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[Mr. PlayStation]

Driveclub was poorly received by most gaming outlets, yet the game has surprised the heck out of me. It's been my most played game since December 2014. But did I get it at launch? No actually since I wasn't sure if the game's car handling would suit my taste. So many in GAF kept saying the racing is fun, the handling is fun, but I was still not convinced. Then the weather update went live, Amazon was generous enough in offering the full game as a digital download for $39 and I decided to immediately jump on board. Can't believe how much fun and intense the racing aspects of Driveclub is, despite the game not featuring nitro/turbo/takedown type stuff which I love from non GT/Forza based racing games. Races are all intense, fighting against your own best time, competing on community challenges have all been crazy levels of fun and challenging. And Evolution deserves a lot of support and praise as they are continually improving the experience by releasing free cars, tracks, gameplay and visual enhancements.

Thus I have a strong feeling I am going to enjoy The Order 1886 as well!

 

[Korten]

This is your last man's straw? Instead of saying you experienced it differently?

I'm done, there's no point to arguing anymore.

Keep soaking in your cynical culture.

 

[N30RYU]

it's time to make RAD a sony first party company. just for making a better crytek game than crytek (aka empty showdown game) in their first attempt is worthy just to sit then with guerrilla and naughty dog in the same table.

 

[Servbot24]

People are saying the same for Destiny but people are eating up those expansion packs and I will not be surprised if Destiny 2 sells like pancakes soaked in cocaine honey.

Destiny is a whole 'nother beast considering it's made by one of the most beloved studios ever. It's understandable why people would give Bungie another chance.

 

[Chuck Norris]

I feel a bit for RAD they are certainly talented. But I have some questions about their motivations as game developers. This product really seems out of tune with what gamers are wanting.

It feels as though it's just an outdated game. RAD is clearly not listening or not in line with what gamers want if they think a cinematic experience is enough to sell the game. Gamers would have bought the Order in droves five years ago but these days we are demanding more player freedom, openness, choices and more interesting gameplay mechanisms. For an example - Naughty Dog are in tune with this. Kohima is in tune with this. RAD are not.

 

[darkwing]

Has anyone from RAD said anything on social network since the reviews dropped??

nothing, I think that is for the best

 

[GitarooMan]

I don't think this would sell 2M, despite what Pachter said

Eh I think it might get there, the question will be at what price? If a lot are sold at a severe discount that's a far different story than selling 2 million at full price (Mirror's Edge is an example; decent numbers when just looking at volume of sales, but most were sold way below full retail).

 

[Psychoward]

That gif is longer than the game is.

 

[RoboPlato]

This brings up a good point.

Sony probably have dibs on Ready at Dawn's next game. But if they don't go for it Microsoft absolutely will. And RAD will bring over their fancy new engine (didn't Sony Santa Monica help out with that?).

So, Sony really doesn't have much of a choice. They can't risk RAD's Uncharted 2 going to Xbox One.

Well if RAD wants to work on another Order, they need to go through Sony since they own the IP. I wouldn't be surprised if they also have a right of refusal clause for a different project like EA/Ubi tend to do, meaning RAD would have to pitch a new IP to Sony first before taking it to other pubs.

 

[bananafactory]

This brings up a good point.

Sony probably have dibs on Ready at Dawn's next game. But if they don't go for it Microsoft absolutely will. And RAD will bring over their fancy new engine (didn't Sony Santa Monica help out with that?).

So, Sony really doesn't have much of a choice. They can't risk RAD's Uncharted 2 going to Xbox One.

All technology and game development was done entirely in-house at RAD, they own the engine.

So yeah, you're right. Sony will have to decide whether to gamble again or walk away. I am sure MS would take them if they wanted to go that route.

 

[The Sarcastic Dude]

Not surprised at these reviews. A new IP that doesn't follow the typical gaming trends gets harsh reviews...

I just hope all the excrement I've been reading doesn't push RAD out of game development.

A generic, linear third-person cover shooter doesn't follow typical gaming trends? Not sure if serious...

 

[DigitalRicket]

Great gif or greatest gif. Wow. I was on the edge of my seat not wanting it to end. Very good implementation and even good lip syncing.

 

[bananafactory]

Has anyone from RAD said anything on social network since the reviews dropped??

What are they going to say?

"You guys are wrong"

?

There's literally nothing they can say that will fix this. Just have to wait until the game is in consumer hands and see what fans think.

 

[Alienous]

Trying to think of what other series RaD could pick up if The Order is dumped. Resistance? Heavenly Sword? Jak and Daxter?

I think a co-developed The Last of Us game with Naughty Dog could be a great thing. Ready at Dawn seem technically sound. With some good direction, like they had with PSP God of Wars, and to a lesser degree with Daxter, I think they could do some great things.

It doesn't have to be a sequel, necessarily. But RAD's attention to detail, in that universe, with those core game mechanics, could be astounding. And perhaps it could alleviate Naughty Dog's responsibility of following up The Last of Us with an equally astounding game. A good stop-gap before Naughty Dog's The Last of Us 2, perhaps at the tail end of the generation.

 

[meanspartan]

Has anyone from RAD said anything on social network since the reviews dropped??

I feel bad for these guys, this has to be a heartbreaker for them. The game clearly had a ton of care and attention to detail put into it. Unfortunately, this vision apparently is not what people wanted and the gameplay suffered because of their attention to everything else.

This game does not look to be that good if the consensus is right, and I feel bad for them because it doesn't seem to be because they didn't work really hard on it.

 

[darkwing]

it's time to make RAD a sony first party company.

sadly, this isn't like Sucker Punch's Infamous

 

[timetokill]

I'm done, there's no point to arguing anymore.

Keep soaking in your cynical culture.

Well, you did say you were leaving GAF, didn't you?

 

[Arion]

What exactly is a AAA game¿ During my long life as a gamer, I've considered "AAA" titles that gain a general positive opinion both on media and the public and also sell a lot of copies on their respective platform. To me, notable AAAs are Persona 4, Halo 3, Uncharted 2, Street Fighter IV or Brawl. But I've noticed a trend that started in the HD gen (past gen) where games are considered AAA only because they're first-party.

The Order 1886 has been considered a AAA title ever since it was first announced and we didn't know anything about it. And even now we have no idea if it's gonna sell well, it's not even out until tomorrow and reviews are average at best. Why are people calling it a AAA then¿

I always thought AAA meant a $60 price tag. If your game costs that much it needs to live up to certain expectations.

 

[QaaQer]

A generic, linear third-person cover shooter doesn't follow typical gaming trends? Not sure if serious...

Things have changed over the last 3 years in the console space.

 

[hipbabboom]

Does Sony want to risk pushing out a sequel knowing its not well received? RAD has created the game engine and everything, it would be a waste to just let it die.

I think only abject commercial failures are left to die because it makes sense to cut your losses rather than capitalizing on the war-chest you've built up for the IP. Its far far FAR too soon to be calling things like that however. RAD needs a good rest after a job well done so they can reset and think about the next thing to work on while the dust settles.

 

[Archaix]

A generic, linear third-person cover shooter doesn't follow typical gaming trends? Not sure if serious...

The amount of people who have warped the narrative to say that RAD and The Order are being punished for being innovative is mind-boggling. This is the most bland, riskless, straightforward game you could possibly design. It is so devoid of risk as to make me wonder whether there's actually been a portal opened to another dimension where a paint-by-numbers cover corridor shooter is a brave new voice in gaming. NeoGAF is the center of some singularity puncturing through to that other world and we're seeing this bizarroGAF's discussion about the innovative "Wait here and shoot the guys who walk back and forth for no reason other than to give you a better shot" rooms.

 

[Stereogatari]

Trying to think of what other series RaD could pick up if The Order is dumped. Resistance? Heavenly Sword? Jak and Daxter?

Jak and Daxter sounds like a good one considering their Daxter game.

 

[RoboPlato]

I think a co-developed The Last of Us game with Naughty Dog could be a great thing. Ready at Dawn seem technically sound. With some good direction, like they had with PSP God of Wars, and to a lesser degree with Daxter, I think they could do some great things.

It doesn't have to be a sequel, necessarily. But RAD's attention to detail, in that universe, with those core game mechanics, could be astounding.

Seeing RAD's jump from Chains of Olympus to Ghost of Sparta makes me hope that their next game can pull it off as well. I consider that on par with Uncharted 1>2.

 

[Valentus]

Wat? In which universe? 64 was bad (for a video game) 20 years ago and it still is.

It sucks that this game is just another shooter...now with more shiny graphics. You can get away with such an game when you are a launch titel but 1 1/2 years after that, you should be filled with new and interesting gameplay elements.

Brutal: Paws of Fury and Bubsy were 7/10 games in the time and god knows how much i enjoyed playing them in my snes.

 

[antitrop]

Things have changed over the last 3 years in the console space.

everything_was_openworld.jpeg

 

[Freeman]

I'd guess at least 3mil. Order 2 will have to overcome the negative impressions people now have of the series.

I don't think reviewers are always a good indication of how the game will be received by the public. I think sales paint a better picture.

 

[Jingo]

in all this 114 pages bashing the game, is there anyone here that already, you know, actually played the game?

 

[NullPointer]

I'd love to know this too. I wonder if it is like Destiny, and had the guts ripped out because of mock reviews and play testing.

That'd seem to fit with some of the complaints about re-purposed scenarios, a story that abruptly ends before it really gets started and the game's (albeit short) delay.

 

[Jawbreaker]

OT complaining about lack of "professionalism" from reviewers.

I dunno, while I guess some of the mocking in tweets may cross the line a bit, I far FAR prefer that over just handing out a minimum of 8s for being a AAA game.

While I agree with the sentiment, I think the criticism is borne out of a lack of consistency in that department. If more games were getting panned and "mocked" to this extent, I don't think people would be as defensive. However, I've noticed reviews have been a bit more harsh so far this gen, which is a step in the right direction when such criticism is deserved.

 

[jpax]

I'm done, there's no point to arguing anymore.

Keep soaking in your cynical culture.

I agree with you that we should stop arguing, but mostly because you really seem to have no idea what the words you are using actually mean...

 

[HMD]

All technology and game development was done entirely in-house at RAD, they own the engine.

So yeah, you're right. Sony will have to decide whether to gamble again or walk away. I am sure MS would take them if they wanted to go that route.

MS has been having the more game-y games for a while, I don't see them going that route for a while (unless TR does really well)

 

[N30RYU]

in all this 114 pages bashing the game, is there anyone here that already, you know, actually played the game?

I just have to wait 2 more hours...

 

[JayEH]

I support any gifs that use The Office.

 

[darkwing]

in all this 114 pages bashing the game, is there anyone here that already, you know, actually played the game?

in the Impressions thread I guess

 

[MormaPope]

Things have changed over the last 3 years in the console space.

That's why The Last of Us was praised to high heaven, PC games such as Gone Home and the Stanley Parable have been praised, Journey and The Walking Dead being GOTY winners and contenders.

Its understandable if people forget that these games existed, but to speak like critics have all of a sudden performed some sort of heel turn? That's bullshit. Linear experiences aren't being trashed, bad games are.

 

[Lactose_Intolerant]

I always thought AAA meant a $60 price tag. If your game costs that much it needs to live up to certain expectations.

wrong price tag

 

[timetokill]

in all this 114 pages bashing the game, is there anyone here that already, you know, actually played the game?

It's a reviews thread, not an impressions thread, bruh

 

[Skux]

OT complaining about lack of "professionalism" from reviewers.

I dunno, while I guess some of the mocking in tweets may cross the line a bit, I far FAR prefer that over just handing out a minimum of 8s for being a AAA game.

Why one or the other? The games media can criticise the game without disrespecting the people that made it.

Seeing tweets and posts along the lines of "haha you made a shitty game you suck" is schoolyard bullying and saddening to see from professionals.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

For everyone acting like this is a developer funeral



Mistakes happen. Studios recover. Life goes on.

Though I feel like it's important to point out that Insomniac was pushed into FUSE. It never seemed like the game they wanted to make.

In three years, are we going to see RAD saying The Order was shitty and forced upon them and they wanted to stick to their original vision? I doubt it, but even if it does happen, I suspect it will be Molyneux-like in sincerity when he does the exact same thing.

 

[orava]

A chunk of that time was probably dedicated to building that engine.

All things considered, the engine is fantastic given the visuals :3

Well if it would be particularly well performing engine then i would agree. It's not really above any other high profile engine out there and is actually much more limited in that regard. Other engines can also deliver similar or better visuals.

 

[maverick40]

I feel bad for these guys, this has to be a heartbreaker for them. The game clearly had a ton of care and attention to detail put into it. Unfortunately, this vision apparently is not what people wanted and the gameplay suffered because of their attention to everything else.

This game does not look to be that good if the consensus is right, and I feel bad for them because it doesn't seem to be because they didn't work really hard on it.

Yup I agree man, I feel very sorry for these guys

 

[ArkkAngel007]

OT complaining about lack of "professionalism" from reviewers.

I dunno, while I guess some of the mocking in tweets may cross the line a bit, I far FAR prefer that over just handing out a minimum of 8s for being a AAA game.

Those are mutually exclusive expectations?

It's valid for people to be calling out that behavior. I see plenty of people here who throw shits of epic proportion over Adam Sessler not getting a PS4 review unit because his outlet wasn't big enough or TB saying something bad about some game, but suddenly cuz it's about The Order it's all good?

If the topic was Bloodborne or MGSV, it would probably have its own damn thread lol

All in all, not really a huge bother in of itself. Only bit that gets me is the shift in reception to that sort of behavior.

Why one or the other? The games media can criticise the game without disrespecting the people that made it.

Don't think they disrespected RAD really. Treating the whole situation around the game in disrespectful manner, but nothing towards RAD.

 

[Korten]

Well, you did say you were leaving GAF, didn't you?

I said, I may. Though it's clear you "missed" that part. Posts like this make the decision a lot easier though. Thanks.

I agree with you that we should stop arguing, but mostly because you really seem to have no idea what the words you are using actually mean...

What ever dude, just keep that hate train going.

 

[Amentallica]

I don't disagree with the point you were trying to make, but your first example is pretty messed up. The percentage weighting only adds up to 90 rather than 100 and your weighted visuals score is half what the weighting suggests it should be. So it's really 55.5/90 or 61.6%. Suddenly the score difference looks less dramatic.

Oops, I fucked up the math.

 

[Maxim726X]

OT complaining about lack of "professionalism" from reviewers.

I dunno, while I guess some of the mocking in tweets may cross the line a bit, I far FAR prefer that over just handing out a minimum of 8s for being a AAA game.

Reviews are fine, that's their job.

Jabs about the game through twitter? Can't say I agree with that one. Pretty classless if you ask me.

 

[OsirisBlack]

OT complaining about lack of "professionalism" from reviewers.

I dunno, while I guess some of the mocking in tweets may cross the line a bit, I far FAR prefer that over just handing out a minimum of 8s for being a AAA game.

I would agree but the mocking and unprofessional nature of what is happening along with TB's tweet really make it look like this is a group of people that had already decided they were going to dog pile on the new kid in school because of "reasons".

even if that's not the case that is certainly how it looks.

 

[timetokill]

I said, I may. Though it's clear you "missed" that part. Posts like this make the decision a lot easier though. Thanks.

Jesus, that hurt your feelings?

 

[Palette Swap]

I'm not really surprised at the emerging consensus, I never felt the game. I still feel bad for RAD though.

Rereading the Eurogamer "don't preorder this" thread is amusing in retrospect.

 

[HMD]

in all this 114 pages bashing the game, is there anyone here that already, you know, actually played the game?

Yes, I finished it a couple of days ago.

 

[Junior Mint]

That's why The Last of Us was praised to high heaven, PC games such as Gone Home and the Stanley Parable have been praised, Journey and The Walking Dead being GOTY winners and contenders.

Its understandable if people forget that these games existed, but to speak like critics have all of a sudden performed some sort of heel turn? That's bullshit. Linear experiences aren't being trashed, bad games are.

People just want to make up all sorts of justifications to cover up the bad reviews. A bad game is a bad game and that's all there is to it.