I didn't particularly hate the controls in Lair, either. They kind of were inadequate when you had to rely on fast, responsive controls, though. When you could take it easy and play it leisurely and slowly, the controls mostly worked fine. Except that 180 degree turn.
I hated the levels in Lair, though. Factor 5 has really been making the same, shitty flight game for almost a decade now.
I also hated the graphics. Stuctures looked fine, sometimes even good, but all the land and natural features looked muddy, like the world was made of wet shit. Also, everything in the game, including character models and human structures, looked like they were coated in anal lube. Everything looked covered in gel. And the dragon designs were all ugly, and I didn't think the fire breathing looked impressive.
But it wasa Factor 5 game, I didn't have my hopes up. I got it because I knew it was going to be a total trainwreck, and by those standards it did not disappoint.
Heavenly Sword was the most fun I have had with a new action game in a while. But between the length and various graphical issues, I'd probably be fairly harsh in giving a fair review. I liked the way the game looked, but fact is, graphics and framerate whores would be taking a gamble on putting 60 down on it, between the slowdown and general glitchiness. It never really bugged me, but you know there are always people that have that kill games for them. I know Sony needed a game NOW, but another half year to smooth out the technical issues, and that coulda been a flat out, no caveats, great game. As it stands now, Ninja Theory have made my developers to watch list. I was really expecting just about nothing from that game, and it knocked me out.
