50 hrs in on my Martyr build (Leech Defiler) the plot compliments the high-frequency gameplay with its responsive twists and turns supported via solid C&C - the development of a 2 front war with factions trying to regain and claim more territory escalates the basic narrative of power in an illustrative context (even in risk of extinction mankind fights over power).
i like the vibrant aura of dystopian emergency, which especially in colourful areas (ex. Ugdenbog) feels even more grim, cuz of the contrast. the plot pushes from quest to side-content, there are caves, mines, dungeons etc., exploration is another highlight of Grim Dawn.
but the absence of dragons is irritating. while the bestiary features a voluminous diversity - from standard like undead, harpies, spiders, witches, wraiths etc to exotics like (carnivorous) plants, swarms and treants - there r neither reptiles nor any dragon to be found yet (there r crabs...)
i came to reflect on the meaning of dragons in (mythological and fantasy) fiction, from Merlins omen to Tolkiens bred beast (Morgoth), Dragons served the complete spectrum of fantasy (plot) tropes and roles. from evil master mind to ascended divinity, they never have been filler material, but super-stars of fantasy - fantasy wouldnt be fantasy without dragons.
although personally i dislike dragons, with the very exception for ShadowRuns Dunkelzahn (see Jake Kokes trilogy SR 29 -33) and Grisu, dragons would have been a great additon to plot and bestiary. either as faction to ally with mankind on the very edge of doom (and in consequence joining the power struggle for control), at least as corrupted beasts or both.
cuz some boss encounters remind to hard on those bowl-fights, where the boss is stationary, while the encounter platform is swarmed by mobs (ex. Kil Jaeden Sunwell), like Loghorrean, while others feel like empowered mobs. dragons would have been an exclusive distinction (if done quality), cuz they r rare, mobile and mighty and offer a variety of attack features. the - although still entertaining - bossfights r maybe one of GD greatest weaknesses, as quality builds just sit trough, without the need for movement or advanced tactics.
overall the importance of dragons in fantasy fiction is not one of exotism, but the true and existential nature of fantasy itself. where myths shape reality and become more than a vision or (meme container), not just a feature, not simply a high-light, but a statement:
there is always something greater incorporated in magical beasts, that defies the physical laws of nature and bring the essence of existence into life. even in contrast, when dragons r just supernatural beasts, they deliver an opportunity for mankind (in mythology, in games represented by the player) to grow beyond its existential (and cognitive) limits...