Official LAIR thread

Tideas said:
GAMEPRO - 3.75/5 (A)

Pros: Gorgeous graphics, amazing orchestral soundtrack, dragon based action is fun.

Cons: The decision to use a SixAxis only control scheme hurts more than it helps.

Some random quotes from the review...

ON THE CONTROL SCHEME ISSUES:

"To be fair, the motion sensing is pretty accurate but requiring you to constantly move your hands around while fiddling with buttons over the course of a fairly long game is asking too much. It's unfortunate that the game relies so heavily on a gimmicky feature that no one has been able to get a true grasp of (pun intended)."

ON THE GOOD QUALITIES:

"At it's best, the dragon-based combat of Lair is pretty damn awesome. Soaring around majestically in the sky; raining hot fiery dragon-breath death upon your foes' heads; grappling with other dragons and clawing their eyes out; leaping onto an enemy dragon-rider's back and hacking at him with your weapon; swooping down onto the ground and rampaging around like Godzilla--there's no shortage of thrills to be had."

SOME ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

"I should point out that we were playing an early review build and Factor 5 will probably make tweaks up to the moment the gold master goes off to the mastering lab, but the core gameply mechanics are already in place and there's no denying that it's flawed. I expect many fans will be disappointed thanks to all of the hype that's built up around the game, but the inevitable complaints about the control scheme will no doubt be warrented. Despite all this, Lair still manages to be a decent title that all PS3 owners should look into but you may want to reserve your true excitement for the day when the other hotly anticipated PS3 titles like Heavenly Sword arrive."

ON THE GROUND CONTROLS:

"The Sixaxis-only control scheme that plagues the game is noticably absent when you land your dragon on the ground as the analog sticks take over, making it easier to wreak havoc."

Thanks matey

i will still buy Lair, it just too epic anc chaotic not too. but unfortunately not the AAA title it was meant to be

Damn this game had potential coming out of its ass!
 
I hope for their sake that the game sells well. I know my words sound confusing, but Lair has got so much potential I'd truly like them to tweak the gameplay for a futur sequel. Graphics and sound are there at least...
Am I asking too much ? Maybe... :D
 
Teknopathetic said:
Calling all Absinthes, is Gamepro worthwhile now?

I love gaf when they hate something, then love something, and hate again ... :lol


About gamepro, it's 7.5/10. I mean, people call Lair a AAA game. I am really disappointed. I was sure Lair got at least a 8.5 or 9 range...

I wanted to buy it in october, but now... not at full price.
 
Sapapayo said:
I love gaf when they hate something, then love something, and hate again ... :lol


About gamepro, it's 7.5/10. I mean, people call Lair a AAA game. I am really disappointed. I was sure Lair got at least a 8.5 or 9 range...

I wanted to buy it in october, but now... not at full price.

well if you read the review... they reviewd a 3 month old build.
 
Well, it should tell you something when we get a demo for Heavenly Sword (cemented a purchase from me) and it's coming out a month later than Lair. But I'm sure some people will really like it. And if you're one of those people, good for you.
 
mm04 said:
Well, it should tell you something when we get a demo for Heavenly Sword (cemented a purchase from me) and it's coming out a month later than Lair. But I'm sure some people will really like it. And if you're one of those people, good for you.

Not only that, but remember people questioning why they didn't show Lair during the Sony E3 conference?
 
SolidSnakex said:
Not only that, but remember people questioning why they didn't show Lair during the Sony E3 conference?

Because this was a Kuturagi game. He wanted Factor 5 on the PS3. Even though they are in Europe, Phil has never given them any kind of preference like he has Ninja Theory or Cambridge.
 
tanod said:
Hmm about the EGM review. It gives me pause but I'll wait for some other ones. I wasn't expecting scores that low but it kind of sounds like another Genji now.

Although it's really hard for me. Dragons are ****ing awesome, the story sounds really interesting, and the production values are through the roof. Emotions conflicted. :'(

As far as the reviewers go, Garnett is about as far from my taste in games as you can get. I have a lot of respect for Crispin's opinions and I'm not familiar with Greg Ford's taste.

Yeah, that's what makes me question the accuracy of EGM. Garnett tops the list for most anti-Sony. He goes out of his way to find flaws in their games. He put his foot in his mouth several items over the last few months regarding Warhawk.

I hope the same thing happens with Lair.

I'd expect it to get around a 8.5 score. If it gets a 8.2 or an 8.8, i wouldn't be surprised either. We just need to find out more about the game-play. We know the graphics are great.
 
hyonoid said:
First and last Factor 5 game in PS3 confirmed ?

Well they aren't getting another 20 mil :lol

They shouldn't need it though, the engine is entirely developed.
 
SolidSnakex said:
Not only that, but remember people questioning why they didn't show Lair during the Sony E3 conference?
I'd guess Sony probably hires some independent freelance journo's (who aren't affiliated to any Gaming site/publication) to give early, internal reviews of their big games so they know which ones to give a bigger marketing campaign, and which ones not to. This kinda explains why God of War 2 was given out to gaming websites to review a month b4 it's release because they already knew the game was going to be great.
 
Tideas said:
<GamePro review excerpts>
...Man, it looks like the waggle-only control scheme was true. And since it's sounding like that's not too good, this just dropped from a highly anticipated day 1 purchase to a Gamefly rental. :(

I would've forgiven its flaws a month or two ago when it was supposed to be released, but now, transitioning into fall, my wallet starts bleeding and the unnecessary games get the axe.
 
Y2Kev said:
Well they aren't getting another 20 mil :lol

They shouldn't need it though, the engine is entirely developed.
Yeah. I don't think Sony will be writing Factor 5 anymore $20 million checks to make a game. They may just likely use the Lair engine to make some smaller PSN titles for about 1-2 million each.
 
Teknopathetic said:
Calling all Absinthes, is Gamepro worthwhile now?

In my opinion, EGM and Gamepro are on the same level when it comes to reviews. Considering that Factor 5's games generally receive mixed reviews and polarize reviewers, I think we're going to see a lot of discrepancies in reviews. I think Lair is going to hit around the 70% mark, which is closer to Gamepro's review than EGM's. That is all. It doesn't change the fact that they both suck.
 
Duck said:
...Man, it looks like the waggle-only control scheme was true. And since it's sounding like that's not too good, this just dropped from a highly anticipated day 1 purchase to a Gamefly rental. :(

I would've forgiven its flaws a month or two ago when it was supposed to be released, but now, transitioning into fall, my wallet starts bleeding and the unnecessary games get the axe.
QFT. Bioshock is probably going to be my only purchase in August, unless Warhawk gets released.
 
Wollan said:
Gamepro's review (the actual text and words) basically puts the game exactly where I predicted it which is nice.

Exactly. I'm skeptical about Lair because of the controls AND the game-play.

For example, if it's free-roaming but also story based. What direction do I go to push the story along? If it's linear, then it lacks the free-roaming aspect but can keep the player updated with the story line.

I've always wondered if I started torching knights with my dragon. How long can I keep doing that? Will the level end when it wants me to? Or can I keep clearing out levels to my hearts content (Yeah, I'm a pyro penguin)?

I don't mind linear games. As long I have some ability to stay on the level and destroy/collect things if I wanted to and have it effect the game a bit (scores, obrs, coinage, level-ups, etc...).

This still give the other gamers the ability to hack/slash, run-gun and just plain rush through the level if they wanted too but lose out a bit in terms of experience/score. But not too much.
 
gbovo said:
QFT. Bioshock is probably going to be my only purchase in August, unless Warhawk gets released.

Warhawk is releasing on the 28th. (Though word is that it might have moved up one week to the 22nd)
 
Absinthe said:
In my opinion, EGM and Gamepro are on the same level when it comes to reviews. Considering that Factor 5's games generally receive mixed reviews and polarize reviewers, I think we're going to see a lot of discrepancies in reviews. I think Lair is going to hit around the 70% mark, which is closer to Gamepro's review than EGM's. That is all. It doesn't change the fact that they both suck.

Well, if Lair gets higher than a 80%. Gamepro and EGM will be sucking even more...
 
Tideas said:
GAMEPRO - 3.75/5 (A)

Pros: Gorgeous graphics, amazing orchestral soundtrack, dragon based action is fun.

Cons: The decision to use a SixAxis only control scheme hurts more than it helps.

Some random quotes from the review...

ON THE CONTROL SCHEME ISSUES:

"To be fair, the motion sensing is pretty accurate but requiring you to constantly move your hands around while fiddling with buttons over the course of a fairly long game is asking too much. It's unfortunate that the game relies so heavily on a gimmicky feature that no one has been able to get a true grasp of (pun intended)."

ON THE GOOD QUALITIES:

"At it's best, the dragon-based combat of Lair is pretty damn awesome. Soaring around majestically in the sky; raining hot fiery dragon-breath death upon your foes' heads; grappling with other dragons and clawing their eyes out; leaping onto an enemy dragon-rider's back and hacking at him with your weapon; swooping down onto the ground and rampaging around like Godzilla--there's no shortage of thrills to be had."

SOME ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

"I should point out that we were playing an early review build and Factor 5 will probably make tweaks up to the moment the gold master goes off to the mastering lab, but the core gameply mechanics are already in place and there's no denying that it's flawed. I expect many fans will be disappointed thanks to all of the hype that's built up around the game, but the inevitable complaints about the control scheme will no doubt be warrented. Despite all this, Lair still manages to be a decent title that all PS3 owners should look into but you may want to reserve your true excitement for the day when the other hotly anticipated PS3 titles like Heavenly Sword arrive."

ON THE GROUND CONTROLS:

"The Sixaxis-only control scheme that plagues the game is noticably absent when you land your dragon on the ground as the analog sticks take over, making it easier to wreak havoc."

I wonder what "early review build" means?

How early?
 
Maybe these poor early reviews will encourage them to push out a demo sooner. LAIR is a game I'd rather try for myself first.
 
Tux said:
Exactly. I'm skeptical about Lair because of the controls AND the game-play.

For example, if it's free-roaming but also story based. What direction do I go to push the story along? If it's linear, then it lacks the free-roaming aspect but can keep the player updated with the story line.

I've always wondered if I started torching knights with my dragon. How long can I keep doing that? Will the level end when it wants me to? Or can I keep clearing out levels to my hearts content (Yeah, I'm a pyro penguin)?

I don't mind linear games. As long I have some ability to stay on the level and destroy/collect things if I wanted to and have it effect the game a bit (scores, obrs, coinage, level-ups, etc...).

This still give the other gamers the ability to hack/slash, run-gun and just plain rush through the level if they wanted too but lose out a bit in terms of experience/score. But not too much.

It isn't really free-roaming; the missions play out in the exact same order, but in some missions you can roam around the level pursuing the objectives in whatever order you choose. No decisions made during a mission affect the storyline. Either you succeed or you fail and try it again.

There are certain levels where you can massacre knights to your hearts' content, but you often have an objective that cannot get ignored, like escorting something (and if it's destroyed, you lose).

And of course, you won't get the good medals if you dilly-dally, since they're partially time-based.
 
Teknopathetic said:
Calling all Absinthes, is Gamepro worthwhile now?
Ya know its bad enough we get fanboys doing this, do we really need mods antagonizing people too?
 
Onix said:
You think magazines have a 2-3 week lead time?

That's why they reviewed an early build. Lair went gold, what, last week? So they probably got their build 2-3 weeks before it went gold.

This is a guestimate here. I have no idea which build they played.
 
Jax said:
WHAT THE F*** AT THE LAIR SCORE.

if the motion control sucks as bad as it does, why did F5 not pull it?

They didn't say it sucks. THey said it was difficult over a long playtime.

Sometimes, you gotta be an innovator, and get everyone to hate you, in order to progress. Look at Da Vinci.
 
Tideas said:
They didn't say it sucks. THey said it was difficult over a long playtime.

Sometimes, you gotta be an innovator, and get everyone to hate you, in order to progress. Look at Da Vinci.
um what?
 
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