Sony to journalists: Here's how to review Lair!

[Fran]

Okay, I'm sorry, I know I keep picking on Julian Eggebrecht and Factor 5, but they are truly, truly asking for it. Not content to let this rest and intent on reminding us that Lair got some bad reviews, Sony has now sent out special reviewer's guides to tell people how they should actually do their jobs when it comes to Factor 5's opus. IGN received a copy full of handy information, pictures and tips on how to actually play the game. Apparently, this game now needs an extensive guide to be mailed to the player in order for it to be enjoyed. This speaks highly of Lair ... how, exactly?
While fact sheets are not uncommon with review copies of games, IGN for one can't remember ever having such a lavish package sent post-review, with more condescending words from Julian Eggebrecht to seal the deal. "Open your mind and hands for something very different," the Factor 5 President implores reviewers, with a level of obsessive loyalty that is now bordering on the worrying.
Guys, suck it up -- your game got some bad reviews. It got some good ones too. Stop being so defensive and sensitive, because your continued efforts to dress this up are only making you look worse and worse. Lair was a joke to begin with, now it's becoming iconic for all the wrong reasons. I personally thought you guys were adamant that the customers were more important than the reviewers. Your zealousy on this matter says otherwise.

http://www.gametab.com/news/1031206/

Jesus, this is stupid as hell. First the Halo 3 Wiki article editing, now this?

WOW.

 

[Timstuff]

It's called damage control. The game failed critically, so now it's pretty much been handed to the marketing department to salvage what's left of it's reputation. Hopefully this game was the slap in the face that Factor 5 needs to get back on the right track. Give me my Rogue Squadron 4, I say!

 

[Zenien]

That just sounds all around odd. Maybe they were late in delivering the game? Because it's doing sound like the guide is telling them how to review Lair, but tips on playing it, and the IGN dude says receiving such guides for review isn't uncommon. Eitherway, sending those out does little good now, seeing as the game is already out... if they're hoping for someone to re-review it, forget it.

 

[Fran]

"Don't mind that glitch in the game -- that's a good glitch! "

 

[Timstuff]

That just sounds all around odd. Maybe they were late in delivering the game? Because it's doing sound like the guide is telling them how to review Lair, but tips on playing it, and the IGN dude says receiving such guides for review isn't uncommon. Eitherway, sending those out does little good now, seeing as the game is already out... if they're hoping for someone to re-review it, forget it.

True, but I think that in this case people are making a big deal out of it just because bashing Lair is the "it" thing to do right now. It's one game that did badly, and wasn't the only game to look forward to this month. Warhawk is a total blast and Heavenly Sword is looking mighty nice with a very good demo out, so for me, Lair will be nothing but a distant memory in the coming months. It would be pretty sad if people are still bringing it up to bash four months from now.

 

[Jerry!]

Well Heavenly Sword has gotten some mixed reviews as well. And WarHawk is online only right? I'll say it again, Sony better dish out some money to get Bioshock. They need ANYTHING.
And this is some bad damage control if this is what it is. Trying to tell the reviewers how to do their job isn't damage control, its just plain out damaging their reputation more.

 

[Havok83]

The Heavenly Sword reviews are actually pretty good. The vast majority are 8 and 9s

 

[hippy fascist]

Well Heavenly Sword has gotten some mixed reviews as well. And WarHawk is online only right? I'll say it again, Sony better dish out some money to get Bioshock. They need ANYTHING.
And this is some bad damage control if this is what it is. Trying to tell the reviewers how to do their job isn't damage control, its just plain out damaging their reputation more.

Not only that but reviewers are typically a very egotistical bunch who REALLY don't like being told how to do their jobs.

I wouldn't be surprised if this impacts negatively on some future ps3 reviews

I a reviewer is on the fence on whether to give a game a 7 or an 8 this kind of condescension from sony will wind them up and cause them them to err on the negative side

 

[Devil May Cry]

That seems far fetched to me. This game sucks and they'll probably just giggle at Sony's elaborate (and well articulated) attempt at damage control.

 

[Jerry!]

The Heavenly Sword reviews are actually pretty good. The vast majority are 8 and 9s

The press average is 8.1. So there are mixed reviews in there. Most of them are good, but there are some that fault the game a little more. Still not the "killer app" type of reviews Sony was hoping for.

 

[Timstuff]

I never expected HS to be a killer app. I expected it to be a great game that would likely score in the 8-8.5 territory, which early reviews are saying it is.