I suppose we all had it somewhere in mind when the story started involving dragon(s) but I don't think it had any real influence on the story, design or art style of the game. Or at least not on purpose (I don't think we consider it as a 'source of inspiration').
I mean, it's a good reference (among others) and there are probably some stuff which might look similar but that's it...
I have to admint I'm not sure I understand the rest of your post about this 3d being stupid or useless but I guess I answered your question.
