The Order: 1886

 PlayStation 4
  • Publisher: SCEA
  • Release Date: Feb 20, 2015
Metascore
63

Mixed or average reviews - based on 94 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 94
  3. Negative: 11 out of 94
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  1. EGM
    Feb 19, 2015
    45
    The issues, large and small, just pile up, and The Order ends up feeling like a game where plenty of manpower went into making sure it looked good—but no one bothered to check if it might actually be any fun. Outside of its admittedly superlative visuals, The Order doesn’t do a single thing well. Not one gameplay element stands out as superb—merely mediocre or substandard.
  2. Washington Post
    Apr 6, 2015
    40
    Although the storyline invokes weighty subjects like colonialization and socioeconomic inequality, it fails to address these topics in any substantive way. Ditto the game’s dialogue, which contains flourishes of eloquence that founder because, as pleasing as the words are to the ear, the actions they affect have no bite.
  3. Edge Magazine
    Mar 30, 2015
    40
    Despite the obvious talent at work here, the studio has chosen to bury The Order's potential under a fug of dissociative, QTE-focused game design that's as stifling as the smog that creeps through its Victorian streets. [Apr 2015, p.106]
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  5. DarkZero
    Feb 23, 2015
    40
    Regardless of quantity concerns (which is a valid complaint), where The Order more crucially falls apart is in regards to quality. It does not matter if a game is one or one hundred hours long, you need to enjoy playing it, and The Order fails at that most crucial of tasks. This is unforgivable, and instantly makes it impossible to recommend.
  6. Twinfinite
    Feb 21, 2015
    40
    It’s just a massive disappointment that failed to break new ground. It’s a shame because you can tell that a great deal of effort went into building this alternate version of 19th century London, and boy is it gorgeous. But are the beautiful visuals enough to justify the purchase of a game with a clichéd story, uninspired gameplay, and boring werewolves? I don’t think so.
  7. Game Revolution
    Feb 19, 2015
    40
    Perhaps some day, Ready at Dawn could develop a sequel that's gorgeous and fun, and lives up to the promises of The Order: 1886, fingers crossed. But today is not that day.
  8. Giant Bomb
    Feb 19, 2015
    40
    It's a technical showpiece, a graphical powerhouse that, in some ways, is almost without equal. It's also a short and disappointingly straightforward cover-based shooter that offers little to no variety in its encounter design, a lackluster story that fails to make good on its initially compelling premise, and a set of jarring Quick Time Event setpieces that aren't especially interesting from a gameplay or a storytelling perspective.
  9. Metro GameCentral
    Feb 19, 2015
    40
    Beneath the technical wonder this is just a dull, aimless Gears Of War clone – where the attempts at storytelling are just as boring and lifeless as the action.
  10. games(TM)
    Apr 3, 2015
    30
    The Order clearly sees itself as some sort of bridge between the world of games and cinema, but it fails miserably to create the essence, tones or rewards offered by either medium.
  11. Slant Magazine
    Mar 5, 2015
    30
    The game is our best example that we can play a movie. The fact that the movie in question is a leaden, unimaginative waste is almost incidental.
  12. Digital Trends
    Feb 19, 2015
    20
    The Order: 1886 is a terrible game. Not because it’s broken or made without skill. Certainly not because it’s an average-length, story-driven shooter with minimal replay value. It’s just a bad game, forgettable in every conceivable way and safely ignored by all but the most ardent Trophy hunters.
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  1. Ars Technica
    Dec 9, 2015
    It's not that The Order leaves room for a sequel—it's that The Order leaves space for an ending. More than the combat, more than the quick-time events, more than the time spent watching the game rather than playing it, this calls into question whether the few hours spent playing The Order are worth it.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Most Discussed PS4 Game of 2015
24
#24 Most Shared PS4 Game of 2015

User Reviews

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User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4074 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2,176 out of 4074
  2. Mixed: 1,024 out of 4074
  3. Negative: 874 out of 4074
  1. audreyvixen
    Feb 20, 2015
    10
    An engaging, unique and thoroughly exciting thriller.

    The Order 1886 has been copping a lot flack by reviews, I would like to pint out a    An engaging, unique and thoroughly exciting thriller.

    The Order 1886 has been copping a lot flack by reviews, I would like to pint out a few things to help YOU decide if this is a game for you...

    If you prefer constant action, gameplay and the bullets flying (and that is totally cool btw) then you need not keep reading, go play Call of Duty or Gears of war.

    However if you enjoyed games like Heavy Rain, The Walking Dead and Life is Strange but also love a bit of third person action then this a game you will want to check out.

    ready at dawn have created a wholly unique piece of gaming art, it is completely story driven- with a lot of QTE's splashed around that don't feel lazy- they help progress the story, as this is exactly what the game has set out to be- a long, cinematic period movie.

    The story itself is full of mystery, intrigue and lore with amazing characters who you come to truly care about by the end of the game.

    The graphics are stunning, almost life-like in parts but it is the atmosphere and progression, just like a film that really got me engaged.

    I see The Order: 1886 being seen as a 'fail' by mainstream audiences, however I also see this as a cult classic for the niche market of gamers who enjoy a great tale of history and revenge.

    I am giving a perfect 10 because for what it is, that is exactly what the game deserves. It is epic beyond words.

    Again, I can not stress enough if you are looking for an action title, best save your $$.
    But if you are willing to try something new, have an open mind and are not bogged down by the pretty unfair negative press you will be pleasantly surprised by what i would call a masterpiece of cinematic gaming.    … Full Review »
  2. YCAdrianGames
    Feb 20, 2015
    4
    There is several things to like about the game. Firstly, its graphics. It is straight up amazing. Every place, character and location looksThere is several things to like about the game. Firstly, its graphics. It is straight up amazing. Every place, character and location looks atmospheric, stunning and detailed. It is definitely the best looking game in this generation. Secondly, the voice acting is superb. It also has one of the most unique setting I have ever seen in recent years. However, besides these, most other things fall flat. Firstly, The Order: 1886 try to get many things merged into one together, but none of them were really outstanding. Cover-based shooting is okay, but generic, weapons are overpowered, AI is relatively not smart, pathetic enemy types. Its stealth also feel half-finished. and I have no idea why they even include some puzzle-solving in this game. There is some great moment found in this game, but they are very often too far between. The game also feels linear, you are often forced to do what the game told you to do. You have no choice but to do so. Labeled as a cover-based shooter I actually spent a lot of the time watching cutscenes, which is acceptable. You walk and initiate another cutscene, well I don't really like that. This is also a cinematic experience, as what RAD has promoted. Therefore they add a lot of Quick Time Events (QTE). I do believe that it can help players to further immerse into the story. However, if every action required you to press button then it become something tiring. Most importantly, I don't found playing this game fun. It is straight up boring. The campaign last for 7 hours, which is short when compared with other games in the market. For a already boring game with such length, a multiplayer option would be awesome as it can effectively extend the game's lifespan. Unfortunately it didn't has any. It is really a pity because it have a lot of potential to become a 4-player co-operative games. Even the gameplay aren't done right, the story can still saves the game. It is pretty good and quite engaging. It also has a rich back story, However, for such as a short game, the story is under-developed and there is a huge cliffhanger in the ending of the game. Disappointing. The repetitive color tone can also be a problem. It has made every places feel like the same. Overall it is Crysis 3 again, another tech demo with superb graphics and pathetic length. While Crysis 3 gets its gameplay and multiplayer right. The Order didn't. To me it is surprisingly disappointing. It's hard to believe that the creator of Daxter and God of War will make such a under-performing game. If they planned a sequel (They probably does considering that cliffhanger), I hope they can make the game more rich in content.… Full Review »
  3. J4MESOX4D
    Feb 20, 2015
    3
    The Order 1886 is quite possibly the most visually impressive videogame ever created on console to date; unfortunately, it is also one of theThe Order 1886 is quite possibly the most visually impressive videogame ever created on console to date; unfortunately, it is also one of the most tedious experiences you'll ever play and a wasted opportunity as this title sacrifices gameplay ahead of delivering a cinematic experience that fails to captivate.

    The game suffers from a dreadful design with a rolling format of cutscenes, quick-time events, occasional shooting and pointless walking around played out over a few hours. The pacing is dreadful and almost every element of the gameplay is bland and ultimately boring. The cutscenes are incredibly impressive but offer little to the weak narrative. The single-button press QTE's are painfully annoying and any combat events are few and far between. Exploring is restricted to narrow paths and limited interactions with the environment. You can pick up a few items which offer absolutely no meaning to the game and there is no real engagement with fellow characters in Victorian London as you walk around aimlessly to progress.

    You will finish this game once, and once only in around 6 hours. There is absolutely no replay value here whatsoever. Two reasonable gaming sessions and your £50/$60 investment in this product will be reached with a pitiful return in terms of an engrossing experience and longevity. I'd really struggle to recommend this at even a third of the retail price as there is nothing to this product apart from staggering visuals.

    Overall, The Order 1886 will go down as possibly one of the biggest wasted opportunities in gaming history. 5 years of development for a measly 6 hours of mundane gameplay is completely unacceptable. This product is merely a tech demo to showcase the future possibilities of the PS4 and offers absolutely nothing in respect to an absorbing title. The lackluster story, dreadfully generic mechanics and shoddy design structure render this game a major letdown and should be avoided at all costs unless you can borrow the game and even then; it may not even be worth your time.    … Full Review »
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