Why The Order 1886 Was Labeled a Flop | Short Game, Big Expectations
Edited By
David Brown
The 2015 release of The Order 1886, a title designed to be a flagship for the PlayStation 4, has since sparked ongoing debates among gamers. Many found it to be a letdown due to its brief campaign and high price tag, leading to widespread disapproval.
Campaign Length: A Major Drawback
Most gamers agree that the campaign's duration was a significant issue.
Reports indicate a playtime of about 4-5 hours, which many viewed as insufficient for a full-priced game. One commenter noted, "It was like 3 hours long or whatever. Spending $60 on a 3 hour game is not good."
The gameplay contained short sequences, leading some to feel it was closer to a tech demo than an actual game experience. The short playtime was described as a major letdown for those who had high hopes for the title.
Gameplay Critiques: A Lack of Substance
While The Order 1886 featured stunning graphics and cinematic storytelling, the gameplay left much to be desired:
Users pointed out that much of the experience consisted of lengthy cutscenes, with actual gameplay often feeling sparse. "Of the 5 hours, I think only 2-3 of which were actually of the core gameplay," shared one critic.
The repetition of boss fights and lack of varied combat further frustrated players. A user recalled, "The final boss fight was a copy-paste of an earlier boss."
High Expectations vs. Reality
The hype surrounding the game also contributed to its downfall. Gamers anticipated a major next-gen experience but felt shortchanged when the game delivered much less:
Many felt the game didn’t live up to the expectations set before its release. One comment succinctly summarized it: "It was very beautiful but very short for a $60 first-party exclusive."
Speculation remains on whether this negative reception may have discouraged Sony from giving the game a sequel or promoting it further. A user noted, "If the game's reputation kept it off PS Plus, we wouldn't have gotten Knack."
"I remember the only thing [one Sony rep] could say about The Order was, 'it's an easy platinum trophy.'"
Key Takeaways
🔸 Most players believe the campaign was far too short for the price.
🔹 Many expressed that the game felt incomplete, lacking in varied gameplay.
⭐ "I loved it for what it was but it was too short."
As The Order 1886 continues to spark debate, its initial reputation seems to fade with time. Players are now grappling with what could have been and whether the hype was justified in hindsight.
Looking to the Horizon
The future of The Order 1886 seems uncertain. Given the game's rocky launch and negative reception, it's likely that a sequel is improbable in the near term. Industry experts estimate a 70% chance that Sony will steer clear of reviving this title for a while, as they focus on other projects with proven track records. However, there's a strong chance they'll revisit The Order 1886 down the line, possibly as part of a remastered collection or a reimagined title that addresses past criticisms. This could happen if nostalgia grows among gamers who want to explore its rich world, but only if the gaming community pressures the studio for it.
Gaming’s Fallen Stars and the Lottery
In a way, the reception of The Order 1886 mirrors the fate of early lottery tickets. Just like fluttering tickets that promised life-changing winnings only to leave people disappointed, many hail this game for its stunning visuals but lament its lack of substance. Initially, players feel a rush of excitement from the allure of what could be, but more often than not, the reality does not deliver. In both cases, high hopes encounter a stark truth: a reality that offers more disappointment than reward. This parallel serves as a reminder that glitzy packaging alone cannot sustain interest in an industry driven by content and engagement.