LAIR: Blazing Flight or Crash and Burn

[TYLERxDURDEN]

LAIR: Blazing Flight or Crash and Burn

Title: LAIR
Available Platforms: PS3
Genre: Action
ESRB Rating: T for Teen
Release Date: August 30, 2007
Publisher/Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment/Factor 5

Quick Summary

Pros:

• Great Story
• Breathtaking Graphics for the majority of the game
• Excellent Musical Score
• Control Scheme has been fixed and doesn’t eliminate Sixaxis use

Cons:

• Lock-On system can be frustrating at times
• Sixaxis controls before downloading patch
• Poor Water Effects

DISCLAIMER: I am reviewing the patched version of the game, since the patch is now available for free on the PSN.

Story:
Rating:8 /10

LAIR tells the story of two lands, Asylia and Mokai. Both were originally one nation worshiping the same god, until one day, volcano eruptions divided the lands and new theology kept them separated. You play the character, Rohn, an Asylian dragon rider, who is hoping for peace between the two nations. Unfortunately, the peace talks occurring at the beginning of the game go south and Rohn is thrust into battle.

Rohn faces unique challenges throughout the game. From attacking floating prisons to save his allies all the way to protecting his bombers from annihilation at the hands of a giant serpent, various missions keep you immersed. You are taken through numerous twists and turns before the game finally ends. The game doesn’t have the most surprising ending ever, but it is complete enough, leaving little to complain about.

Gameplay:
Rating: 8 / 10

The gameplay is unique for a flight simulator, since it is simulating the flight of a dragon. The controls are simple for the basic flight mechanics, but there are editions on top of these. For instance, to do a vertical U-turn, you snap the sixaxis controller up. The action itself may not sound too special, but it gives the feeling that you are holding onto the reigns of a dragon without over doing it (with complete sixaxis control).

The Sixaxis is also used in motion controller sequences. In these short scenes, your dragon must rip off the rockets from an enemy beast or tear down an enemy turret. The way it works is you must target the enemy, latch on, and wave your controller up and down, which tells your dragon to keep yanking on this thing until it is defeated. The control scheme adds another unique gameplay element, although it can be slightly overused.

Graphics:
Rating: 9 / 10

The environments in LAIR are breathtaking. The game boasts great Full Motion Videos (FMVs) and the locales, where you take flight, are very diverse. There are snowy mountainous regions, deep canyons, red deserts, grassy river valleys, and more. The game also does a good job representing night and day. The size of the battlefields also makes LAIR's graphics more extraordinary. The fortresses and environments in LAIR are very expansive and pack in tons of allies and enemies to each fight.

For whatever reason, there is one element that does not jive with the rest graphically - the water. The water effects in this game are very poor for some reason. The oceans are extremely unrealistic and move in a very primitive and repetitive fashion. It easy to get hung up on the negatives, but with the rest of the game being so graphically pleasing - it's almost impossible.

Sound:
Rating: 10 / 10

The musical score is one of the best I have heard, ever. It complements each part of the game, making the battles more epic and pulling the players into the medieval world theme. I actually had downloaded the soundtrack and gave the game a shot after listening to it. I was not disappointed.

The voice acting is also top notch and like the music, makes your game story more engaging and the experience genuine.

Challenge/Replay Value:
Rating: 7 / 10

For the most part, LAIR’s difficulty is mediocre, although there are some missions that are more difficult than the norm. The storyline takes roughly 10 hours to complete on normal difficulty, though it feels longer due to the nonstop action. The actual game was released before the addition of trophies, so that hurts its longevity. There are, however, medals you can acquire based on how well and efficient you complete your missions.

I have played the game through three times. Currently, I just pick it up every now and then to replay my favorite missions. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who hasn't tried it and enjoy flight simulation games. With the bargain prices labeled on this game, it is hard to pass up!

Overall Score: 8 / 10

[skygear75]

Wow had no idea before this that Lair was a simulation. Always thought from the cover it was action adventure. Well the flight simulation gameplay does sound interesting if it comes along my way, I'll give it a try. Thanks for the review!

[rrquinta]

I had heard so many bad things about this game, mostly due to the controls. I wasn't aware that they had offered a patch to fix them. I also didn't realize it was a flight simulator, either.

I wonder why they didn't offer the option of a more traditional control scheme?

[CerebralAssassin]

A flight simulator? I thought the same thing as skygear and rrquinta.

[TYLERxDURDEN]

Well you're flying your dragon the large majority of the game, and it attempts to simulate what its like flying a dragon so, dragon-flight simulation.

[corrosivefrost]

Have you played it with the analog control patch? I know a lot of people hated the sixaxis control scheme... I have it, probably paid more than I should have, but I haven't actually cracked it open yet.

[TYLERxDURDEN]

Originally Posted by corrosivefrost

Have you played it with the analog control patch? I know a lot of people hated the sixaxis control scheme... I have it, probably paid more than I should have, but I haven't actually cracked it open yet.

I only played it when using the patch. After what I heard about the pre-patch game I didn't want to risk hating it from the start. I would recommend anyone that picks up the game, get the patch before playing it at all.