Introduction to PlayStation’s Cinematic Experiences

Since 2006, PlayStation has taken pride in its big, cinematic first-party titles that justify the purchase of their consoles. These titles often hit the mark, delivering blockbuster franchises like God of War, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and The Last of Us. However, there are also games that didn’t quite make the cut, failing to resonate with audiences or meet desired benchmarks, and are now remembered as odd one-offs with a niche fanbase.

The Order: 1886 – A Game That Didn’t Quite Hit

The Order: 1886 falls into this category. Developed by the now-closed Ready at Dawn, the game was released on February 20, 2015, for the PlayStation 4. At the time, it was one of the only non-sequel major exclusives Sony had, alongside FromSoftware’s Bloodborne. The game’s alt-history steampunk setting was intriguing, and its initial reveal at E3 2013 generated interest. The game’s story, which involves the Knights of the Round Table defending London from werewolves and other threats, has an adorably goofy charm. The gameplay, which features good gunplay and solid setpieces, is also enjoyable.

A Game That Didn’t Quite Live Up to Expectations

Despite its potential, The Order: 1886 did not entirely hit with critics and audiences. The game was criticized for its short length, with some playthroughs clocking in at around five hours. The game’s cinematic approach was also seen as overly indulgent, with some chapters feeling like extended cutscenes. According to Ready at Dawn’s co-founder Andrea Pessino, the game originally had a more even split between gameplay and cutscenes, but Sony’s deadline led to significant cuts. Ideally, these issues would have been addressed in a sequel, but unfortunately, that never happened.

The PlayStation Cinematic Experience

The Order: 1886 operates in a space similar to other PlayStation games like Guerrilla Games’ Horizon and Bend Studio’s Days Gone, which have a more pulpy TV energy. These games may not have the grand ambitions of some of Sony’s other first-party titles, but they have a certain charm that endears them to players. The Order: 1886, in particular, is committed to its supernatural nonsense, featuring lovingly rendered characters and settings that wouldn’t be out of place in a prestige period drama.

Conclusion

Whatever potential The Order: 1886 didn’t live up to in 2015, it remains a solid play in 2025. While it may not have had the staying power to become a successful franchise, the game is engaging enough to warrant a remaster or PC port. This would allow it to be reexamined, just like many other games before it, and perhaps find a new audience.

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