Dishonored was one of those few new games I had been dying to play. Whether it was the premise or the gameplay variation, something about this game struck a chord. I've always been intrigued by stealth-action, and while they're not my forte I've always admired the patient subtleties of the genre. The surge of video trailers, tutorials and documentaries kept me intrigued, entertained, and wanting more of this juicy game.
Set in Dunwall, a crumbling city full of baroque influence, we follow the story of Corvo Attano, a bodyguard to the Empress, Jessamine Kaldwin. After the Empress is assassinated and her daughter kidnapped, Corvo is falsely charged and imprisoned. Driven by revenge, Corvo ultimately strikes back and strives to avenge his and the Empress' fate. As you might have expected, what ensues is a much deeper story about corruption and greed, rearing its ugly head from within the opulence.
Dishonored's dark atmosphere is one of its winning factors, and paints a world so rich with corruption it's hard to ignore that foreboding sense of unease. While this certainly isn't the first game to do it, the depiction still feels fresh in comparison and left me wanting more. Oddly enough, I didn't feel as committed to the characters as much as I did Dunwall itself. I feel similarly about games like System Shock or Bioshock which carefully pieced together an environment you can't help but want to be a part of.
The stealth-action gameplay is as amazing as it looks although it's not so much about stealth as it is about using your supernatural abilities (at least for me, anyways). Dishonored is a cool example of the genre because of the amount of variation you're given during each mission; however, most of that variation comes from supernatural abilities (like Blink, Bend Time, Possession or Windblast), so there's very little customizing for the natural abilities. Aside from customizable weaponry and gadgets, you're never given a good enough reason to ignore the supernatural and approach each mission in a genuinely tactful way. While your actions directly affect the game's ending, there was no other clear reward for taking on this challenge (unless, of course, we're talking about Achievement cred).
Speaking of challenge, Dishonored isn't quite as strict as you might think. It's ludicrously easy to steal other's belongings without them even batting a lash, resources are a little too plentiful, there are no lockpicking puzzles in sight, and if you factor in Corvo's supernatural abilities, he becomes an increasingly over-powered character. Dishonored can still be a little spotty as well, with enemies either catching even the slightest movements from afar or remaining blissfully unaware at close quarters (darkness isn't much of your friend this time around, which proves sneaking to be a truly conflicting challenge). Don't get me wrong, the gameplay is great, but it doesn't feel like a fully-fledged stealth game. Dishonored isn't child's play, but it dumbs down the experience.
You're probably wondering what my overall thoughts are of this game and, well, I'm honestly a little conflicted. I was readying myself for the experience well before the game was even released thanks to all of the well-marketed videos, but Dishonored wasn't quite what I had anticipated. I flat-out love the variety, supernatural abilities, premise and atmosphere, but what I don't love is that many of the most coveted stealth features are missing or dumbed down. The ones that are there help maintain the integrity of the genre, but there's never enough reason to truly relish it. Dishonored has utmost faith in its rich, complex fiction and confidently treads down a few interesting paths, but the gameplay choices are a little too lopsided. Did that ruin my experience? Not in the least, but it did leave me wanting more. Dishonored is full of potential, and offers plenty of experimentation, but it still has the potential to shine even brighter.
Dishonored is available on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The game was developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks.
The game is rated M for Mature (17+).
For more information on Dishonored, please check it out at Future Shop:
SKU: 10201991
Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine the numerous supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn.
SKU: 10201992
Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine the numerous supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn.
SKU: 10201993
Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine the numerous supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn.
ErikaSzabo
- edited
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