| MikeB said: @ twestern Lair is IMO a well above average game and although parts of the game seems unpolished, other parts were amazing for me. And I greatly prefer Sixaxis controlls over analog sticks I should add (the biggest complaint by many journalists). I wonder why people keep bringing up this game as the pinnacle example of a bad game, I guess most of such people haven't played Lair at all. |
Maybe because it averages 55% on gamerankings with over 50% of reviewers giving it a score of 50% or less?
Closing Comments
You might think I'm being too hard on Lair, but if you do, you clearly haven't played this game. Although there are levels where wide-open environments and spread-out objectives trick you into thinking the Sixaxis stuff isn't that bad, whenever a handful of enemies are on screen, your flight space becomes limited or you need to be precise, this game falls apart.
At one point, Lair looked like one of the most promising titles coming to the PS3, but the final version -- even with its interesting story, occasionally impressive graphics and amazing score -- falls well short of anything you should be playing.
| Rating | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| out of 10 | click here for ratings guide | |
| 8.0 | Presentation From the opening movie to the dragon-flying-over-a-map chapter select screen, Lair has you engrossed in its medieval feel, which an interesting story and quality VO perpetuates. | |
| 7.5 | Graphics It's the definition of a mixed bag. The FMVs look awesome; the in-game stuff looks great but chugs; and the custscenes using in-game assets look framey. | |
| 8.0 | Sound There's a sweeping score that really captures the moment and some quality voice work, but there are moments when you'll be attacking a catapult and it seems like a sound effect is missing. | |
| 4.5 | Gameplay A bus-like feel and Sixaxis controls kill this game. In wide-open areas, it's okay, but the moment you need precision, you realize you’re screwed -- you can't corner, target or fight well. | |
| 5.5 | Lasting Appeal There are leaderboards to track, medals to earn and movies to unlock, but the frustrating control scheme will probably stop you from coming back for more. | |
| 4.9 | OVERALL (out of 10 / not an average) |
You shouldn't play Lair. Not unless you have some morbid interest in experiencing what is quite possibly one of the worst control schemes ever devised. It's a shame because as a cinematic experience, it's stunning to watch. As a game, it's a nightmare and an embarrassment. It sounds like a fantastic idea: You fly around on a dragon, spewing fire and clawing at other reptiles while generally wreaking havoc. Too bad you're forced to use Sixaxis controls that destroy the possibility of fun and replace it with the constant need to scream expletives at your television screen.
Basically, all reviews could be summed up as "If you're a graphics whore you'll love this game, otherwise it is garbage"
