Ever since I first reported on The Order:1886 after a playtest various staff and I did at PAX Prime, we have noticed a large amount of negativity and almost hate for the game.
This continued through various opinion pieces we posted as well as a recent hands on over two days at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas where once again, negative comments about the game followed.
At first I wanted to put this down as simply those that want to tear down anything that is new or does not fit their images of what a game should be, or Xbox fans lashing out over Sony having a new exclusive that they will not be able to enjoy without buying a PS4.
Even amongst supporters and those curious about the game, the debate over the lack of multiplay rages on. Some say that the game does not need it and it will stand or fall on its own merits. Others have said that with a reported 8-10 hours of play, then a multiplayer or co-op mode would be a nice idea especially with a $59.99 price.
One astute reader commented that they worry that some of the better elements of the game have been stripped away in favor of adding them later through DLC and essentially making the consumer pay more for features they should have had at launch.
There is also concern over what many perceive to be an overemphasis on cinematics that may hinder the flow of the game and the movement and control system of the game.
I will admit that the first time I got to play the game I did feel restricted in my movements as I was limited to moving left and right in a narrow area and when I advanced forward I was again limited in the directions I could go and had to deal with an interactive cinematic.
The second time I played the game I had a much different experience. I was sniping bad guys in a study, and at first I was restricted to left, right, up, and down, in a narrow area behind cover, but then, I was able to stand, run, jump, move down and up stairs, and in and out of rooms which allowed me to flank the enemy and attack them from different angles.
My biggest issue was that there were waves of very challenging enemies who took cover and shot well which forced me to make efficient use of my limited ammunition.
For me the game is one to look forward to but I can say I am not as overly enthusiastic about the game as I am about other titles that are pending. I think Sony may have been wise to push the game back from the original November release date to give them time more work as Sony has much riding on this game.
This is essentially the signature new game for the system until Bloodborne is released and this is the one that has been given the larger amount of attention and exposure.
People have embraced the PS4 in record numbers but Sony is anxious to develop new franchises for the system as powerful and entertaining exclusives are a way to keep revenue flowing in terms of new console sales as well as game and DLC sales.
So why does The Order:1886 appear to have so much hate about it ahead of launch? I think it is a case of people criticizing a game for what it is not instead of for what it is. Some people want a game that is more Gears of War and others want one with a more RPG or Steampunk element to it. They want a look and control scheme that is more familiar to what they have seen, even when they gripe about a lack of originality in games today.
If I had to analyze the game based on my experiences with it so far I would say great graphics and intriguing story, but the controls and gameplay mode will be a bit different for some and as such may frustrate or turnoff some players.
I am not sure this is a game players will instantly embrace the moment they start playing, I think this is a game that will grow on you as you play such as Resistance did for some. At first it was just a shooter but over time and subsequent games, the game found a loyal following which allowed three games to be made in the series with further titles possible in the future.
In the end, players will buy or avoid the game based on personal preference and what they have heard about it. I would suggest that people should give the game a chance but above all understand that the game is not for everyone and just because someone has an issue with it does not make them evil incarnate.
I for one am curious to see how the game does and what the future holds for the series as even with my reservations about it, I do see strong potential for the series as well.
They have attempted to control the hype too much. Initially when people were very interested in the game they had examples from both PS4 and XB1 games that were just as cinematic and with just as much potential and the gameplay sucked. Expectations are now set and people to some extent are not willing to change there minds with new information.
Great points. Sony has walked a good line between letting gamers know about the game and showing things about it to make people interested. Yet they have not done the COD route by splashing all sorts of Buzz word tag lines like “The New Order of Gaminmg Is Here” and “The first real game for the Next Generation”. They seem content to say here it is and let the public decide which tells me they may have good confidence in the game. It will be interesting to see how much they push it in the media in the weeks leading to release.
A Superbowl Ad is no joke.. that 30 second ad ran them atleast 1 million dollars for a slot during the Super Bowl.. So I would say they are pretty serious about Advertising it and pushing it before release.. I am looking forward to playing it.. I know that.
Probably because it’s a PoS!