Lair (video game)

Infobox VG
title = Lair


developer = Factor 5
publisher =Sony Computer Entertainment
distributor=
music = John Debney (composer)
engine =
released = vgrelease|NA=August 30, 2007vgrelease|AUS=October 25, 2007vgrelease|EU=November 16, 2007
genre = Action
modes = Single-player
ratings = vgratings|ESRB=Teen|CERO=C|OFLCA=Mature|PEGI=16+|BBFC=15
platforms = PlayStation 3
media = BD-ROM
resolution = 720p, 1080i, 1080p (HDTV)
480p/576p (EDTV)
480i/576i (SDTV)
input = Sixaxis, Dual Shock 3

"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 rides a dragon.

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. A platinum medal is also available, though unlike the other three its requirements are hidden. 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 from combat.

The game relies heavily on the PlayStation 3'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.

tory

"Lair" takes place in a world threatened by numerous emerging volcanoes, causing much of the land to be destroyed and the air to be polluted. As a result, people native to the world 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. Desperate to gain the Asylians' land, the Mokai attack the Asylians.

Development

"Lair" was the first PlayStation 3 title to be fully playable via the Remote Play function, allowing it to be accessed through the internet on a PlayStation Portable. [ [http://www.gametrailers.com/player/usermovies/101883.html "Lair remote play on PSP"] from Gametrailers.com] Initially the game was unplayable, as motion sensor controls are not available on PSP, it lacks L2 and R2 buttons and a right analog stick, which are necessary to pass certain levels. With recent firmware updates, the dragon may be controlled with the analog nub and buttons can be assigned on the PSP to act as L2 and R2, rendering "Lair" fully playable [ [http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=lair&thread.id=7613&view=by_date_ascending&page=1 "Lair on PSP!!!!! Look inside"] from Sony's PlayStation message board] .

On April 15th, 2008 an update was released on the Playstation Network, adding analog stick support, extra playable dragons, and rumble support for the Dual Shock 3 controller. The game now uses the directional pad for actions such as the 180 degree turn and the "dash forward" ability.

An English-language demo for "Lair" was made available to Asian markets only, excluding Japan, in April, vgy|2008 [ [http://www.playstation.co.kr/ps3/ps3_network_store.sce Lair 한글 체험판] ] [ [http://asia.playstation.com/eng_hk/index.php?q=node/1469 Lair Trial Version(English/Chinese/Korean Ver.)] ] . Even though the Lair Trial Version includes the gameplay patch it is not compatible with the Remote Play function.

Reception

VG Reviews
1UP=C+ [ [http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3162361&p=37&sec=REVIEWS Lair Review from 1UP.com] ]
IGN=4.9/10 [ [http://ps3.ign.com/articles/817/817117p1.html "Lair" Review] from IGN]
GSpot=4.5/10 [ [http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/lair/review.html Lair for PlayStation 3 Review - PlayStation 3 Lair Review] ]
EGM=5.5/10
PSM=5/10 [http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News-61072.aspx "US Playstation Magazine rates Lair 5.0; Warhawk 6.5"] from N4G.com]
Edge=3/10 [http://n4g.com/News-70619.aspx "EDGE slams Lair and Two Worlds; praises Halo 3 and PGR4"] from N4G.com]
GT=6/10
GI=7.25/10 & 8/10
Play=9/10 [http://n4g.com/ps3/News-53519.aspx "Play Magazine Gives Lair 9.0/10.0"] from N4G.com]
Xplay=2/5 [ [http://www.g4tv.com/xplay/reviews/1608/Lair.html "Lair" Review] from Xplay]
OPMAU=5/10
GamePro=3.75/5|
compilation = yes|
MC =53%
GR = 56%|

As it developed, "Lair" garnered significant hype and attention due to its graphical presentation and developer Factor 5's reputation. However, upon release in the US, it was seen as a critical and commercial failure. Reviews were mixed and skewed towards average or negative ratings, with an average of 54/100 on Metacritic. [ [http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/lair Lair on Metacritic] ] . Although it has been praised for its graphics, artwork, art direction, soundtrack, and sound quality, it has been criticized for its control scheme and some gameplay elements such as the targeting system.

Sony attracted criticism from video game blogs [ [http://www.destructoid.com/sony-tells-reviewers-how-to-review-lair-this-just-gets-better-43022.phtml] from Destructoid.com] 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 six pages of instructions regarding the game's control system, the booklet invited reviewers to "open your mind and hands for something very different" [ [http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/818/818597p1.html] quoted in IGN article] .

GamePro listed Lair as number 8 of top ten worst games of 2007. The list featured the box being burnt by matches.

References

External links

* [http://www.us.playstation.com/Content/OGS/BCUS-98112/Site/ Official Website]