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Lair Preview for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Lair Preview for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Factor 5’s Julian Eggebrecht welcomes us into his Lair

July 12, 2007 – The PlayStation 3 needs a hit. But not just a hit, more like a blockbusting, system-seller-you know, the likes of which usually star Master Chief or Solid Snake. Sony’s high-priced hardware has been the target of much backlash, most notably concerning its lack of truly next-gen exclusives. And seeing that Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm are the only titles that’ve generated much must-buy buzz, it seems the criticism is mostly warranted. That, however, may be about to change thanks to Factor 5’s upcoming talon-baring title, Lair.

Lair screenshot

We’ve heard all the buzz on this genre-bending game and its blending of flight and ground-based battles to deliver an epic tale of dragons and their riders. I’m not one to give into hype easily-I didn’t line up for an iPhone, I won’t make any assumptions about Killzone 2 till it’s spinning in my PS3 and I think Pop Tarts are overrated. That said, my jaded-gamer heart pumps with fanboy enthusiasm every time I peek under Lair’s scaly skin. It looks that good. And after going claw-to-claw with Factor 5’s president and master dragon wrangler, Julian Eggebrecht, my anticipation has reached heights that could only be matched by the heavens-soaring winged beasts of this promising next-gen entry.

Lair’s photorealistic visuals and breathtaking effects instantly command your attention. Witnessing sunlight and shadows play off the terrain, water, knights and beasts is a quick reminder that we’ve indeed entered the next generation of gaming. Couple this visual feast with a strong fire-and-brimstone vibe, and battle-ready, fire-breathing beasties that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen-seriously, these are monsters, not dragons-and you’ve got a title that feels more like a playable movie than a game. When asked about the inspiration for Lair’s ferocious flyers, Mr. Eggebrecht confirmed my twisted take on their non-traditional appearance. “Our dragons were very much based on the theory of evolution taking a wrong turn. Taking the current concepts of dinosaurs and cloning them together with bats and other flight creatures. We didn’t try to be dark, just realistic in a slightly twisted sense”. Lair’s mature presentation extends passed the dragons, draping its world in a darkness that’s visible on everything from your knight’s battle-scarred armor to the charred battlefields below. The word cinematic gets tossed around pretty liberally in describing games, but it’s hard to find another adjective that accurately conveys the fully-realized mythological world that pops out of the PS3 when Lair’s spinning in its disc drive.

Lair screenshot

Of course, gorgeous graphics don’t make a game. Anyone who’s played the new Pirates of the Caribbean title on next-gen hardware can attest to that-Jack Sparrow sure looks pretty, but his swordplay’s about as much fun as scurvy. My biggest concern has always been Lair’s implementation of the SIXAXIS motion controls. This promising PS3 feature continues to disappoint with tacked-on mini-games that usually have me returning to my Wii for its much more satisfying control-flailing action. Having already successfully placed us in the cockpit of many an X-Wing and Tie Fighter with their excellent Star Wars: Rogue Squadron games, Factor 5 knows flight. “With Lair we’re trying to push the envelope of technology, graphics, sound, and reinvent gameplay for flight games? Star Wars: Rogue Squadron did the same in 1998, but our canvas is so much larger with the PS3, living creatures, and our own world. Several of the key components of Lair were completely designed around motion control. Flight is the obvious one, but I am also talking about the dragon combat in close contact, our gestures, and even the use of the motion control to swivel the camera in slow-mo sequences without having to grab a stick.”

Lair screenshot

From what I’ve seen and heard from the man behind this next-gen behemoth, it’s hard not to get excited about Lair. Still, until I’m flying high, controlling the SIXAXIS reins of my own battlefield scorching menace, I’ll try and keep my inner-fanboy grounded. When asked if my skepticism is warranted and if the PS3 finally has its horsepower-harnessing killer-app, Mr. Eggebrecht confidently responds: “I think it is the first game to show all features of the PS3 extensively and in a well-rounded package. It is a first-party title so of course we took maximum advantage of the PS3 in every respect. Especially the Sixaxis controller-it’s something extremely unique. I wouldn’t discount any feature, though – just yesterday we started worrying that even Blu-ray might not be large enough for Lair’s data. If you create a single-platform game, it’s your duty to make the most out of it.” Lair certainly holds potential to pack the next-gen punch PS3 owners have been waiting for, and I can’t wait to unleash it from my SIXAXIS-clenching fingers when it lands on PS3s like a megaton mythological beast, this August.

Features:

  • Engage in a struggle on an epic scale as your civilization repels the onslaught of an unrelenting army.
  • Unleash your might through large-scale battles that span the sky and the ground.
  • Turn the tides of war with your ferocious dragon. Scorch the ground with flames and command the skies against vicious enemies.
  • Immerse yourself in a living, breathing world of voracious beasts, a deep storyline and visceral gameplay.
  • Fully supports the PlayStation 3 motion sensitive controller.
  • Screen Resolution: 1080p (Full HDTV, Widescreen).

  • Man’s first best friend

    Feb. 8, 2007 – We’ve all wanted a dragon at least once in our lives and Lair finally gives us our opportunity. Factor 5, most notably recognized for the Rouge Squadron Games for the N64, has partnered for the first time with Sony Computer Entertainment of America to bring their first original title in six years, but what makes Lair different from earlier dragon games? After all, there have been games that had dragons that you could fly on, save other dragons with, even knock offs of dragons saving other dragons, but Factor 5 and SCEA are allowing the dragon genre to grow up, as well as the dragon enthusiast.

    Lair screenshot

    Lair is set in a beautifully epic fantasy world ravaged by war of a civilization split in two, the Asylians and Mokai. You will play as an elite knight of the Asylians who, instead of riding the typical knight mode of transportation, a horse, rides a giant fire-breathing dragon. It will be your responsibility to turn the tides of battle as you aide the ground forces by riding the fields of your enemy. The dragon becomes your main weapon as you will use it to destroy the battle lines of your enemy, fiery beasts, and other creatures of the land.

    After years of flying games with rules not to touch anything, Lair gives a huge dragon and says, “here, destroy everything.” Using the functionality of the Sixaxis motion controller, you will direct your dragon’s every movement. Tilt the controller forward and your dragon will descend upon enemies to be eaten to replenish your health. Tilt the controller back and your dragon soars to the heavens above. Your movement controls everything, even how hard you hit another dragon to engage in combat. You will have what is being called a combat-locking system, which will allow you to lock on to the opposing dragon and engage it rapidly from a distance. This means that instead of worrying about which way you’re holding the controller, you can prepare for the battle before it starts.

    Lair screenshot

    Once the battle begins, a slow motion battle engages between the dragons and, ultimately, the knights, drawing from the God of War franchise for the mini-game feel to the lustrous combo system. One of the coolest moves in the trailer was a slow motion shot of the knight leaping, via grappling hook, from his dragon to another and striking the knight and his dragon both down. The dragon won’t be your only weapon. You will also be able to dismount your dragon and enter the fray of battle as just the knight using a claw like mace. In order to do this, you must be over solid ground, and then all you have to do is press the triangle button. While fighting with the knight may not be your main choice of combat after controlling the massive dragon, the knight is as equally impressive as the dragons. The knight and the dragon won’t be the only dynamics of the combat system. Fans of the Dynasty Warriors series will get a surge as you must also maintain the morale of your men below on the ground. What better way to do that than by swooping in, with movement directed by you, and flame-broiling your enemies?

    Lair screenshot

    In addition to an innovative combat flying simulation, Lair will not disappoint the eyes with the highly detailed, right down to each and every one of the scales, dragons. With the possibility of damage being shown on the dragon throughout battle, Lair could actually beat the expected realism already present in the trailer and screenshots. In a scene from the trailer you can see how the sunlight reflects against the water amidst the incredible shadow of your dragon. Factor 5 didn’t just focus their attention on the different types of dragons, including a dark dragon species, they made the armor of the knights realistic and believable, reflecting the light from the sun both accurately and precise. The detail of movement by all of the characters is an exceptional breath of realism. Unlike most games consisting of a flying element where the figures below become stale or invisible all together, even at high altitudes you will still see the action below. The soldiers will become a swarm of thousands of bodies battling over a painstakingly detailed environment that looks like it has been torn apart by war. Presented in 1080i, Lair will not only be breathtakingly beautiful but deep with realism.

    Lair screenshot

    An exclusive title for a game system used to mean something. Lair looks to remind us all why it did. With an expected release date during Spring 2007, Lair could also remind people why PlayStation is in nearly every household in the world. With the PS3’s still steep price, Lair is shaping up to be the first game that will make you happy you spent every single cent.

    Features:

  • An epic storyline with the fate of your civilization undecided.
  • Huge battles both in the air and on the ground, against other beasts, and an army of thousands.
  • Use the Sixaxis controller to maneuver your ferocious dragon.
  • Combat locking system that allows for more complex combos.
  • Screen Resolution: 1080p (Full HDTV, Widescreen).

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