Deftones

Exactly. Plus, it isn't like you can't take a game back. I get why some gaming sites are trying to get people to stop pre-ordering so we cease all this extra in-game crap, but seriously. There are plenty of legitimate reasons for preordering games.

Adam Tyner

Even a two to three day lead on reviews is very rare anymore, at least for high profile games. Look at just Sony's first party games from 2014:

DriveClub reviews were embargoed until 10/7, the day of release. Infamous: First Light reviews were embargoed until 8/26, the day of release. Infamous: Second Son reviews were embargoed until 3/20, the day before release. The Last of Us: Remastered reviews were embargoed until 7/28, the day before release.

I can't imagine that it'd be any different for The Order. Cancelling a preorder after reviews show up is rarely an option, and even then those rare instances when it is possible, you'd have to order locally or use a site that doesn't do release date shipping.

K&AJones

Well...

Infamous: Second Son I pre-ordered and great game
The last of Us I pre-ordered and great game and it was a great game even before coming to the PS4
Driveclub didn't get period

And as I said, even by the time I get the game from Amazon which is about 5-6 days after release there will be reviews, both from sites and users. So I can either open it and play or leave it sealed and ship it back for something else. But if someone picks up from BB or Gamestop, goes home, opens it up and doesn't like it....good luck on getting a full refund or a complete credit.

...and all this is pure speculation at this point anyway with the game two weeks away.

fumanstan

There definitely seems like smart ways to take advantage of preorders these days. If you buy a game on release day and hate it, well that's your own risk and fault. Play it quickly and sell it while you can in that case

Adam Tyner

Gotcha. I thought release date delivery from Amazon was standard. (Maybe it's only for Prime members?)

I don't know why I didn't think about keeping the game sealed and sending it back. I've never done that, and that sounds like it's more trouble than it's worth, but my opinion on that is neither here nor there. Is the idea just to make sure you've locked down preorder bonuses? Otherwise, I don't get the appeal.

I wasn't arguing about the quality of any of those games, by the way -- just that the chances of seeing reviews of The Order well before release are slim-and-none.

If a company has a history of embargoing reviews the day of/day before release, it's not pure speculation that they'll continue to do the same. It's not assured either, obviously, but it's not pure speculation.

mattysemo247

I also ordered the Collector's Edition for in store pick up at Best Buy. I almost always wait a day or two before picking up my order to check out reviews. If it's a dud, I don't pick it up that week and get automatically refunded the next week, simple as that. The games club unlocked discounts don't hurt either

Decker

Same for me.

FWIW I don't think there's any way this game is a steaming pile. Worst-case is that it's Ryse with guns and less gore. i can see it being too short, but I've played enough to know it's pretty and fun.

K&AJones

Totally understand. I guess my beef is everyone has put way too much emphasis and clout in either too much pre-release buildup or not enough. I think we can all look back and see all the "Dropped Balls" on several games where there were either dozens of great Pre-reviews only to see the game bust or nothing being let out at all till day or day after release leaving lots of questions and doubts.

In some ways I fault the studios because if you make a product....a game in this case...and have faith in it, then you should give sites like Gameinformer, Gamespot, IGN, Dual Shockers, etc...advance copies and then let those who are interested decipher the reviews from there. But it's a Dual Edge Sword as some reviewers might have a bias on the game itself before even looking at it and give it low marks no matter what.

K&AJones

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yoz0ZSoy0qM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

chase3001

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PPoCA7slqNY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

chess

What the shit?

OK, I might preorder after all!

musick

that is the Canadian only edition .... might have to import

chase3001

Comes with limited edition Tim Horton's packaging.

K&AJones

...I hope its banned in the USA...

Decker

Click around the links to "Explore" on the pinboard in this link. Each one will start one of ten videos. You don't have to watch them all, just start them and exit if you like. You'll get a code for an exclusive theme after you do all ten. The code is instant but won't be active until after 2/17/15.

K&AJones

I saw this on some site so thanks for the explanation and link.

Mok

I wonder if this is the same dynamic theme there giving away if you preorder on psn.

Decker

It's different than the one for sale on PSN. This one has a London skyline, that one is close ups of the main characters. Don't know what the pre-order one is, but as I've said it would be wise to not preorder it on the PSN store in case the reviews aren't good.

Mok

Thanks Decker, I'm going to hold off ordering it on psn till reviews are out.

K&AJones

The Order; 1886 Blackwater Edition...

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lR4hLpbgviI?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Decker

That's a UK-only edition. I still prefer the small figure to the flask, but that is pretty cool as well. Stupid it's not a functional vial though.

leahcim

So no BB $10 certificate I guess

Might as well keep my Amazon $47.99 pre order on the table then

Decker

Nope, no $10 Reward Certificate and no exclusive pre-order DLC. Best Buy doesn't seem to ever give those $10 rewards out with PS4 exclusives. Not even with Uncharted 4.
You should stick with your current preorder if you don't have GCU (or if you don't pay tax on Amazon). If you do have that discount and pay sales tax on Amazon orders, you should still probably switch to Best Buy because if the game gets panned you can easily cancel or return your order (of The Order) while the Amazon copy will likely ship before you see any reviews and they usually make you pay for return shipping.

Michael Corvin

Yeah, sucks there's no $10 bonus, but I did get an email offer for 3x points on any purchase in Feb. so that's... something.

Gooter

There is no exclusive DLC for BB but it still comes with the Knight's Arsenal DLC. I preordered it yesterday. Had $40 in RZ Certs so with GCU it is costing me $8.