Lair (video game)
| Lair | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Factor 5 |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment America |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
| Release | [1] [2] [3] |
| Genre(s) | Action, Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
Lair is a video game developed by Factor 5 and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America in which the player controls a knight named Rohn who belongs to the Asylian peoples' elite dragon-riding force. The game heavily utilises the motion control features of the Sixaxis controller.
Gameplay
The player assumes the role of a dragon-riding knight named Rohn. Rohn is given the tasks of defending a certain area, destroying certain objects, eliminating enemies or creatures, and other mission-based objectives. After each stage, the player can earn either gold, silver, or bronze medals, depending on performance during the level. Earning medals assists in unlocking combos and behind-the-scenes videos.
Most of the game's battles are air-based combat, with some fought on the ground by landing the dragon and fighting troops and other land-based creatures. In some locations, the game features a morale system tied to the enemy; the lower an enemy's morale, the less he will fight, and it is possible that he will retreat away from combat.
The game relies heavily on PlayStation 3's (PS3's) Sixaxis motion controls. The player flies the dragon by tilting the controller, with additional moves also using motion sensing; one such example is fighting a dragon by tilting the controller to match the enemy dragon's flying height, and then slamming the controller left or right to knock the dragon sideways and out of the battle.
Though currently unconfirmed by Sony or Factor 5, it is rumored and independently confirmed by many owners that Playstation 3 firmware update version 1.92 contained Sixaxis adjustments intended to fix some of the control issues that Lair suffered at launch. These perceived fixes include increased speed of response to controller tilt as well as improved activation for the 180 degree turn and the forward dash.
By going to the remote play setting, Lair can be played on a PSP.[4] The PS3 does the processing, and the PSP displays the game. Motion sensor controls are not accessible on the PSP, and in addition, the PSP also lacks L2 and R2 buttons, which are necessary for playing the game.[5]
Story
Lair takes place in a world that is being threatened by numerous emerging volcanoes, which are causing the whole land to be destroyed and the air to be polluted. Due to this incident, people have divided themselves into two kingdoms: the Mokai, whose lands are arid and depleted of resources, and the seemingly noble Asylians, who live in one of the last remaining bountiful, green areas. The Mokai are naturally angry against the Asylians and are completely desperate to gain their land. Aggressive Asylian leaders are leading in to the path of the inevitable after the Mokai launch a surprise attack against them from the rear.
Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameSpot | 4.5/10[6] |
| IGN | 4.9/10[7] |
| EGM | 5.5/10 |
| PSM | 5/10[8] |
| OPSM Australia | 5/10 |
| Play | 9/10[9] |
| X-Play | 2/5[10] |
| GamePro | 3.75/5 |
| Game Informer | 7.5/10 & 8/10 |
Lair has largely been received as an average game, scoring mediocre or bad ratings from many publications, with an average of 55/100 on Metacritic out of 12 reviews. [11]. Although it has been praised for its graphics and sound quality, it has been criticized for its inconsistent frame rate, control scheme, and some gameplay elements.
Electronic Gaming Monthly's score of 5.5 out of 10 was an average of three editors' scores, which were 5, 5.5, and 6. The editors noted the gameplay was rather confusing since enemies and allies appear similar due to the lack of a dragon mounted radar system, while failing to mention an in game mechaninc known as "Rage Vision" which clearly highlights objectives and enemies in red, and to steer clear of the game if you want a "dragon that does what it's told". IGN editors commented, "Lair is pain, repetitive and not very fun". In its full review, PSM gave Lair a 5 out of 10, saying Lair is "A One Trick Dragon".[8] IGN have noted that the games graphics are compromised by "tearing issues, square waves... a chugging framerate and water effects that look like sand".[12]
Sony attracted criticism from video game blogs[13] by mailing review websites such as IGN a "Lair Reviewer's Guide" following negative reviews of the game. It is common practice to post a fact sheet with review copies of a game, but this guide was mailed separately, and after negative reviews of the game had been published by the website. As well as providing a 21 page booklet containing artwork, background story and 6 pages worth of instructions regarding the game's control system, the booklet invited reviewers to "open your mind and hands for something very different"[14]
References
- ^ IGN PS3: Release Dates
- ^ PALGN: Updated European release list, 23/07/07
- ^ Games Release Schedule, 08/09/07
- ^ "Lair remote play on PSP" from Gametrailers.com
- ^ "Lair on PSP!!!!! Look inside" from Sony's PlayStation message board
- ^ http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/lair/review.html
- ^ Lair Review from IGN
- ^ a b "US Playstation Magazine rates Lair 5.0; Warhawk 6.5" from N4G.com
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Playwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Lair Review from Xplay
- ^ Lair on Metacritic
- ^ Lair Review from IGN, page 3
- ^ [1] from Destructoid.com
- ^ [2] quoted in IGN article