The Order: 1886
Overview -
Apologies for this delayed review, dear HDD readers. Disgruntled Belgian postal workers stole (or just misplaced) the delivery of my review copy. Fortunately, a second disc made it through. Thanks, lads! In a rather rare move, this allowed me to sit back and take in many other reviews before playing. In a unexpected turn, the game has been met with either vitriolic or mixed opinions. Touted as a flagship PlayStation 4 exclusive, 'The Order: 1886' received harsh backlash once released. Does the game deserve its mediocre reputation, or has everything been blown out of proportion?
Video Review
While mostly drab and depressing in colour schemes (lots of grey, lots of dank underground tunnels), 'The Order: 1886' is at times a graphic beauty. The London settings are exquisite and lush, and a few surroundings are filled with impressive details. During one pursuit, I stumbled upon a kitchen. Sure enough, the sink did include dirty dishes and pots were flying through the air.
During close-ups, Sir Galahad's hands were sometimes bordering on being photorealistic. The skyline alone is demo worthy, though poking around will quickly reveal an ugly spot or two. Not the best looking game in the history of ever, but refined all the same. Eyes mostly avoid the dreaded uncanny valley during cutscenes.
Audio Review
An excellent symphonic soundtrack with tracks by Chopin and Mendelssohn is provided. This is quite as good as it gets. Sound effects explore the whole spectrum, from quiet clanging frying pans to massive explosions. There's a nice amount of grammatically correct French throughout the game, which counts as a bilingual bonus. The voice acting may be the game's best feature. Truly terrific performances from the whole cast. These guys and gals sell the sometimes silly story. Overall, the game's sound design is not to be taken lightly. Grand, sweeping, majestic.
Final Thoughts
While not close to being a system-seller that so many expected from a high concept, expensive, first-party production, 'The Order: 1886' still managed to charm me with its atmospheric presentation and expert voice acting. It's a short, but pretty game whose engine I'd like to see in action again minus the swipe to fight werewolf boss moments. If you like your 'Uncharted' in a revisionist, steampunk setting, this game is worth a look.