7 Brutal Truths About The Order 1886 – An Honest and Stunning PS4 Review
Key Takeaways
- The Order 1886 delivers jaw-dropping visuals that still hold up today.
- The story feels like an interactive movie, but it ends too quickly.
- Gunplay is solid, though not revolutionary.
- The world-building is rich, dark, and full of missed potential.
- Quick-time events are used heavily, sometimes too heavily.
- It’s a short experience, around 6–8 hours.
- Worth playing once, especially if you love cinematic games.
The Order 1886 is one of the most visually stunning PS4 games ever made, blending Victorian London with steampunk tech and werewolves. While its short length and heavy cinematic focus disappointed many players, the game still offers a gripping story, strong atmosphere, and satisfying third-person shooting that make it worth experiencing at least once.
First Impressions – A Game That Looks Like a Movie
I still remember booting up The Order 1886 for the first time. Within five minutes, I wasn’t sure if I was playing a game or watching a Hollywood film.
The foggy streets of Victorian London. The gas lamps glowing in the night. The leather coats. The steampunk weapons. It all looked ridiculously good.
Even today, the graphics hold up. And that says a lot.
Visuals That Still Impress in 2026
Let’s be honest. This game was ahead of its time visually.
Here’s what stood out to me:
- Ultra-detailed character faces
- Realistic lighting and shadows
- Film-like black bars for a cinematic feel
- Beautifully designed Victorian environments
It feels handcrafted. Every room, every alley, every character model looks polished.
The Black Bars Controversy
Yes, the cinematic black bars are there. Some players hated them.
At first, I did too.
But after an hour, I forgot they existed. The game leans so hard into the “movie experience” that it kind of works.
Story – Strong Setup, Short Payoff
The Order 1886 tells the story of Sir Galahad and a secret knightly order fighting half-breeds (basically werewolves) in an alternate-history London.
Cool concept, right?
And honestly, the beginning is fantastic.
- Secret ancient order
- Advanced Tesla weapons
- Political conspiracy
- Monster hunting
It sounds epic. And for a while, it is.
But then… it just ends.
The Biggest Problem – It’s Too Short
Here’s the harsh truth.
The game feels like Season 1 of a Netflix series that never got Season 2.
Most players finish it in:
| Difficulty | Average Time to Beat |
|---|---|
| Normal | 6–7 Hours |
| Hard | 7–8 Hours |
| Completionist | 8–9 Hours |
For a full-priced AAA game at launch, that hurt.
As a gamer who loves long RPGs and open worlds, I felt like I had just warmed up when the credits rolled.
Gameplay – Simple but Satisfying
If you’ve played Gears of War, you’ll feel at home.
The Order 1886 uses:
- Third-person cover shooting
- Linear level design
- Quick-time events
- Light exploration
Gunplay and Weapons
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Now this is where the game shines.
The weapons are creative and fun.
My favorites:
- Arc Gun – Shoots electricity like a Tesla science experiment gone wrong
- Thermite Rifle – Spray flammable powder, then ignite it
- Classic revolvers and rifles
The shooting feels tight and responsive. Not groundbreaking, but solid.
Too Many Quick-Time Events?
Yes.
And sometimes they feel like filler.
You’ll often:
- Press a button to open a door
- Tap a button during a fight
- Watch long cutscenes
It makes the game feel less interactive at times.
If you love heavy gameplay, you might feel restricted.
Atmosphere – Dark, Gritty, and Unique
This is where The Order 1886 truly wins.
Victorian London mixed with:
- Steampunk technology
- Supernatural creatures
- Political rebellion
- Secret societies
It feels fresh.
I kept wishing the game would let me explore more. I wanted side missions. I wanted hidden secrets. I wanted lore collectibles that mattered more.
Instead, it keeps you on a tight leash.
Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Stunning graphics | Very short campaign |
| Strong voice acting | Limited replay value |
| Unique setting | Too many cutscenes |
| Creative weapons | Little player freedom |
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Who Should Play The Order 1886?
This game is perfect for:
- Players who love cinematic story games
- Fans of Victorian or steampunk themes
- Gamers who want a short weekend experience
- Trophy hunters looking for an easy platinum
It may not be ideal for:
- Players who want 30+ hour campaigns
- Open-world explorers
- Hardcore gameplay-focused gamers
Summary
The Order 1886 is a visually stunning, story-driven PS4 exclusive that blends Victorian London with steampunk and supernatural elements. While the gameplay is solid and the atmosphere is unforgettable, the short campaign and heavy cinematic focus prevent it from reaching its full potential. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s far from a bad game. If you enjoy cinematic adventures and don’t mind a shorter experience, it’s absolutely worth a playthrough.
FAQs
Yes, especially if you can get it at a discount. It’s a short but polished experience.
Most players finish it in 6 to 8 hours.
No, it is strictly a single-player experience.
Mainly because of its short length and heavy focus on cinematic elements over gameplay depth.
As of now, there is no official sequel announced.
