Lair (video game)
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| Lair | |
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| Developer(s) | Factor 5 |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment Europe |
| Distributor(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment America |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
| Release date | JP October 11, 2007 NA August 30, 2007[1] EU November 16, 2007[2] AUS October 25, 2007[3] |
| Genre(s) | Action, Adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | BBFC: 15 CERO: C ESRB: Teen OFLC: Mature PEGI: 16+ |
| Media | 1 BD-ROM |
| Input methods | Sixaxis |
Lair (also known as Rise from Lair in Japan) 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. Since April 14, 2008 there is a free patch available which adds an analog control scheme to the game.
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[edit] Gameplay
The player assumes the role 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 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.
On April 15th, 2008 a content update/patch was released on the Playstation Network (PSN) which added analog stick support, extra playable dragons, and rumble support for the Dual Shock 3 controller. As for actions such as the 180 degree turn and the "dash forward" ability, the game now uses the directional pad.
[edit] 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 from the rear.
[edit] Remote Play
A surprise emerged a few days after Lair's launch: it is the first PlayStation 3 title on disk to be fully playable via the Remote Play function. If the PS3 console is in Remote Play mode and connected to the internet, the game may be accessed anywhere there is a wireless internet connection on a PlayStation Portable console.[4] The PS3 does the processing, while the PSP displays the game. Initially the game was unplayable, as motion sensor controls are not accessible on the PSP, and in addition, the PSP also lacks L2 and R2 buttons and a right analog stick, which are necessary to pass certain levels, but with recent firmware updates the dragon may be controlled with the analog nub, and with the ability to assign buttons on the PSP to act as L2 and R2 buttons, the game is now playable anywhere there is a wireless internet connection.[5]
[edit] Lair Trial Version
On April 17, 2008 a multi-language Lair Trial Version was made available for download in the South Korean PlayStation Store[6]. It was added to the Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore stores on April 24, 2008[7]. Even though the Lair Trial Version includes the gameplay patch it is not compatible with the Remote Play function.
[edit] Reception
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| GameSpot | 4.5/10[8] |
| IGN | 4.9/10[9] |
| Blast Magazine | "1/5"[10] |
| EGM | 5.5/10 |
| PSM | 5/10[11] |
| OPSM Australia | 5/10 |
| Play | 9/10[12] |
| X-Play | 2/5[13] |
| GamePro | 3.75/5 |
| Game Informer | 7.25/10 & 8/10 |
| Gametrailers | 6/10 |
| Edge | 3/10[14] |
Lair garnered much hype and attention as it developed, 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, noticeably more average/negative ratings from many publications, with an average of 54/100 on Metacritic out of 50 reviews. [15]. Sony Defense Force, on the other hand, gave the game a perfect 10/10 score, claiming it "could very well be this generation’s “Mario 64″". 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[16] 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"[17]
[edit] References
- ^ IGN PS3: Release Dates
- ^ Lair pushed back in Europe once more, 9/10/07
- ^ 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
- ^ Lair 한글 체험판
- ^ Lair Trial Version(English/Chinese/Korean Ver.)
- ^ Lair for PlayStation 3 Review - PlayStation 3 Lair Review
- ^ Lair Review from IGN
- ^ Lair Review from Blast Magazine
- ^ "US Playstation Magazine rates Lair 5.0; Warhawk 6.5" from N4G.com
- ^ "Play Magazine Gives Lair 9.0/10.0" from N4G.com
- ^ Lair Review from Xplay
- ^ "EDGE slams Lair and Two Worlds; praises Halo 3 and PGR4" from N4G.com
- ^ Lair on Metacritic
- ^ [1] from Destructoid.com
- ^ [2] quoted in IGN article
