I only go into all that detail to show an example of something that happens a lot in this game. To spell it out... poor game planning and not enough testing. It feels rushed. Factor 5 has released some great games over the years. Namely the Rogue Squadron series. So the expectations for their first PS3 title were high. This game is right up their alley too - a third person perspective flight simulator with quick action and arcade like game play. Unfortunately it seems like Sony’s need to get titles out this year forced this game to be released about six months early. That’s just how it seems to me. I could be wrong and someone at Factor 5 is sitting there wondering what everyone’s problem is. Lair is in desperate need of a polishing and I’m sure Factor 5 is feeling the sting of that truth right now. What could have been a really amazing game with moments of mind blowing graphics and cinematic quality action fall short and is down right unplayable at times.
Having said that, I do have a couple positives to say about this game. The cut scenes, which are rendered in game, look amazing. The characters feel nearly real. A little too real if you ask me. We’re going to have a flood of waiters in Los Angeles if technology keeps pushing the envelope on digital actors. The score for this game is also note worthy. Composed by John Debney (who also did Sin City and The Passion of the Christ) with the London and Royal symphony orchestras, he creates a very mood driven score that rivals any big Hollywood production. There is a post from him on Playstation.Blog where you can listen to “Diviner’s Theme.” Also, I did have fun playing through the first few levels before the games shortcomings started rearing their ugly heads. Sadly, I cannot recommend this game - unless you're a dragon nerd, which I kind of am.
Lair is rated T (Teen) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Violence.
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