Lair Review
- Posted September 3rd, 2007 at 13:29 EDT by
- 31,048 views
- 63 Comments
Review Score
- PSU Review Score
- 8.5
- Avg. user review score:
- 7.5
Summary
Lair is definitely a stupendous game with astonishing gameplay, beautiful graphics, and a soothing soundtrack. The only thing that dents Lair from becoming all that it potentially could have been is definitely the temperate replayability that arises from the linear gameplay. Despite all these issues, the game inculcates a sense of visceral excitement to anyone who gets his/her hands on it.
We like
- Unparalleled graphics
- Astonishing storyline and incredible soundtrack
- Great Sixaxis controls and precision aiming
We dislike
- Linear gameplay makes for a slight tease
- FMV's instead of live real-time cinematics
- Moderate replayability
See PSU's review on Metacritic & GameRankings
(continued from previous page) ...class="postbody">For the main controller aspect, we were introduced to lock-on. At the start of the game, the lock-on scheme is introduced via an objective to capture “toro’s.” By using L1 and L2, we were able to lock on to any toro in our general direction quite easily---though the game chooses which one is nearer to your proximity. Don’t be fooled by anyone saying the lock-on requires rotation of the indicator to optimize the location of the selected target. Instead, all lock on requires is a simple adaptation to the Sixaxis flight controls, which don’t take much effort to get comfortable with. In addition, good hand-eye coordination is required. If you don’t have good hand-eye coordination, then blaming troubles on the lock-on system and the Sixaxis only control scheme is not a fair evaluation of this game. With L1 and L2 pressed, even formidable dragons can appear into view, and the player can fly with any selected one. While flying alongside, you can bash the controller to the side to bash into your locked target, but he can do the same to you…and worse. Luckily, if you die, there is no “continue game?” screen. It just continues and auto saves unless you switch off your PS3. A final results screen gave us a medal and ranking based on how many enemies we killed, how many allies were lost, and numerous other details.
In complement to the astonishing Sixaxis controls and effectual lock-on system, the control precision with Lair is spot on. If you follow the guided Sixaxis directions as previously mentioned perfectly, and you have decent hand-eye coordination, there is no specific spot you can’t steer your dragon towards. Nevertheless, the Sixaxis controls do take time to master for newcomers. Don’t expect to be playing perfectly the first two days. Controlling a dragon takes precision movement and time. It takes time to get use to the controls if you have sub par hand-eye coordination. The interesting thing about Lair is, it's not just about simply tilting the Sixaxis. You have to know when to tilt it, and you have to know exactly where to aim precisely. You can definitely fly a dragon decently within the first hour, but to master the dragon's flight---takes time. If you discover yourself turning due to a mistake, keep in mind the realistic movements that proceed. A dragon is a large creature with larger evolutionary structures than common species with wings. Therefore, it takes a larger amount of time to turn a specific direction. If you see yourself turning, and suddenly above the target, you need to start thinking realistically---even if natural science is not your thing. Instead of trying to make such sharp turns with a huge light-weight creature, the player should aim his/her distances further so that he/she may turn appropriately, and not have to blame the game’s Sixaxis only option and method for any mishap in navigation. One thing that we all know is motor learning takes time. It is critical for one to have breaks [and some sleep] for this type of learning to consolidate. Once you do master how to wield a dragon’s movements, you will find it extremely rewarding. You might go crazy and buy a dragon rider outfit and dance! A true sky guard doesn’t learn to control a dragon in a mere hour or hours. It takes time and patience.
Part of the problem with the game in earlier build was that there was a lack of concrete direction in mission objectives. Specifically, there was one scenario where you had to locate a beacon and primarily gut the inside of it. The captain would constantly badger the player about finding the beacon, when no general direction was given as to where the beacon was. Luckily, the direction in the mission objectives is much more improved in the final game. There is a direction more apparent, despite the lack of a HUD. And now, the captain no longer constantly repeats the same thing---but gives hints if need be.
Lair is definitely a linear game in that you will have to progress through the game from objective to objective. This is very much a negative and burdening aspect of the game. You can definitely vary any combat elements, but you ... (continued on next page)
Comments
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gorillanuts
- 1:36pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 1
Sounds Great. Not totally sold on it yet but who knows.
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dshockey
- 1:59pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 2
How is it that PSU gives this game a 8.5 and Gamespot a 4.5 They disagree on some aspects such as frame rate and controls. This is confusing me. If anything, I'm beginning to lose faith in PSU's ability to distinguish a good game from a game they want to be good
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NightWing007 |
rllingstnes102- 2:09pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 4
@dshockey
dude thats just one site, Game Informer gave it an 8 and 1Up gave it a 7.3 so basically PSU is still in the ball park with their rating. I was really excited about this title but now i dont think im goin to get it. It looks cool but all the reviews say that the controls are too hard to handel. Too bad.
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TheUltimatePS3Fanboy |
Reload92- 2:11pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 5
Im getting mixed signals all over with Lair but what the majority (ign,gamespot,1up) has said is that this game is bad. But there is one hope. You all know dynasty warriors right? Dynasty Warriors in some ppls minds is the most stupid hack and slash in the world, but to some ppl Dynasty Warriors is the funnest most addictive game they've ever played! So what really depends on if you like a game or not is your preference in games! I cant believe some people actually let scores decide whether they're going to buy a game or not! Which leads me to any Xbox fans looking at this right now we did not buy the playstation 3 because of stupid reasons like Blu-Ray or Killzone 2, we bought it because of one thing, it has the games we want.
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G.I. Chameleon
- 2:21pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 6
i'll tell you the truth it looks great and great story, it has a very steep lerning curve with the controls that will scare most people away, but if you stick with it it's worth the time.
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Jbthegreat
- 2:22pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 7
@Daz I notice that on Gamespot too! If there is a review for a multiplatform game, its aways on a 360 page!!
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jphuff |
jhuff- 4:15pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 13
FINALLY an honest review of Lair! Good job! I only noticed some framerate drop when tons of stuff onscreen and right up close to a huge explosion. Other than that, I didn't notice anything. Truly this is a fun game. Stick with doing the tutorials and MOVE the controller around, don't jerk it wildly and you'll be all set! I don't understand how people marked this game down for it's controls when they work perfectly well. Especially when motion controls are something these same sites PRAISE Wii games for! Anyway, good review! People should definitely check out this game, at least rent it. The visuals alone are amazing and I challenge anyone to find a game with better looking water and ocean effects!
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Jbthegreat
- 5:20pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 14
@jphuff, so out of 10 what would u give it...10 being the best game ever!
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Daver |
Berae- 5:36pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 15
Lair deserve at least a 8 for me... so i agree with psu review...Even with the bad review i went to the store friday and bought it... i dont regret anything about buying it. Lair is an amazing game, yes Sixasis is tough at start but it gets really easy after 15-20 mins... So please dont complain about it if you never tried it...
I recommend it to any real gamers who dont listen to reviewers to know if a game is good or not and are able to give their own reviews... Lair rocks!
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thegame97338 |
G_PIG79- 7:15pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 18
I bought the game on saturday, it's great, I love the use of the sixaxis control, 8.5 is a well deserved score, nobody else will like it cause it's a PS3 exclusive, there loss............
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Heavenly_King |
Heavenly King- 8:10pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 20
this game is superb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Playing Beyond Today |
Cottonmouth1- 8:21pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 21
the game has been beat to the ground because it uses sixaxis, if you think that this game is not worth it your nutts, when you get a feel for it youll be fine
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dannyphantom105 |
dannyphantom105- 8:35pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 22
Guys, i just finished lair and i agree with this review. the lock on needs a little work, and sometimes when you're trying to do the 180 turnaround it dashes forward instead. also, when you fly at an object the dragon dodges it, so if you hit a mountain you get shot down along the mountain really fast. but those are my only complaints with the game. the music is awesome, flying is fun, graphics are awesome, story is awesome, and the extras are also awesome. the last 4 or 5 levels all have huge epic battles in them and are really fun. definitely a good game and a buy.
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LiViNgLeGaCY |
xHawKx- 10:19pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 24
I Rented This Game, And Anyone Who Says This Games' Controls Are Hard To Use Just Suck With The Sixaxis. I've Played Flow So That Really Got Me Used To Using The Sixaxis Controls. It's Easy. It's Not Loose Like Some Reviews Might Lead You To Believe. The Controls Aren't Hard. At All. You Reviewers Just Have No Skill In That Department.
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royboy |
bigfreezy1975- 11:52pm BST - September 3rd, 2007
- 25
ok while i stayed away from Lair because of the reviews it got... i mean DID ANYONE READ PSM's Review?? They gave it a 4.9!! THIS IS PSM a "reputable" playstation mag. I don't know what to think. But I DO CARE WHAT YOU GUYS THINK!!! I DO! So come on yall you plopped down a hefty $60 for this. Do these mags got it rite? I like this review because psu shot a jab to the nay sayers (i liked that) but it's gonna take more than that. What Inspired you to get it? Are you satisfied with it? I mean yall don't overstand, i got $10. on that game. It's waiting for me to come grab it. Just don't know help ya boy..... please...
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C64isStillTheBest
- 12:01am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 26
How does it compare to Drakengard 1 in terms of story and fighting? I mean, you just can't compare the graphics and controls so the only two elements that concern me are the ones that I stated first. I loved the Drakengard concept but the delivery sucked, is Lair superior?
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tabular
- 1:11am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 27
I am very surprised by this rating! So far I've agreed with PSU on both the low and high scores but this seems so far out there from everyone else. However, maybe PSU is right, seeing as they were right about Warhawk when every other critic was CLEARLY wrong (Warhawk < 9 = wrong!) Is Microsoft buying reviewers or is there just a lot of bias out there? By the way if anyone has not checked out Warhawk I recommend it; my favorite MP game of all time!
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Punisher99
- 2:30am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 28
Okay. On this site Lair gets an 8.5. And on gamespot.com, LAir gets a miserable 4.5. So what gives? Can anyone please explain???
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NoUseMercenary |
NoUseMerk_PSU- 2:39am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 29
Perhaps it's Because Gamespot= CNET = Microsoft....or wait...no way. That cannot be it! Shocker. Whoever still believes any of gamespot's critiques, just utterly deserves to be lost.
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edward_moffet |
edd- 3:31am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 30
honestly if you people are going to let a review dictate what games to buy your a tool i mean if your on the fence go try it i know at gamecrazy theyll let you try any game so come on this game is worth a shot im personally buying it the controls work fine just like warhawk also go look at the videos i remember seeing one that shows you how the controls work it was an early build and they still looked precise
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wiggsj
- 8:20am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 32
7.5 HERES THE SKINNY--graphics: awesome! probably best Ive seen yet. flight controls: easy not difficult at all, easier than flow. ariel battle: heres were things get a little sloppy for me. Some of the attacks are visiuasly confusing and attacking (bashing) with the six axis is sloppy too. ground battle: limited attacks frame rates a little noticible in big battles-but really no big deal. WAY WAY to many cinimatic breaks. Awesome music,voice over and story. Seems a little repetative already for me but i'll have fun beating it as a rental.
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TH3JOK3R003
- 10:20am BST - September 4th, 2007
- 33
This has to be the best review for Lair i seen so far
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bnolan56 |
snowy311- 12:09pm BST - September 4th, 2007
- 35
Supra, your right this is for fanboys, and if you don't like it tough sh1t. We could care less what you say, I happened to love it when I rented it from Blockbuster, the real fanboys go by what 30 yr old nerds say behind their computers at the IGN/1up offices. Honestly I dont know why ppl are so dense but seriously, review sites can shove it up their butt. Their opinion is their opinion. PSU is giving "their" opinion let them rate it what they want. I loved this game and I plan on buying it this week. As for inconsistent graphics your an idiot supra, please get a .44 and blow your face to oblivion. Controls I will admit are a bit querky but you get used to it, like an old shoe.
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dannyphantom105 |
dannyphantom105- 2:51pm BST - September 4th, 2007
- 38
yea this is definitely a great game guys and you should buy. its just got a pretty big learning curve, remeber after you beat the 1st level to go back to the training grounds to train. if you want a singleplayer game thats epic and fun, get this.
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blingblaine
- 3:15pm BST - September 4th, 2007
- 39
gamespot has recently turned to xbot fanboys. there reviews are all aimed at the 360 even when you click a ps3 review you get the 360 page. something wrong there. when gamespot reviews a multi platform game they always side with 360. (they arent as bad as ign though, ultimo xbot kids) i own lair and it kicks aZZ literally! worth every dime and i would rate it an 8.9. and thats from a guy who has had all consoles. IGN AND GAMESPOT=XBOT360FANBOYS
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ramageddon
- 3:06am BST - September 5th, 2007
- 42
Lair is a good - no sorry - GREAT game that's trully amazing. It mostly got bashed for the use of its controls - which is sixaxis that still hasn't quite settled in yet. What do you expect from a tilt sensitive controller if not the application of its features? More exclusive games on the PS3 will emerge that incorporate the sixaxis and will seem a bit weired - give it a chance. BUY IT.
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PS3-The Ultimate Machine
- 8:01am BST - September 5th, 2007
- 43
People,i said this before,Dragon games don't interest a large majority of gamers,but i think anyone who isn't TOO FREAKIN' PICKY,he/she will probably enjoy this game.Oh and royboy a reviewer of PSM gave warhawk a 3,so do you care abut that one loser,who keeps getting blown away because he doesn't know how to play it.
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trionghost |
trionghost- 9:34am BST - September 5th, 2007
- 44
It's a sloppy Second review for a reason. It sucks...and is sloppy.
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peeS3rulz
- 9:55am BST - September 5th, 2007
- 45
you shouldnt listen to game reviewers. thats why i went out and bought this game anyway, to find out that it both sucks and blows. whast up with the ultimate machine saying i am being WAY TOO PICKY? dont i have the right to be picky? i thought this PS3 rendered good games. I dittin pay six hundo for b-grade games. Of course i am being picky. best water graphics i have ever seen though.
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UltimaEnder
- 10:52am BST - September 6th, 2007
- 47
I have a slightly different take on Lair but everyone is entitled to their opinion!
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HalfLifeDev
- 1:26pm BST - September 6th, 2007
- 48
The controls are in the brain. If you can't play the game properly, your hands suck and so do your motor skills.
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Talisman
- 9:01pm BST - September 7th, 2007
- 49
The only problem I've ever had with the controls were when I first got the game. After practicing with them, I have almost no issues. (Only the 180 vs. forward dash thing, but then I realize that I make the motions too exaggerated. Exaggerated movements aren't good, I've realized. :p Now I just use a slight flick of the wrist and it's smooth sailing.)
But I do agree with this review, and I feel it's spot on. I've read several of the reviews from other "professional" sites, and when they complain about the controls, one can tell they never took the time to really learn them. I read in the Game Informer review that the reviewer thought a "hot air balloon" travelled faster than the dragon could. For anyone who's actually played this game, you know this is a load of bull. This game definitely deserves the 8.5 it's given in this review. -
franckribery07
- 11:01pm BST - September 8th, 2007
- 50
8.5 ?? it seems like someone got affected by the lair review guide given by sony !
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