PGC NEWS

Ready at Dawn, after over a decade in the industry, has primarily been known for developing spin-offs of popular franchises like Jak & Daxter and God of War for Sony. The Order: 1886, their first exclusive title for the PS4, aimed to change that narrative. This ambitious project, in development since 2010, promised a unique and engaging experience. But does The Order: 1886 deliver on its potential? Let’s delve into the strengths and weaknesses of this visually impressive but ultimately flawed title.

Galahad aiming his Thermite Rifle

A Cinematic Masterpiece

The Order: 1886 blurs the line between film and game. The narrative, pacing, lighting, dialogue, camera angles, and cutscenes are all meticulously crafted, creating a truly cinematic experience. The developers even employ quick-time events (QTEs) and letterboxing, reminiscent of films like Beyond: Two Souls and The Evil Within, to enhance the cinematic feel, although these techniques aren’t universally appreciated by gamers.

The story unfolds in an alternate history of Victorian-era London in 1886. The Knights of the Round Table battle against half-breeds, including werewolves and vampires. However, beneath this conflict lies a web of political intrigue and betrayal within the Order itself. While the plot is predictable, it’s well-paced and engaging, keeping players invested until the end.

Victorian London setting

The game beautifully recreates the atmosphere of 19th-century Victorian London, with its gothic architecture and airships dotting the sky. Players encounter historical figures like Nikola Tesla (and his rivalry with Thomas Edison) and Jack the Ripper, seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The game also features several scenes reminiscent of popular films, such as Sir Galahad’s outburst, echoing Batman’s interrogation of the Joker in The Dark Knight.

The Order: 1886 boasts stunning visuals, arguably the best on PS4 at its release. Environments and character emotions are rendered with remarkable realism. The audio design is equally impressive, with excellent voice acting and a compelling score by Jason Graves, known for his work on Dead Space, Tomb Raider, and Might & Magic.

Sir Galahad fighting a Lycan

Gameplay Falls Short

While The Order: 1886 excels in its presentation, the gameplay is disappointingly shallow. Throughout the 17 chapters, players are primarily engaged in gunfights or stealth sequences, both of which feel restrictive and linear. The cover system, while present, is less effective than in similar games due to the inability to quickly change cover positions. In some instances, the game removes the cover system entirely, forcing players into exposed positions.

Cover shooting gameplay

Stealth sections are limited and offer little freedom. Drawing weapons, aiming, and executing takedowns are all scripted, reducing gameplay variety. The AI is also underwhelming, with enemies relying on brute force rather than tactics, even on the highest difficulty. Half-breeds attack in predictable patterns, diminishing the sense of challenge. Allied AI is equally ineffective, offering little support during combat.

Fighting with an Arc Gun

Uninspired QTEs and Limited Replay Value

QTEs, often a source of frustration for gamers, are prevalent in The Order: 1886. While not overly numerous, their implementation is disappointing. Most QTEs are used for traversal or simple finishing moves. Boss battles, which are underwhelming and consist mainly of repetitive attack and dodge prompts, feature the most QTEs.

Inspecting a Lycan corpse

Like a film, The Order: 1886 offers limited replay value. Completing the game on the highest difficulty takes around seven hours. Afterward, there’s little incentive to return, except perhaps to collect all the documents and recordings for trophies. The game lacks additional modes like co-op, multiplayer, or challenge modes, further limiting its longevity.

Sir Galahad aiming his pistol

Conclusion

The Order: 1886 is a visual and auditory marvel, but its shallow gameplay and restrictive linearity prevent it from reaching its full potential. While the cinematic presentation and intriguing alternate history are captivating, the lack of engaging gameplay and limited replay value ultimately hold the game back. It’s a beautiful experience, but one that’s quickly forgotten once the credits roll.