Lair PS3 Screenshots, Conclusion and Ratings

Lair has some exceptional visuals as we've mentioned. Here is the best way to convey the imagery that will fill the screen as you embark on this adventure:

Character detail was impeccable. Look at the chains around the leader's neck.

The mountains in the background have incredible texture, as do the bricks utilized in this castle. Note the ornate details on the front spire as well.

Shadows are not frightening in Lair as the PS3 is fully capable of rendering the details in the dark areas of the picture.

I couldn't get over the textures utilized in the dragons. This screen in particular shows the veins present on the wings as well as the many folds of skin and incredible amounts of polygons and smoothing that go into these models.

This screenshot shows the cinematic nature and feel of the game. Watching Lair reproduced some of the wonder felt watching Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within on the big screen.

Conclusion

I wish I wish I wish I could tell everyone to run out and buy Lair. Part of me says that the cinematic quality of the game is such that it will be satisfying enough, even with some of its quirks and control issues. I do, however acknowledge that even with our focus on the audio and video technical qualities of games, the bottom line is still playability. I think that because of Lair's lack of multiplayer, difficult control system and difficult targeting that this would not be a game I'd recommend without some reservations. Playing Lair is a lot like watching a movie, with some difficult gameplay in between sections. If you are a determined person I think you could figure out the controls enough to make this a very enjoyable experience. In my experience, 6-8 hours wasn't enough to overcome the difficulties and that produces a healthy amount of frustration. Lair is a cinematic masterpiece, however and on that basis alone it can be lauded and recognized for its contribution to the PS3 community.

Ratings

Visuals - 5/5
The visuals of Lair are incredible and represent a clear leap forward in game technology. The sheer amount of models and textures show off the power of the PS3's cell processor.

Sound - 4/5
The beautiful orchestral score was what enabled this rating to get to a 4. The lack of significant subwoofer effects is unforgivable given the subject matter and obvious areas where a solid LFE track would have increased the intensity of the storyline and gameplay. MORE SUB!

Gameplay - 2/5
If you manage to play long enough without throwing the controller through a wall (try not to aim for the screen) you've accomplished something. If I had a dragon, and that dragon steered and maneuvered the way my dragon in Lair did, the enemies wouldn't need to attack me - I'd kill it myself. The Suxaxis controls needs some serious work and too many automated camera moves detract from the game and create frequent disorientation.

Value - 3/5
With no multiplayer and the lack of any cooperative elements, Lair is a game that will be a great demo for your friends to experience but probably won't have you reaching for that replay very often once you've conquered its secrets. You'll likely pull out Lair as often as you do a decent DVD you happen to have in your collection.