I recently picked up a sealed copy from a fellow CAG for $20, and I confess to having a lot of fun with it. I can't speak to the pre-patch controls, and it should be noted I'm playing on a standard definition TV set, but I've got no complaints. I'm actually really enjoying it.
The dragons don't control like fighter jets (I remember reading that somewhere). There is definitely a sense of weight and inertia to them. Once you get a feel for how they move, though, I think they perform very well. I don't yet have a copy of Killzone 2, but I'm reading that the control set for that game forces a slower, more methodical pace that some gamers are finding difficulty to adjust to; I'd say Lair falls into that same category.
The music is phenomenal -- I don't think anyone can argue that point. I've been watching some of the "Making of..." videos on the disc and I'm quite impressed. I think they said there's a 71-piece orchestra performing all of the music that was written especially for the game.
All told, I'd say this is a good deal, especially -- as others have said -- this game still retails at $60 most everywhere. And, like others, I agree it shouldn't be.
One thing this game does have is ambience. I'm really only a few ( < 7) misisons into the game, but I'm impressed with the lore of the game, its warring peoples, and the diverse creatures making up the "world". There is a strong fantasy setting to the game -- you're a dragon rider for goodness sakes -- but I feel it delivers.
Just my two cents; feel free to spend them as you choose.
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