Lair (video game)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Lair | |
|---|---|
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| Developer(s) | Factor 5 |
| Publisher(s) | Sony Computer Entertainment |
| Native resolution | 960x1080 |
| Version | 2.20 |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 3 |
| Release date(s) | NA August 30, 2007 AUS October 25, 2007 EU November 16, 2007 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Rating(s) | BBFC: 15 ESRB: T OFLC: E10+ PEGI: 12+ |
| Media | BD-ROM |
| Input methods | Gamepad |
Lair is a video game developed by Factor 5 and published by Sony Computer Entertainment America.
Contents |
[edit] Gameplay
The player assumes the role of a dragon-riding knight named Rohn Partridge. 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.
[edit] Story
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 from the rear.
[edit] 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.[1] 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.[2]
On April 15, 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, 2008.[3][4] Even though the Lair Trial Version includes the gameplay patch it is not compatible with the Remote Play function.
[edit] Reception
| Reception | |
|---|---|
| Aggregate scores | |
| Aggregator | Score |
| GameRankings | 56% |
| Metacritic | 53% |
| Review scores | |
| Publication | Score |
| 1UP.com | C+[5] |
| Edge | 3/10[6] |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | 5.5/10 |
| Game Informer | 7.25/10 & 8/10 |
| GamePro | 3.75/5 |
| GameSpot | 4.5/10[7] |
| GameTrailers | 6/10 |
| IGN | 4.9/10[8] |
| Official PlayStation Magazine (Australia) | 5/10 |
| Play Magazine | 9/10[9] |
| PSM | 5/10[10] |
During development, Lair gained attention due to its graphical presentation and developer Factor 5's reputation. However, upon release, it was seen as a critical and commercial failure. Reviews were mixed and skewed towards average or negative ratings, with an average of 53/100 on Metacritic.[11] Although it has been praised for its graphics, artwork, art direction, soundtrack, and sound quality, it has been heavily criticized for its control scheme.
Sony (the game's publisher) attracted criticism from video game blogs by mailing review websites a "Lair Reviewer's Guide" following negative reviews of the game.[12] 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."[13]
[edit] References
- ^ "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 Review from 1UP.com
- ^ "EDGE slams Lair and Two Worlds; praises Halo 3 and PGR4" from N4G.com
- ^ Lair for PlayStation 3 Review - PlayStation 3 Lair Review
- ^ Lair Review from IGN
- ^ "Play Magazine Gives Lair 9.0/10.0" from N4G.com
- ^ "US Playstation Magazine rates Lair 5.0; Warhawk 6.5" from N4G.com
- ^ Lair on Metacritic
- ^ [1] from Destructoid.com
- ^ [2] quoted in IGN article
