Play Magazine Gives Lair 9.0/10.0

Play TM magazine is the first magazine corp to get their hands on the retail copy of PS3 exclusive game Lair. According to the PLay TM magazine:

"So yes, if there's any doubt left, Lair has come together beautifully

"With its stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack, Lair may well be the single most powerful experience that a man can share with his $5,000 home theatre system".

"Lair is an utter feast for the eyes"

[gamehead]

this review just eased a bit of my skepticsm. A game i will definetly be buying though the graphics look amazing

[bung tickler]

not to burst any bubbles (but im sure ill lose some), but PM gives out 9's all the time, and often they dont review the full game... they just like to be the first to the party, so take this review with a grain of salt is all im saying... anyways be gone with you my bubbles, be gone!

[Maddens Raiders]

-- “With its stunning visuals and incredible soundtrack, Lair may well be the single most powerful experience that a man can share with his $5,000 home theatre system.” --

PS3 is lining up some doozies as far as I can tell, and this doesn't help dismiss that notion. I really think they can give the 360 a hell of a run this Christmas. We'll see.

[Blankman]

I too am skeptic. I never doubted their ability to deliver on a visual front or story front either. I am however very skeptical on the gameplay. Not very sold on tha 6 axis motion and a game based on just flying i don't know. Would have loved to have been able to get off the dragon and duke it out. The gameplay could be good/bad regardless i will be purchasing this game. By the time it comes out i won't have any new ps3 game to play so i hope its good

[nasim]

others dont forget tht each character in LAIR has 17x more polygons than each charcter in GEARS.

LAIR kills x360

[computer]

This game does look very amazing.. will definitely be picking this up!
<3

[JsonHenry]

I am not to fond of my PS3 right now, but this game looks like it will be worth renting. Gamefly FTW!

[original seed]

I for one think Gmaercreed is crap. It never has sources or links...NEVER.
Also the never have Possitive news for the 360 at all.

I would like to see a magazine scan or soemthing. Can anyone provide one?

[Captain Tuttle]

Graphics can only carry a game so far. Lair doesn't look fun at all.

[Dragonopolis]

Play Magazine is an awesome magazine. You have to understand who they are and what they stand for. They take more of an art approach (still do technical) in their reviews and will I'd say they are a little fairer than a lot of Review Magazines/Websites. They will lighten up on a game if the game is still really fun. They also like Depth in game play and storyline so if the graphics kind of fall but Depth and storyline rocks they usually won't hack the rating to death.

Play Magazine is an beautifully laid out Magazine and is less cluttered than some. They will often put full page artwork on the Main stories and the quality of print is incredible. They have a cool mini anime section at the end and sometimes you'll get a poster.

Play Doesn't just give 9 and 10 ratings away but they are much more forgiving than most and in my opinion do a pretty good job not being to critical (which is a problem in a lot of game review sites and mags). This fair approach is actually pretty good in my opinion because when Play does hit a game with a low score you can bet it sucks.

Nobody's perfect and every game mag or website has their own styles and approaches. If anything, Just picking up a Play Magazine and feeling the quality of paper and detail Pictures and Article layout makes you feel like they care even if it is a slow month (which every review website/Mag will encounter).

So stop hating on Play. You have a right to your opinion but don't preach it as the Almighty fact.

Instead, if any of you never have pick up a copy of Play Magazine, just give it a try and make your own determination.

[DgDX]

I never expect a review of lair so early

[Coffin87]

yeah i'm also a little surprised.. i still don't even know when i will actually get my hands on it (germany)...

[InSpectre]

Nice. Let's hope the other reviewers come to the same conclusion. This will be the first big game to start the rest of the year with.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

a leaked review? Anyways looks good for PS3

[edit] whats up with my fvckaduddle bubbles, I got 2, lost 1, gained another and then lost 1 in less than 24 hours. I will blame plastic Kidman fans for this. I gained one more again. Thanks for all the bubbles.

[BranWheatKillah]

Great to hear.

[s8anicslayer]

lord of the rings anyone?

[drtysouf21]

going to be getting this one for sure!

[MarioFromTexas]

I want to play this game so bad, I don't want to wait any longer. There hasn't been any next gen game this year that has that epic feel to it. This is just the begining and from now on it's play beyond

[Circa24]

Need to make copies of the game, need to ship the game, allow time for reviews (sometimes, depends on the game) and allows marketing to kick in. I think we'd all be surprised by how long it can take a finished game to get to shelves.

[ChaosKnight]

Never trust PLAY. I won't say Lair wont get high reviews - cuz it will probably gain high scores - but after I found out their review ways for a majority of their reviews... I was never able to read their magazine again.

[TruthHurts]

The Console KILLER is HERE. it`s funny it begins w/ a dragon slayer.
from now on it greats games EVERY MONTH, Congrats to all of us who have been patient and endured this dry spell. ITs OVER.

Lair
Heavenly Sword
Warhawk
Home
Ratchet
Uncharted
and much much more between now and NOV (all 1st party).

PLAY BEYOND.

bubble the room.

[Sevir04]

and AC. and FolkLore, Socom and the sh1t load of PSn games thats dropping online this year. it started with last months NGS

[i Shank u]

my drunk/stoned ass thinks Halo 3 will take a sh!t all over those games. until i get a PS3, then ill be like "wooo im in the PS3fanclub yeaaaa GO PS3 I love you fvck off MS!"lol. nah j/k, all that sh1t is for panzies, but to logically respond to what you said, a 360price drop and Halo 3 at the same time is a system killer, cause both systems have killer lineups. the price drop looks like a big "IF" right now, but could happen. when i get my PS3 im gonna get to play both 360 and PS3 holiday lineups, and lair's on top of the list. Jump in AND Play B3yond, b1tches

[Denges]

how did this guy get 8 bubbles? must be very charming

[risk]

make 5 different accounts and have a bubble orgy? idk...

[The Wood]

some people forget that, that many games plus the ones you forgot are coming before 2008. cold blooded

[[email protected]]

A review... so soon!?, WOW* me just now. But it's a excellent score indeeed ^^.

[Marceles]

Already a review...it almost seems like they watched the intro screen and said "omg best game ever!" This is a cool score but I'll wait for IGN, Gamespot, 1UP and Famitsu to review it then I'll come come with my own conclusion

[DADO]

Play BEYOND and bubbles BEYOND pleas.

[Captain Tuttle]

Anyone asks for bubbles they get a negative from me. Earn bubbles from making quality posts, not by begging other PS3 or 360 fanboys for them.

[bung tickler]

they get a negative AND an ingnore from me... but im an a$s so... yeah.

[Sevir04]

with all thats going on, they need to mass produce the copies, start up the marketing and have enough volumes to meet it's demand. then there is ofcourse websites and magazine to get the first copy. it's like how IGn recieved the final retail copy of GOW2 3 weeks prior to it's retail release. i think between now and the next couple of weeks we'll start to see reviews and hype build up even more for this game. as it takes about 3-4 weeks for a game to ship to shelves right after it goes gold. so

with that being said
I've never had a doubt with Lair. i've waited 2 and a half years for this game with delays and all for this game. and when i get this on my ps3 i will seriously be happy to own. NGS, was great, but a filler, and Darkness the same way, resistance and Motorstorm, all great but it's time for the next big Sony Game and well Lair is the Summer Block buster for the states. i cant wait cant come any sooner

[WaggleLOL]

A 1080p game that looks this good and has such an insane amount of stuff going on in the world and sounds like such a good game...on the PS3?

The pathetic little Microsoft fanboys at places like 1up are going to slam this game hard in their 'reviews'.

My 1080p set is ready and I can't wait for this to hit the shelves.

[Tsalagi]

Do want.

[nurayi]

now give us the demo!

[gamehead]

I would really really appreciate a demo, i think they are scared that people will be dissapointed with the demo and won't buy it because i heard the learning curve is quite high and i believe thats why its been delayed bu i want they demo so i can get an early hand on using those motion controls

[Bathyj]

Did you guys have any doubt? And while I'm yet to see it run at 1080p (I love my Bravia) I'm guessing from what I've seen it will have the most impressive graphics yet.

PS.
I agree this whole room should get bubbles.

[dragonZ28]

I just bought a PS3 due to the 60GB clearance sale. I have played several games and hated them all - I think this game could redeem the PS3 somewhat.

As far as the above "Slaystation" comment, I think you need to get off Sony's kool-aid. They are losing the battle. The price drop will shift sales up for a short time, and then it's back to square 1. Microsoft will win this holiday season. Plan for them to make a price cut around the Halo 3 launch for the win.

But, aside from my tangent, Lair looks great - let's hope it is great.

[Daishi]

Prepare to get slammed for being honest... And yes this game looks great, I just hope it doesn't follow the next gen trend and end 6 to 8 hours into it.

[e-ray]

Will people... please... stop... saying... "for the win." Or "FTW." Or other 1337 fanboy talk for winning the console war.

The console race is far from over, and nothing this holiday season is going to have too drastic an effect on it, I think. There are so many great games coming out over the next year or so for the PS3, while there are also some great ones coming out for the 360. No doubt, many people will buy Halo 3/360, but I doubt it will be for a lesser price and no way will it be "FTW!!!111one one one."

Anyhow, regarding the game, Lair. I think it looks really good, and with the combination of combat styles, it could live up to 9.0 potential. I'll wait and see what the other places say about it first, but things are looking good! I may be getting a PS3 this holiday to go along with my 360 (currently in repair).

[HowarthsNJ]

I've been very happy with the games myself.

Resistance
Motorstorm
The Darkness
Oblivion
NG Sigma
BlastFactor
Super Stardust HD
WarHawk Beta

The only real crap is Gundam, Genji, Untold Legends ,Nucleus etc..

[timmyp53]

nice review can't wait for this to hit.

[mrk01]

The videos of Lair I've seen looked repititive, fireballs over and over, but if it's this good and takes 25 gigs of space, I haven't seen anything yet.

-This might be the start of the PS3 renaissance.

[QuackPot]

I still have my doubts about the gameplay based on what I've seen as well. Hope I'm wrong as there are alot of fans with high expectations for this game.

But I still reckon there should be some giant Trolls that would grapple with the dragons and are Flame resistant. Oh.....but that's a dream.

TROLLS...that don't...FLAME

lol

[Sevir04]

the momentum kept going through gamers day, and E3 basically had it cemented. and the premier event basically showed the japanese what they need to see. and now europe is getting even bigger, with the leipzig show in a few weeks and the Sony pause in austrailia is making a killing. and TGS07 is just 2 months away which is basically the icing on the cake. MS one this year simply because it has halo. no
it didn't halo will sell well becayus eit's fans will buy it. after halo there really isn't anything beside mass effect and PGR4. everything else will get lost amongs both sony's first party and second party games and Nintendo's games droping that fall.

MS has nothing to show and has been rather quite lately. especially with no X07 this year. my guys is that these consoles that are having the RROD factor is costing them more money than normal. but there is TGS07 for them i'm sure they'll give something to Japn that will sell some consoles. this fall belongs to sony

and Nintendo. halo 3 will sell and maybe a few consoles to but by the time christmas is out the ps3 will be in full swing. you'll see for yourself. and next year bewteen jan-april when GT5, killzone, and MGS4 hit's it's basically a wrap... and fall 08 puts sony in there best position yet. cant wait at all

[nomad117]

is something to kill im in on it
PS: 3 bubble's woot now im like the other fanboys

[MoonDust]

They have nice video explanations on their reviews.
Edit: All in HD ofcourse.
Thanks MRK01

[mrk01]

and you can watch it all in HD, don't forget that

Edit:
you're welcome MoonDust.

[Whoooop]

For game footage and video reviews gametrailers is the way to go...

[Whoooop]

I hope other magazines and critics appreciate this game, because Factor 5 tried to implement almost everything in this game to make it this epic.. They deserve a good all around score.

I know I'm going to enjoy this game, no matter what reviews it gets...

[mrk01]

they've made games like "Star Wars: Rouge Squadron" which was critically praised for it's beautiful graphics and presentation

-so I feel the force is strong within Factor 5

[ShiftyLookingCow]

Being able to use Force powers while flying a Dragon that would be totally rad!!! I will choke an enemy dragon just when its about fire breath on me and it will explode! MUUHAHAHA

[mrk01]

who knows DarthBillBoy, as far as we know, you can unlock a flying Cadillac that shoots green-house gasses at enemies from it's hood.

[dragonZ28]

I say the truth. It doesn't matter if it hurts, the truth is the truth. Halo 3 will sell because of a variety of reasons - not just fanboys.

1 - good game
2 - excellent online community (lacking on the PS3) <-truth
3 - Great replay value because of a great online multiplayer experience

With that said, Halo 3 will dominate this year. Sony has got it bad because MS had a 1 year jump on them and they sold a lot of systems and this entices developers to make games for them because of the profit potential. 360 will be getting GTA4 with exclusive downloads, PS3 will not. I, and many others, will pick up any multiplayer game, such as COD4, on the 360 because people actually communicate with a MS supplied headset and because their online service is 50x better. I have both systems, and this is truly my unbiased opinion.

With that said, I have high hopes for the PS3. MGS4 will rock, Lair hopefully will rock, but it may become an extremely repetitive game. In order to entice more, Sony needs to charge for their online service to make it more competitive with Xbox live. You get what you pay for with service. Sony also needs to manufacture a standard headset that costs ~$20 so that people will talk! Without communication, it feels like you are killing bots, not human players! To me, that is not a good online experience. Microsoft offers a better online service - almost 100% of unbiased people would agree.

[GodofPeace]

Buy warhawk and you get a free 50 dollar blu tooth headset instead a 20 dollar headset. Sony doesn't need to charge and I hope it doesn't charge because my 50 dollars could have gone to a new game of something else rather than online play. Also Home was built so you can talk to other people via keyboard and headset and its FREE. read the IGn preview of Lair its not repetitive. If you feel lonely online make some friends.

[dauden]

And I thought this thread was about the Lair review...

Guess I was wrong.

Speak the truth for all I care, but please do it in a proper thread, thank you.

[EZCheez]

Are you trying to see how off-topic you can get with your response?

[MarioFromTexas]

Nobody that has both system will say that xbox live service is 50x better than PSN. The only thing on xbox live is cross game chat and acheivement, that's what you're paying $50 for and PSN has servers and supports clan.

Halo3 will sell to people that already have 360, Halo is not the type of game that draws casual gamers or first time gamers. Like I said before if Halo would be on the PS it would just be your average game. I played Halo1 and Halo2, it's a good game but nothing epic about it.

If Geow was on PS3 I would be selling my elite right now, but I hate people that talk about PSN when they don't know the first thing about. To me I like PSN better because I prefer the servers and clan support. I don't care about acheivements or crossgame chat. My gamer score is 3010 and I don't even know how I got them. M$ can keep those features and just give me multiplayer for free, the way it should be.

[hikikimori]

What is your PSN? Post it here on N4G.
All the crap you spout about how great xbox live is...its not that great, its not free, and its ugly and not going to have mods/map packs on ut3 either.
Whats your PSN boy?

[Daishi]

This is completely off topic and you people who are arguing with him are just adding to the flames. See, I said flames, Lair has them so I'm not entirely off subject. (At least find a way to cover up your hidden agendas)

[VendettaWFT]

It's 2:30 am in the morning and u guys should be doing something ike bangin chicksa and drineken beers and havin fun. Seriously Have FUN. BEERS YAAHHH WHHOOOOO

[Dr Pepper]

You know, the world has different time zones. It is not 2:30 a.m. everywhere at once.

[IPlayGames]

Fresh from the battle fields of M$ 60% down & the KZ2 Gears comparison blogs. Are bubbles have taken a beating Brothers replenish us.

The beginning of the end 4 suckbox 3 s**itty. "Next-Gen starts when we say it does." No longer will gamers be subject to last gen game play in HD graphics.

LAIR is the beginning of a new era true next gen audio/visual, controls,story,A.I.,massive levels the list goes on & on. This is next gen this is PLAYSTATION 3.

[CrazzyMan]

i hope the game also will be great, as it looks. =)
well, soon we will see. :)

p.s. anyone to help return my 4th bubble back? thnx. =)

[Rythrine]

Reviewed already? Well I'm glad that the game received a pretty good score already. I'm just waiting for what other websites think like IGN and Famitsu. Also, I'll await what PSM has to say (hopefully next month's issue) but I've been optimistic from the start for this game so I think it'll average same reviews like this one.

[Rock Bottom]

I don't trust those ediots, they always give 9, even to crapy games, I hop lair is realy that good.

[_insane_cobra]

Play gave 9.5 to Sonic the Hedgehog. Yes, the hideous next-gen Sonic the Hedgehog. NINE POINT FIVE. That's an almost perfect score.

Anyway, later they dropped it a notch and corrected it to still astronomical 8.5 (the game's metascore is at 4.6).

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

I expect Lair to be a solid 8.5 and higher game. The visuals for sure are sick.

But Lair isn't for everyone, it's not gonna be for people who are all into Halo or Rainbow Six and can't get enough online play. Believe it or not, not everyone likes that. Lair is for people who are more into the action/adventure genre, you won't find a game like Lair on XBOX 360. The PS3 games are a bit more diverse. On XBOX 360 it's mostly about the next Sci Fi or Squad Based shooter. I said mostly, and while you do find some adventure games on XBOX 360, it's usually not of this quality.

[Chava]

i dont understand why every1 says that 360 lineup is better than ps3. apart from halo 3, ps3 line up is better. and 2008 will b year of the ps3

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

almost 2 years into XBOX 360 and here is the complete list of non shooter type action/adventure games I thought were decent. Decent not great

Saint's Row
Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion
Dead Rising
Condemned: Criminal Origins