Exactly eleven years ago, in February 2015, a game debuted on the PlayStation 4 that remains one of the most fascinating, and yet controversial, examples of “cinematic” game development. That game is The Order: 1886, an ambitious steampunk-infused shooter that plunged players into an alternate Victorian London.
The title captivated with its unique artistic vision, blending Arthurian legends with the technology of the Industrial Revolution and brutal combat against mythical beasts like vampires and werewolves. Even a decade after its release, the world created by Ready at Dawn is still considered one of the most atmospheric in Sony’s catalog.
Unfortunately, despite its stunning graphics – which can still shame some current productions in – the game became a symbol of unrealized potential. The primary criticism centered on its extreme linearity and remarkably short playtime; the story of Sir Galahad could be experienced in just four to six hours. For many players, paying full price for a title that offered such limited interaction and almost zero replayability was a difficult pill to swallow. Reviewers praised the cinematic quality and excellent acting, but relentlessly criticized the simplified shooting mechanics, which felt merely like a backdrop for the beautiful cutscenes.
Looking back today, The Order: 1886 serves as a textbook example of a story that somewhat “lost its way” within the video game format. The focus on character emotions and a dense atmosphere of horror often lost out to repetitive action sequences that, instead of building tension, became routine. Nevertheless, it remains one of the more interesting releases of the last decade from PlayStation.
The lack of a sequel and the ultimate closure of Ready at Dawn in is a sad conclusion to the story of a brand that had the potential to be something new. The game remains an important lesson for the industry: a brilliant concept and the most beautiful graphics are not enough if there isn’t engaging gameplay with a greater number of mechanics.
The game’s ambition was evident in its attempt to leverage the PlayStation 4’s hardware capabilities. While intended to be a next-gen innovation, it didn’t achieve the same success as other PS4 titles like Marvel’s Spider-Man or God of War (2018). This highlights a recurring challenge in game development: balancing visual fidelity with compelling and substantial gameplay.
The criticisms leveled against The Order: 1886 weren’t simply about its length or linearity. The gameplay itself, while visually impressive, lacked depth. The shooting mechanics were described as simplistic, and the reliance on quick-time events further diminished player agency. This created a disconnect between the immersive world and the player’s ability to meaningfully interact with it.
Despite these shortcomings, the game’s artistic direction and world-building were widely lauded. The Victorian London setting, infused with steampunk elements and a hidden world of monsters, was a unique and compelling backdrop for the story. The attention to detail in the environments and character designs created a truly immersive experience, even if the gameplay didn’t fully live up to the potential.
Reports surfaced in August indicating that Ready at Dawn had “awesome” ideas for a sequel before the project was scrapped, according to an industry insider. This suggests that the studio recognized the criticisms of the original and had plans to address them in a follow-up. The cancellation of the sequel is particularly disappointing for those who appreciated the original’s vision and were eager to see how the story and gameplay could have evolved.
The fate of The Order: 1886 serves as a cautionary tale for game developers. It demonstrates that technical prowess and visual splendor alone are not enough to guarantee success. A compelling narrative, engaging gameplay, and a sense of player agency are equally crucial. The game’s legacy lies not only in its stunning visuals but also in the lessons it offers about the importance of balancing ambition with execution.
The game’s enduring appeal is also evident in recent discussions. A Reddit post from January highlighted a desire for a second look at the title, with commenters praising its visuals and story. This suggests that The Order: 1886 continues to resonate with players, even years after its release. The game’s beauty and atmosphere have ensured its place in the memories of many PlayStation fans.
The Order: 1886 remains a fascinating and flawed gem. It’s a reminder that even the most visually impressive games need to offer more than just a pretty face to truly captivate players. The story of its development and cancellation is a testament to the challenges and risks inherent in the game industry, and a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can fall short of their potential.
