloodthirsty, revelling in causing destruction and bloodshed. It is responsible for the massacre of the colony K-2L and has had numerous clashes with Samus, with the latter emerging victorious on most occasions. However, Ridley’s brutality is matched by a remarkable resilience, allowing it to continuously rise from apparent death to confront Samus once again.

Fittingly, Ridley has earned the title of “The Cunning God of Death,” as it evades death and remains a constant threat to Samus. Its ability to continuously resurface and continue its pursuit of destruction has earned it a notorious reputation among Nintendo’s villain roster.

Dragonite, Dragapult, Garchomp – Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

With many dragon Pokémons in various Pokémon titles, let’s stick with the latest iteration, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. In this game, dragon types are notoriously difficult to find and even more difficult to evolve into their fully evolved forms. These Pokémons are a force to be reckoned with, but their usage against the same type can turn out to be a double-edged sword for your Pokémon party.

To effectively utilize the full potential of dragon-type Pokémons, trainers will need to seek out Pokémon with the ability to have dual-type abilities instead of relying on a single type. Our top picks are Garchomp (Ground/Dragon), Dragapult (Ghost/Dragon), and Dragonite (Flying/Dragon). While these Pokémons may not be the absolute best choices overall, they can still be relied on in certain circumstances and against specific opponents.

Paarthurnax – Skyrim

Leader of the Greybeards, Paarthurnax used to serve as Alduin’s lieutenant during the Dragon War in the Merethic Era. However, he expressed regret for the atrocities he committed and witnessed against mankind. Over time, the ravages of age became apparent, with tattered skin appearing on his wings and tail. Recognizing the need to make amends, the dragon retired to the peak of the Throat of the World, a secluded mountain peak, to devote himself to redeeming himself. Despite his past mistakes, his wisdom remains unparalleled, evident in his words.

“What is better – to be born good, or to overcome your evil nature through great effort?”

Alduin – Skyrim

Among the various dragons mentioned on this list, Alduin stands out as the one we would rather avoid coming in close contact with. This colossal being, known in dragon language as the Destroyer Devour Master, holds dual roles as both creator and destroyer. In the game, the Nords firmly believe that his return heralds the end of time. His abilities, including Fire Breath, Frost Breath, and Unrelenting Force, showcase his formidable strength.

Singe – Dragon’s Lair

If your childhood is around the 80s or 90s, this enormous green dragon may seem familiar to you. Singe made his debut back in the arcade days and has since been a recurring character in the Dragon’s Lair franchise. Not the brightest dragon since he keeps the weapon that could slay him within his lair (a good idea but maybe he needs to add extra security measures). Singe serves as a loyal pet to Murdoc, with his main aim being to kidnap Princess Daphne and confine her within a barrier, only to be defeated by Dirk every single time.

Onaga – Mortal Kombat: Deception

Considered to be one of the strongest antagonists in the Mortal Kombat series, Onaga does not play around when it comes to showing his strength. This formidable character, also known as the Dragon King, showcases his might whenever he is engaged in battle. One particular encounter that stands out is when he faces off against two highly skilled sorcerers, Quan Chi and Shang Tsung, as well as the Earth’s God of Thunder, Raiden. Onaga emerged unscathed, demonstrating his incredible resilience. Originally debuted in Mortal Kombat: Deception, and later returned in Mortal Kombat: Armageddon.

Spyro – Spyro The Dragon Series

Without Spyro, the charming purple dragon of the 1990s, this list would be incomplete. This adorable little guy has a unique way of expressing his fiery emotions, often taking out his wrath on unsuspecting sheep. However, Spyro’s skills extend beyond fiery attacks as he has demonstrated proficiency in ice and electric abilities as well. Until now, Spyro has managed to captivate the hearts of gamers around the world, solidifying his place as one of the most beloved dragons in video game history.

As we celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon in 2024, let us remember the dragons that have left their mark on the world of video games. Whether it’s Spyro the Dragon guiding us through enchanted worlds or Skyrim’s dragons challenging our combat skills, these mythical creatures continue to captivate our imaginations and bring us joy. So, let us raise a glass to the upcoming Lunar New Year and the amazing dragons that inhabit the gaming realm. Happy Lunar New Year, and may 2024 be a year filled with prosperity and good fortune!