Revisited: Lair

  • By Kevin-V, GameSpot
  • Posted Apr 19, 2008 12:01 am PT

Author's note: We'll be using the Under Review blog for a variety of purposes. One of them will be to revisit games once downloadable content is released, whether that content is a patch, an update, an additional feature, or other sundries. We recognize that games can change once these updates are...

Author's note: We'll be using the Under Review blog for a variety of purposes. One of them will be to revisit games once downloadable content is released, whether that content is a patch, an update, an additional feature, or other sundries. We recognize that games can change once these updates are released, sometimes in substantial ways, and we are looking for ways to communicate those changes to our readers.

Our policy regarding reviews remains the same; that is, we will not change review scores based on updates made to games after their release. Reviews provide a snapshot of a game as it existed when the review was written, and we cannot consistently revisit every game based on patches, tweaks, and added content. Nor will we be giving add-on content a score in the traditional sense. Consider the information we cover here to be an adjunct to the original review.

Revisited will be an ongoing column in Under Review, and we are seeking to improve how the content we cover here will be more accessible to readers who may be interested in those changes but may not stumble upon the column. In the meanwhile, if you know of a game that has been drastically altered by downloadable content, send an email to me at kevinv@gamespot.com, and make sure the word "revisited" is somewhere in your topic title. While we won't be able to make a second visit to every game you suggest, we'll use your suggestions to help determine which updates get featured here. I look forward to hearing from you! And now, onto our first Revisited.

Eight months and 256 MB of data add minor control improvements, but can't rescue Lair from the fiery abyss.

Lair was released last August to quite the critical drubbing. Towards the top of our long list of problems with the game were the horribly implemented Sixaxis controls, which made flying the game's impressive-looking dragons a nightmare of epic proportions--a sad circumstance indeed in a game that should have been epic for different reasons. This week, Sony released an update for the game, which added in analog flight options and a couple of extra dragons. We spent a good amount of time with Lair after downloading the hefty 256 MB update, and while we're happy to announce that analog controls have somewhat improved the experience, they haven't dramatically altered the game's awkwardness.

There's no question that flying your dragon is generally easier using the left analog stick, rather than steering with the controller. You can also now use the d-pad to perform a 180-degree turn, as well as to perform a dash, actions previously performed exclusively with motion controls. There's also the added option of a targeting reticle, which helps you target enemies should you want to spew flames at your winged foes in free flight. The reticle isn't always a welcome addition though, since it makes it difficult to see when the red lock-on circle has appeared on your opponents. If for some reason you are a glutton for punishment, the old control system is mostly intact, so you can access the new rides without sacrificing motion controls. However, the option to dash using motion controls has been completely removed. The end result is that jerking upwards to do a full about-face is easier to pull off. And that's good news.

As you would suppose, the new controls make general flight less cumbersome. However, ramming foes in mid flight is still performed exclusively with a jerk of the controller, though this move was arguably one of the more clumsy ones. Yet even if you delegate flight controls to the analog stick, Lair's other glaring problems are as noticeable as ever. The camera's fancy cinematic moves still get in the way; collision detection is crazy; locking onto enemies is still a messy endeavor; the waypoint system is still wildly inconsistent; and mission objectives are as confusing as before. And if you can imagine, there are new problems. For example, several tutorial pop-ups flashed for a split second and disappeared before we could ever read them, and the about-face hint teaches you to use the motion controls without mentioning that there is an analog equivalent (unless that was mentioned in one of the disappearing hints). And the option to tilt the camera by tilting the controller while engaged in ground combat, while proudly announced by a tutorial pop-up, is still non-existent.

The new winged lizards are interesting, particularly the speedy wind dragon, which sports a flexible neck that's intriguing to watch flail about when you engage troops on the ground. There's also a secret ride to unlock, though we'd rather not reveal the specifics of that peculiar surprise; Some Rogue Squadron fans may have an idea of what it is.

Lair is, at its core, the same game it always was. It's still pretty, it's still gawky and uncomfortable to play, and it's still shallow. If you were hoping the update would revolutionize the game, you'll be sorely disappointed. In actuality, the tweaked controls make it easier to notice a variety of other fundamental flaws. It's easier to fly around once you apply the update, but simpler maneuverability doesn't make Lair a good game.

100 Comments

  • VXLbeast

    Posted Oct 4, 2009 8:47 pm PT

    Too bad, cause it looks so beautiful.

  • phillster2008

    Posted Aug 29, 2009 2:14 pm PT

    any1 got anythin gud 2 say bout it? i rekon it looks gud, but i dunno.

  • FirstDiscovery

    Posted May 14, 2009 6:27 am PT

    Thanks, that was a good blog entry.

    Shame that this game couldve been loads better, they shouldve delayed till XMAS.

  • oblivion-cool

    Posted May 3, 2009 12:50 pm PT

    In my opinion, Lair needs to get redone cuase I played it and it put me to sleep in the first ten minutes.

  • lowkey254

    Posted Apr 30, 2009 1:27 pm PT

    personally I like the game. The patch was needed and helps.

  • downloadthefile

    Posted Apr 28, 2009 1:23 pm PT

    demigod deserves to be put in here

  • INMATEofARKHAM

    Posted Apr 23, 2009 5:20 am PT

    Wow, I'm surprised by the update for Lair... I thought its support was done for sure. (Glad its not. It gives hope for trophies on numerous other games.)

  • downloadthefile

    Posted Apr 17, 2009 12:02 am PT

    IWillKickU, I am going to use the examples of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition and EVE Online to prove that patches can in fact games that might be a 6 to games that are a 9. What I would like to see is an unofficial numerical score given along with the re-reviewing.

  • downloadthefile

    Posted Mar 16, 2009 2:16 pm PT

    Iwillkicku games can always be drastically improved with some patching and tweaks, look at any MMO ever, as well as games such as the Witcher, where the game was released with unbearable load times and was rereleased as the Witcher Enhanced and the patch for people who bought it already. I just don't think that Lair is a good example of a game that changes a lot.

  • IWillKickU

    Posted Mar 10, 2009 11:28 am PT

    Is any patch tweak going to revolutionize any game? I like the idea of revisiting old games, but I predict that good games are still going to be good, and bad games are still going to be bad, dispite any DLC patches, add-ons, or bonuses.

  • 8TwilightAngel8

    Posted Mar 8, 2009 12:49 pm PT

    i know the update doesn't sound that great from what i've heard, but where can you download it? i want it more for the new dragons

  • ADiscoBiscuit

    Posted Feb 24, 2009 6:19 pm PT

    Brilliant idea for a blog!!!!! ftwmfg!!!!!

  • carljohnson3456

    Posted Feb 15, 2009 4:45 pm PT

    I enjoyed Lair before the patch more to be honest. I hated the patch. It doesnt give you the option to turn off inverted controls. I just found myself still trying to use the SixAxis control instead of using the analog sticks.

  • Fyrhtu

    Posted Feb 15, 2009 5:22 am PT

    I've not played the game or tried it but this as the only problems they've fixed? Interesting.

  • Fady117

    Posted Feb 11, 2009 1:44 am PT

    SHAME!!!!! they should have focused on the control system too!!!!! well i mean the player is the most important part of the game, and controlling him should be as beautiful and as thrilling as the visuals and cinematics!!
    BEAUTY IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL

  • EdibleFood

    Posted Feb 8, 2009 11:03 am PT

    @isaac2580 Epic fail

  • Gammit10

    Posted Feb 1, 2009 6:48 am PT

    Re-review? Not a bad idea.

  • Tikicobra

    Posted Jan 31, 2009 12:11 pm PT

    Isaac = That was a shallow, tasteless attack.

  • isaac2580 posted Jan 26, 2009 9:06 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    isaac2580

    Posted Jan 26, 2009 9:06 pm PT (hide)

    lair, just like haze or any other ps3 game (exept for mgs4) sucks.
    the ps3 sucks.

  • minimme posted Jan 14, 2009 1:16 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    minimme

    Posted Jan 14, 2009 1:16 am PT (hide)

    They just can't be bothered to review lair again, excuses excuses. GTAIV isn't a 10/10, More like a 9.0. The graphics aren't completely up-to-date for starters, so it isn't perfect. Assasins Creed should be a 6.5 for graphics. MGS4 deserves a 10/10 though.

    Don't let GS let you down, Lair is a great game, with a great story. Most people just can't like a game that isn't a Shooting game.

  • Gadeos

    Posted Jan 13, 2009 2:33 pm PT

    OK, since the topic came out, I agree: GTAIV is no perfect 10. And Gears of War 2, one of the sickest games of all time, got a 9.0 (¿?). Even if you're not a fan, gotta give the game more credit. Gamspot MUST review its own review system 'cause in my opinion, it doesn't work at all. There is no unified criteria along GS reviwieng staff.
    Want good reviews, check those who us, everyday players, post here. With 3 or 4 you read, can get a good idea if a game's hot or not.

  • Humorguy_basic

    Posted Jan 3, 2009 10:32 am PT

    If this blog is serious and games after patches, etc are going to be looked at again (and hopefully not just the big GTA type games!) I think a score graph should be created and games SHOULD be re-scored! It would be simple to see through a graph that a game originally got 85 then with patch A it went to 89 and with patch B it went to 92. Therefore, games that are supported could well see their review scores increase. This would drive sales and give more accurate scores of games where those games have received more after sales support through patches, etc. The final review, in this case with Patch B, should also be the main score shown, and if it has created more problems than existed previously, then yes, the score should go down!

    In this regard, I believe games like Boiling Point, with an 80's score, would have got tohigh 80's/low 90's with the 1.1 then the 2.0 patch. Same with STALKER. I think it would not be difficult at all, in other words, to change the review scores. As long as a link is given from the original review to the patch 'review', and as long as the Review Score graph has information explaining how it worked near at hand, I see no problem with rewarding those companies that actually provide after sales service and those that don't. It would also allow, if not force games media like Gamespot to give accurate review scores, warts and all, of ALL games! I see no downside to a system similar to the above. To have these new review scores separate from the original reviews and to still have the original reviews as sacrosanct makes no sense at all!

  • Dani391

    Posted Dec 31, 2008 3:45 pm PT

    he's got a point. GTA IV is much worse then the previous few GTA's (San Andreas, Vice City). it didnt deserve a 10 at all. didn't even deserve a 9.5, and Assasins creed=9 are you kidding me? i got tired bored of assasins creed after 2 hours, cuz each mission is the same, a lot of bugs in the game. it deserved a 7.5>8.0 just for the graphics.

  • Vanine_28

    Posted Dec 28, 2008 9:21 am PT

    Grand Theft Auto 4 did not deserve a 10. Come on game spot what were you thinking. 9.5 would be fair even a 9. But to give this game a 10 really told us how much your selling us out.
    Your reviews are totally un-reliable. I've lost all trust.
    If your gonna give GTA4 a 10 then you should have gave COD4 a 10. Bioshock a 10.
    Im not coming here for reviews anymore.

  • mjk_1

    Posted Dec 12, 2008 7:23 pm PT

    I'm still going to try it. Considering you guys already played it and then you tried the new controls, you probably still had the bad taste in your mouth. Also I'm sure you're not emphasizing how much better the game is because you don't want to stray too far from your original review.

  • mcafeevsd posted Dec 8, 2008 11:48 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    mcafeevsd

    Posted Dec 8, 2008 11:48 pm PT (hide)

    This game kicks some serious arse, and no, it's not available on the 360, sorry folks.

  • munchlax99

    Posted Dec 4, 2008 5:00 pm PT

    360 or ps3
    i say 360

  • tonyhawksP8

    Posted Dec 3, 2008 1:16 am PT

    The Gamespot staff are terrible at reviewing I found lots of games missing reviews some aren't existant on this site.

  • codename-60091

    Posted Nov 20, 2008 8:07 pm PT

    So, this article also concludes that no matter what Need for Speed -Undercover will be rubbish!! GET IT ??? !!!

  • willfreshness

    Posted Nov 18, 2008 10:29 pm PT

    afrosud12 is right, gta4 was not a 10 at all, if it wasnt for that great online play that game would have been nothing at all but some shiny graphics.

  • Bucharifique

    Posted Nov 17, 2008 9:14 am PT

    Sweet!

  • afrosud12

    Posted Nov 13, 2008 6:13 am PT

    with all due respect gamespot.... your new review scale should be under review. cause GTA4 is in no way a perfect 10

  • XFoogyX

    Posted Nov 5, 2008 5:10 pm PT

    holy crap, this should've been written A LONG TIME AGO.

  • truckingpete

    Posted Oct 27, 2008 7:42 pm PT

    Have they ever though about reviewing...ohh lets say Kings Bounty....just my 2 cents....

  • Wii60monkeysPWN

    Posted Oct 26, 2008 10:29 pm PT

    i agree with Danimita they should review games that have not been reviewed yet

  • daifu

    Posted Oct 20, 2008 6:22 am PT

    FYI, the refer on your front page links to this post not to the blog proper.

  • Danimita

    Posted Oct 19, 2008 8:52 am PT

    Gamespot should stop reviewing games they've already reviewed and review new games like, I don't know, Silent Hill Homecoming, maybe? Yeah, you know, the latest instalment to the creepiest saga of games ever, that was suddenly completely ignored by gamespot.

  • vxBLAZ3xv

    Posted Oct 18, 2008 9:38 pm PT

    Lair looks as good as Madonna without make-up.

  • DarthLinux

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 12:37 pm PT

    The game looked good before release... I guess it's not.

  • Doolum

    Posted Oct 17, 2008 8:51 am PT

    never ever considered the game nor will.

  • slayersdeath200

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 8:27 am PT

    Lair did and still does suck imo
    good concept but didn't follow through

  • Untainted

    Posted Oct 16, 2008 2:15 am PT

    Shame I really wanted Lair to be good and hoped that the DLC would improve the games playability. Ah well...

  • BeastEator

    Posted Oct 15, 2008 12:40 pm PT

    Upd8 Brunout Paradise review!!!!!!!

  • cocomacoco posted Oct 14, 2008 12:21 am PT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    cocomacoco

    Posted Oct 14, 2008 12:21 am PT (hide)

    WHAT ABOUT OTHER GAMES?, LIKE FIFA 08, IN MY OPINION DESERVED A BETTER REVIEW THAN EURO UEFA 2008, AND ALSO THAN FIFA O9, THAT GAME IS NOT THAT GOOD OR IMPROVED OVER THE PREVIOUS FIFA, IS THE BEST SOCCER GAME THERE IS, YES, BUT ONLY IF YOU DON'T HAVE FIFA 08

  • suplax

    Posted Sep 15, 2008 10:53 am PT

    The only thing good at that game was the visual, everything else sucked bad. Deserved -1

  • detroithardcore

    Posted Sep 11, 2008 1:07 pm PT

    Lmao @ Raide890 Youve got that right kid...but at least in Lair you kill dragons that arent real...and not some hookers you had at the mayors mansion.

  • aaronobst

    Posted Sep 9, 2008 8:20 am PT

    Lair did not suck at all, the controls were easy and effective, I can't understand how Gamespot had so much trouble with it

  • Panman_Dan

    Posted Sep 7, 2008 10:25 am PT

    shame, prior to its release the game looked promising, especially from the people who did rogue squadron.

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