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[Deleted member 80556]

How did you get average playtime of 8-10 hours? It seems most reviews are claiming 7. Are you basing the average on hard mode? Also, I'm guessing most experienced gamers should start on hard mode, right?

Start on hard. You need to change the difficulty in the settings before starting.

Dawg, chime in the story discussion.

What would you like to have seen instead? They could have gone the Underworld route at the end after a good bit of massacring the Lycans and pull a Spec Ops the line and guilted us for genocide lol...

I want theories people. Let's give RAD some ideas!

Would love to talk sequel ideas, because we can't do crap about the story of this one heh. And well, I don't want to give out spoilers.

Include more monsters, because as things are now, the focus is too much on ze humans ;p

heavy spoiler, do not click:

Spoiler

Just make Galahad the new Dark Knight in the sequel, hunting down vampires and werewolves as the lone wolf he is now. Secretly assisted by Tesla, providing him with the latest equipment. He will be hunted by Izzy, but it turns out she's actually a vampire herself. Zomg! You hypocrite beech!

Vote for your idea. But they would have revamp the gameplay and world. Depth everywhere. It certainly felt as you were describing it. Spoiler too:

Spoiler

But he can take it, because he's the hero we need, but not the one we deserve or something.

 

[Dawg]

Bad dawg!

I'll leave now.

 

[Ze_Pershing]

Of course the price should be discussed but it seems like it's actively dictating the score. Prices change in a month review scores don't.

that's why people will wait for a price drop. But the reviews comes out at the release or close to it (for the most part) and there's a reason for that.. Reviews don't come out when the price drops.

 

[Loudninja]

Awww dont leave just no heavy spoilers yet please.

 

[Wildarmsjecht]

I thought picking up the game early would help me...

But then I realized I had 4 more hours of work left.

I also have a Google Apps thingamabob with some Googlers to do later today.

I don't even want to go to Google anymore. I just want to go home and play this damn game!

Its staring at me. I should take it off my desk but I can't.

I'm so thirsty.

 

[Deleted member 80556]

I am watching someone on twitch and seems to be bad tearing in the middle of the screen. I don't know if it is the game or the setup.

Definitely the setup. I didn't get any tearing as far as I remember.

 

[Tfault]

Played just under 3 hours worth and really enjoying it. If it weren't for me needing to eat, I'd have carried on playing. First few chapters are definitely cut scene heavy, but they work well to set the tone. Early on there's also a lot of exposition and linear exploration, but I don't mind the slower pace. What a sight the world is to behold though. Breathtaking really. The attention to detail is staggering.

Most surprising to me is how solid the gunplay feels. Weighty, with a lot of recoil and punch. The weapons aren't precision accurate at range, so you have to be wary, but with patience and recoil control, you can be pretty devastating. The only negative I have of the gunplay is that enemy's hit reactions aren't as animated and lively as they could have been. They die and drop realistically, but you seldom get that satisfying death dance the way you do with Killzone 2 for example.

Cover system has been fine, but not as polished as Gears or Last of Us's implementation. I wish I knew how to switch cover around corners lol. Tells you how to go from cover to cover without leaving it, but not around corners as far as I can tell, unless I just missed it.

Be warned, this game really is linear, so don't expect the level of freedom you get even with cinematic linear games like LoU, which offer a more open version of linear than even this, if that makes sense. I can imagine this will be a bigger issue for some, as the linearity can make the experience somewhat directed. I do however enjoy reading the articles, and looking over the different objects and collectibles that are sprinkled about.

Lastly, the quality of writing, acting and characters so far are excellent. Certainly up there with the best of them. Each of the main characters has a strong personal identity and draw, and the banter shines through to make them seem far more human and grounded, albeit with that old age chivalrous touch. Story seems intriguing so far and I can't wait to see how it develops.

Thanks for your early impressions. Certainly nothing there that changes my mind on having ordered the game. Just wish it would arrive already

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

Include more monsters, because as things are now, the focus is too much on ze humans ;p

heavy spoiler, do not click:

Spoiler

Just make Galahad the new Dark Knight in the sequel, hunting down vampires and werewolves as the lone wolf he is now. Secretly assisted by Tesla, providing him with the latest equipment. He will be hunted by Izzy, but it turns out she's actually a vampire herself. Zomg! You hypocrite beech!

massive spoilers:

Spoiler

Think they should've antagonized the Order itself better at the end? Instead of just harboring a lycan, they could have used Lycan Galahad as a scapegoat to avoid outsting their "grail" as nothing more than vampire blood. Make them out to be just a bunch of old, power hungry hypocrites. Then set up the sequel where a reinforced Order are the enemy. Oh, and give the monsters a voice too. More character development for the elders would have been nice. I would have loved if Izzy was a vampire herself without knowing. Holy shit... She could have been the "grail" for all we know! Bleeding her for their blackwater. Weren't the knights known for chivalry? Protecting the immortal blood? Or is that veering into Dan Brown territory a bit too much? I personally like that idea... The creatures themselves aren't the ultimate villains, but human nature at its core.

So many possibilities. So dissappointing ! Lol

So much artistic vision squandered. Damn.

 

[benzy]

Cover system has been fine, but not as polished as Gears or Last of Us's implementation. I wish I knew how to switch cover around corners lol. Tells you how to go from cover to cover without leaving it, but not around corners as far as I can tell, unless I just missed it.

Hold circle to move around the corners.

 

[Deleted member 80556]

massive spoilers:

Spoiler

Think they should've antagonized the Order itself better at the end? Instead of just harboring a lycan, they could have used Lycan Galahad as a scapegoat to avoid outsting their "grail" as nothing more than vampire blood. Make them out to be just a bunch of old, power hungry hypocrites. Then set up the sequel where a reinforced Order are the enemy. Oh, and give the monsters a voice too. More character development for the elders would have been nice. I would have loved if Izzy was a vampire herself without knowing. Holy shit... She could have been the "grail" for all we know! Bleeding her for their blackwater. Weren't the knights known for chivalry? Protecting the immortal blood? Or is that veering into Dan Brown territory a bit too much? I personally like that idea... The creatures themselves aren't the ultimate villains, but human nature at its core.

So many possibilities. So dissappointing ! Lol

So much artistic vision squandered. Damn.

I feel that you're seeing the story in a negative light for something it was not, rather from what it did, Rapier.

However, what you say is quite cool. Plus (SPOILER):

Spoiler

Who says Isi isn't a vampire? We know that the Lord Chancellor adopted them both in similar time.

Don't give up hope for a nice story just yet, brother. They are definitely using this game as a set up for the next.

 

[Stevey]

Dude please stop.

My bad then, I should have looked into it more before posting shit :V

I have stopped.

 

[dragonbane]

Life is strange is really bad. How it gets better reviews than this blows my fucking mind. It also has less gameplay, but its cheap so good reviews all around I guess.

It probably helps that the story was well received. I havent played it, but I certainly know that the story in The Order is nothing special.

 

[Dawg]

I feel that you're seeing the story in a negative light for something it was not, rather from what it did, Rapier.

However, what you say is quite cool. Plus (SPOILER):

Spoiler

Who says Isi isn't a vampire? We know that the Lord Chancellor adopted them both in similar time.

Don't give up hope for a nice story just yet, brother. They are definitely using this game as a set up for the next.

Fun fact. And this is not really a spoiler. Well, maybe it is... I doubt it though.

Spoiler

Look in any mirror in the game. You can see the interior of the room but not yourself. GALAHAD VAMPIRE CONFIRMED!!11!1!1!!1!1!1 (most likely just not using full mirror reflections or w/e)

 

[Celestial Mortal]

I actually don't regret buying the game at all...

I'm not into racing games but I bought driveclub way later to see what was all the commotion about, and didn't find anything bad with it (except the game being strict at punishing).

 

[npanciroli]

Important question that factors into my buying decision. How is the violence/damage? I've seen some screenshots and it looks like you can really do some damage with the weapons in the game.

Also I hate having to shoot someone in the head more than once. It is headshot kills in this?

 

[John Kowalski]

hey guys hope you like the game

cheers

 

[MattyG]

hey guys hope you like the game

cheers

 

[Deleted member 80556]

Fun fact. And this is not really a spoiler. Well, maybe it is... I doubt it though.

Spoiler

Look in any mirror in the game. You can see the interior of the room but not yourself. GALAHAD VAMPIRE CONFIRMED!!11!1!1!!1!1!1 (most likely just not using full mirror reflections or w/e)

Hahaha, thought about this.

Spoiler

But everytime I did, I noticed that the mirror was elevated and had no angle, so I wasn't able to see myself at all! Second playthough will confirm what you're saying because I didn't pay much attention to it heh.

Important question that factors into my buying decision. How is the violence/damage? I've seen some screenshots and it looks like you can really do some damage with the weapons in the game.

Also I hate having to shoot someone in the head more than once. It is headshot kills in this?

Headshots are instant kills in most enemies. There are some that use a metal headgear, but I can count them in both hands. They are the hardest in the game too.

There's some good damage to enemies. They can be burned, they can lose their heads, and limbs. Blood splatters stay on walls, etc.

 

[Yaser Tech]

I'm SO PUMPED FOR THIS! Pre-loading now in the UK, does anyone know if it unlock 12am in my timezone or is there a fixed time?

99% of my game time will be inspecting stuff and delving into the lore!

 

[OsirisBlack]

Fun fact. And this is not really a spoiler. Well, maybe it is... I doubt it though.

Spoiler

Look in any mirror in the game. You can see the interior of the room but not yourself. GALAHAD VAMPIRE CONFIRMED!!11!1!1!!1!1!1 (most likely just not using full mirror reflections or w/e)

That was one of the things that bothered me story wise

Spoiler

There is so much there hinting that they may be but its never really resolved or even touched on in any significant way

I still think that's what black water is.

 

[Gaz_RB]

I really hope now that they have the engine down that we see a sequel that knocks the pants off this one. I guess we'll see, though, depending on sales.

 

[Schryver]

I'm planning to get this on PSN tonight but I am curious about one thing. How does purchasing on PSN vs retail and at $60 vs say $30 affect how much money RAD/Sony receive from my purchase? Is there information on this somewhere?

 

[bananafactory]

I'm planning to get this on PSN tonight but I am curious about one thing. How does purchasing on PSN vs retail and at $60 vs say $30 affect how much money RAD/Sony receive from my purchase? Is there information on this somewhere?

I'm pretty sure RAD/Sony get more money from you via digital purchase since there's no cut given to the retailer.

 

[Schryver]

I'm pretty sure RAD/Sony get more money from you via digital purchase since there's no cut given to the retailer.

Yeah I figured that much lol but curious how much. I think there was a thread in the past few months that tried to breakdown the cost of retail games. I should look for that...

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

I feel that you're seeing the story in a negative light for something it was not, rather from what it did, Rapier.

However, what you say is quite cool. Plus (SPOILER):

Spoiler

Who says Isi isn't a vampire? We know that the Lord Chancellor adopted them both in similar time.

Don't give up hope for a nice story just yet, brother. They are definitely using this game as a set up for the next.

Fair enough.

I thought the story lacked substantial lycan genre mythos exposition, they go too caught up with historic accuracy which resulted in very skimpy gameplay sections featuring creatures.

The result of a poor game screenplay is pedestrian gameplay scenarios (too many one note human baddies), which is the main gripes critics are citing.

Uncharted and the last of us have succeeded because Naughty Dog knows how crucial it is to have a story that presents interesting gameplay opportunities which feed back into the story. It's the cinematic gameplay formula.

That's what eluded RAD.

I can't wait for more people to experience what they conjured up so we can have a proper discussion as to what this game could have been, and given what it is, what does that leave for a sequel that atones for 1886.

 

[Mifune]

Too bad about the scores but many of the middling reviews still say it's a fun game. I'm out for now, since I'm not working, but look forward to checking it out sometime down the road. Hope you guys enjoy!

 

[Booshka]

Nice Title OP.

Rapier, great post. Seems like a lot of wasted potential with the story, and with implementing interesting gameplay and combat encounters to support/complement the story.

 

[XxRampage07xX]

Played just under 3 hours worth and really enjoying it. If it weren't for me needing to eat, I'd have carried on playing. First few chapters are definitely cut scene heavy, but they work well to set the tone. Early on there's also a lot of exposition and linear exploration, but I don't mind the slower pace. What a sight the world is to behold though. Breathtaking really. The attention to detail is staggering.

Most surprising to me is how solid the gunplay feels. Weighty, with a lot of recoil and punch. The weapons aren't precision accurate at range, so you have to be wary, but with patience and recoil control, you can be pretty devastating. The only negative I have of the gunplay is that enemy's hit reactions aren't as animated and lively as they could have been. They die and drop realistically, but you seldom get that satisfying death dance the way you do with Killzone 2 for example.

Cover system has been fine, but not as polished as Gears or Last of Us's implementation. I wish I knew how to switch cover around corners lol. Tells you how to go from cover to cover without leaving it, but not around corners as far as I can tell, unless I just missed it.

Be warned, this game really is linear, so don't expect the level of freedom you get even with cinematic linear games like LoU, which offer a more open version of linear than even this, if that makes sense. I can imagine this will be a bigger issue for some, as the linearity can make the experience somewhat directed. I do however enjoy reading the articles, and looking over the different objects and collectibles that are sprinkled about.

Lastly, the quality of writing, acting and characters so far are excellent. Certainly up there with the best of them. Each of the main characters has a strong personal identity and draw, and the banter shines through to make them seem far more human and grounded, albeit with that old age chivalrous touch. Story seems intriguing so far and I can't wait to see how it develops.

Nice! Thanks, nib

 

[Loudninja]

Just finished the game. I think in total I clocked 7, 8 hours tops. My favorite thing about this game is definitely the story and that ending that leaves you

Spoiler

melancholic yet

looking forward to more. Definitely up there with some of gaming's best endings, I think.

I think the studio's achieved their goal for a 'filmic' (was the word, I think) game stunningly. Amazing for a first attempt at a AAA (I think?) - flawless graphics throughout (that sometimes make you say 'Fuck me, is this real life?') and a story that kept you invested. Good animation work that's as much responsible for the 'life-life' look, and solid controls.

Gameplay-wise.... it definitely feels like there wasn't enough, even though you could tell the chapters were carefully designed, with bits of stealth and traversal in between the shooting and plenty of variety in gorgeous locations that you're never bored (visually).

I had fun with the mob gun fights and the few QTE battles with the Lycans (intense!), but yeah, I wanted more. More time with and more ways to use the arc and thermite guns, for instance.

So yeah, great job RAD, just need to add more content for the next one, don't fuck with anything else. (If Killzone can get 3 sequels with their crappy stories and boring campaigns, surely you can too; you've got them beat in those areas)

.

 

[shinobi602]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. First thing tomorrow morning. The reviews have honestly had minimal bearing on my excitement. I know what I'm getting. Hell, I liked Ryse and that got absolutely shitted on. I still replay it from time to time. The impression I get from GAF and a lot of critics is that many seemingly hold every game to certain arbitrary standards across the board. I just don't do that. I don't hold a game like The Wolf Among Us to the same standard as DAI, nor DAI to the same standard as The Order 1886 or Transistor or anything else. I also don't feel like price vs length ratio should be a factor in professional reviews. Yes, a game's length should be mentioned, but the price vs how long a game lasts is something I feel is a decision the consumer should make. At least a game should not be docked for charging $60 at a certain length anyway.

Every individual game I judge it solely based off its merits. I don't factor in "what other games have done" as seems to be much of complaints regarding The Order's design. I don't give a shit about that. It doesn't need "exploration", it doesn't need "new gameplay systems" to set itself apart for me. Ready at Dawn set out with a vision to practically blend film and game, and I think they achieved that here. I'm the kind of person that has immense enjoyment from jumping between a diverse set of games like Transistor and Resogun to GTA, to Elder Scrolls, to The Evil Within, Bayonetta, and to something extremely cinematic and linear like The Order. I'm in love with the variety I have at my leisure, there's more than enough room for The Order in my house. Love it. Bring it on baby.

 

[Yaser Tech]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. First thing tomorrow morning. The reviews have honestly had minimal bearing on my excitement. I know what I'm getting. Hell, I liked Ryse and that got absolutely shitted on. I still replay it from time to time. The impression I get from GAF and a lot of critics is that many seemingly hold every game to certain arbitrary standards across the board. I just don't do that. I don't hold a game like The Wolf Among Us to the same standard as DAI, nor DAI to the same standard as The Order 1886 or Transistor or anything else. I also don't feel like price vs length ratio should be a factor in professional reviews. Yes, a game's length should be mentioned, but the price vs how long a game lasts is something I feel is a decision the consumer should make. At least a game should not be docked for charging $60 at a certain length anyway.

Every individual game I judge it solely based off its merits. I don't factor in "what other games have done" as seems to be much of complaints regarding The Order's design. I don't give a shit about that. It doesn't need "exploration", it doesn't need "new gameplay systems" to set itself apart for me. Ready at Dawn set out with a vision to practically blend film and game, and I think they achieved that here. I'm the kind of person that has immense enjoyment from jumping between a diverse set of games like Transistor and Resogun to GTA, to Elder Scrolls, to The Evil Within, Bayonetta, and to something extremely cinematic and linear like The Order. I'm in love with the variety I have at my leisure, there's more than enough room for The Order in my house. Love it. Bring it on baby.

Well said. Please don't give attention to what some people were saying back in the review thread. You add a lot of stuff to the conversation and its up to people to manage their expectation. I will always enjoy your tweets

 

[Zekra Dezivad]

Can't wait, the early impressions made me want to play the game so bad.
I was waiting for a story-driven-atmospheric-heavy game like this.

 

[Mr. Giggles]

hey guys hope you like the game

cheers

Thank you for your hard work!!

Looking forward to playing tomorrow!

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

Nice Title OP.

Rapier, great post. Seems like a lot of wasted potential with the story, and with implementing interesting gameplay and combat encounters to support/complement the story.

You know, I know this crazy and totally not plausible given that RAD has families they need to tend to.

But I wouldn't mind if they chopped the price of The Order 1886, and reprinted it as a proof of concept, Ground Zeroes type venture, and went on to finish their vision with community feedback.

That would be a first, eh? A remaster within its own generation lol.

But also, it would redeem a lot of lost confidence in the eyes of the gaming public. If they asked the community what they wanted to see with this game (soft body physics enviros, broader epic story pointers).

The Order: Substance would be so bought. So bought...

 

[Schryver]

If I'm gonna play this during the day tomorrow then I need to prepare by blocking the sun from my windows better. My TV reflects light like a bitch

 

[BFIB]

I've been in the mood for this type of game for quite some time. Beat GTA V, currently on Dragon Age, but I want a cinematic game, and this looks great.

 

[Deadstar]

How does a team make a 5-6 hour game and think it's ok to sell it at $60? Kind of a slap in the face to gamers. Now I guess if it was an amazing experience it would be worth it, but it sounds like it's a run of the mill 3rd person shooter. I'm still interested in playing it though.

 

[Loudninja]

Still not shipped.

 

[SolidChamp]

I just finished it. I was plenty satisfied with the experience. I just hope a sequel can build upon the gameplay.

Fully plan to go back and platinum this. Don't know how I managed to miss some of these trophies regarding finding all the objects and newspapers.

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. First thing tomorrow morning. The reviews have honestly had minimal bearing on my excitement. I know what I'm getting. Hell, I liked Ryse and that got absolutely shitted on. I still replay it from time to time. The impression I get from GAF and a lot of critics is that many seemingly hold every game to certain arbitrary standards across the board. I just don't do that. I don't hold a game like The Wolf Among Us to the same standard as DAI, nor DAI to the same standard as The Order 1886 or Transistor or anything else. I also don't feel like price vs length ratio should be a factor in professional reviews. Yes, a game's length should be mentioned, but the price vs how long a game lasts is something I feel is a decision the consumer should make. At least a game should not be docked for charging $60 at a certain length anyway.

Every individual game I judge it solely based off its merits. I don't factor in "what other games have done" as seems to be much of complaints regarding The Order's design. I don't give a shit about that. It doesn't need "exploration", it doesn't need "new gameplay systems" to set itself apart for me. Ready at Dawn set out with a vision to practically blend film and game, and I think they achieved that here. I'm the kind of person that has immense enjoyment from jumping between a diverse set of games like Transistor and Resogun to GTA, to Elder Scrolls, to The Evil Within, Bayonetta, and to something extremely cinematic and linear like The Order. I'm in love with the variety I have at my leisure, there's more than enough room for The Order in my house. Love it. Bring it on baby.

Man after my own heart. People keep saying that reviews should be partial opinion pieces, highly subjective to the writer's preference. But any sod off the street can come up with a list of their favorite games and say why they don't like The Order.

With that criteria, what makes their opinion one that goes onto get plastered on game boxes and not mine? A journalistic degree? Please...

 

[illmatic22]

Can't wait to get my hands on this. First thing tomorrow morning. The reviews have honestly had minimal bearing on my excitement. I know what I'm getting. Hell, I liked Ryse and that got absolutely shitted on. I still replay it from time to time. The impression I get from GAF and a lot of critics is that many seemingly hold every game to certain arbitrary standards across the board. I just don't do that. I don't hold a game like The Wolf Among Us to the same standard as DAI, nor DAI to the same standard as The Order 1886 or Transistor or anything else. I also don't feel like price vs length ratio should be a factor in professional reviews. Yes, a game's length should be mentioned, but the price vs how long a game lasts is something I feel is a decision the consumer should make. At least a game should not be docked for charging $60 at a certain length anyway.

Every individual game I judge it solely based off its merits. I don't factor in "what other games have done" as seems to be much of complaints regarding The Order's design. I don't give a shit about that. It doesn't need "exploration", it doesn't need "new gameplay systems" to set itself apart for me. Ready at Dawn set out with a vision to practically blend film and game, and I think they achieved that here. I'm the kind of person that has immense enjoyment from jumping between a diverse set of games like Transistor and Resogun to GTA, to Elder Scrolls, to The Evil Within, Bayonetta, and to something extremely cinematic and linear like The Order. I'm in love with the variety I have at my leisure, there's more than enough room for The Order in my house. Love it. Bring it on baby.

Well said, I'm all for diversity in games, would get very bored restricting myself to a certain genre, and try to avoid comparing apples to oranges.

 

[Artex]

My copy hasn't shipped from Amazon yet. Hold me, GAF. I saved the last of my weed just for this.

 

[Wildarmsjecht]

My copy hasn't shipped from Amazon yet. Hold me, GAF. I saved the last of my weed just for this.

Stand strong...hold tight..we will get through this together.

Spoiler

also, great idea!

 

[Crimson_Gold]

My copy hasn't shipped from Amazon yet. Hold me, GAF. I saved the last of my weed just for this.

Will you pay the person holding you with that weed?

Game unlocks in under 14 hours. So excited

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

I haven't played it yet, but it's kinda sucky that they're using this game's story as a set-up for a sequel if a sequel is not yet guaranteed.

They should fully resolve the storyline while leaving story threads open for the future and give a satisfying character arc and resolution.

 

[BiGBoSSMk23]

I haven't played it yet, but it's kinda sucky that they're using this game's story as a set-up for a sequel if a sequel is not yet guaranteed.

They should fully resolve the storyline while leaving story threads open for the future and give a satisfying character arc and resolution.

 

[XGoldenboyX]

Well said, I'm all for diversity in games, would get very bored restricting myself to a certain genre, and try to avoid comparing apples to oranges.

Agreed !

 

[Ricky_R]

My copy hasn't shipped from Amazon yet. Hold me, GAF. I saved the last of my weed just for this.

That's gonna be a short high.

 

[ryseing]

Fucking hell. Target has a decent deal for TO (game + $5 gets you a $20 PSN card, so game + $20 PSN monies for $65).

Basically I'd be paying $45 for the game.

Dunno. On the fence.

 

[shwimpy]

Can't say I'm not disappointed by the reviews but I pre-ordered this digitally a month ago and I'm still excited to play it at midnight. Really feel bad for the team as they probably poured their heart and soul into this title. Can't imagine what they're going through right now.