A game that gives you an objective and the tools but lets you figure out how. (First review!)
Dishonored is a game that pays tribute to the greats like Deus ex and Thief and plunges you into a world of choice and consequence. mixing slight RPG elements into a first person action adventure with more possibilities then the norm.
You play as Corvo, the silent protagonist entrusted with the protection of the empress battling to save her plague infested city of Dunwall, and her daughter Emily. Following some horrible events with nasty assassins, you are labelled a traitor, accused of the empress's death and thrown into gaol. After a bloody escape thanks to help from "the loyalists" you embark on an adventure to set things right in Dunwall, get revenge, and place young Emily on the throne.
Dunwall is an interesting place. More like plague infested old London meets "whale punk". that's right! whale punk! everything in this world is run on whale oil which combined with the old London like aesthetic makes for some interesting contraptions and settings, like the tall boys which are guards on stilt-like contraptions that have to be seen to be believed.
Along your way you'll meet characters with side quests and information on what to do next. you see this game is all about choice. I literally spent maybe 1 - 2 hours playing a single mission exploring every nook and cranny, every possible outcome and way to complete my objective. From back stabbing possible allies to ransacking houses. Everything in Dunwall is your play ground. go in stealthy and listen into conversations to get that code to a safe that's been giving you grief. Or go in guns blazing leaving a pile of bodies in your wake. The choice is yours. And to help you along with your choice you are given some nifty powers and tools. Cross bows, pistols , swords and the rather fun razor traps to puncture 'would-be' pursuers. To supernatural powers. Like freezing time, possessing animals and guards and "blinking", which is a short teleportation that is great in combat and irreplaceable for those looking for alternative routes. All these combined make for some truly creative ways to kill. But be careful. Killing too many people raises your "Chaos". Chaos means more guards, more Wheepers (plague sufferers) and plague infested rats ultimately giving you a "darker" ending. But play silently, and neutralize rather then kill, and you will have a more positive outcome. Dishonored gives you the tools and paths - you make the choice.
The general look of Dishonored is beautiful to say the least. Everything from buildings to bridges over rivers that is stunning one minute but haunting the next as you get into the grittier plague infested sections of the city. Using the tried and true unreal 3 engine, which is getting a little stale, you can really see how art style holds a game up in terms of looks. Some texture blur here and there and objects lose there luster when you get closer, but all that aside its a wonderful, lovingly created world.
If you choose to blast through this game you will find its 9 missions in total to fly on by. But for those keen to explore and get lost in Dishonored's world will find a lengthy campaign which begs to be played at least twice.
Dishonored is a game which is unfortunately still a little alien in this gens library of games. A game that's gives you tools and objectives, but doesn't hold your hand. The unpredictability in the way you approach levels is thrilling from start to finish. The art, game play and countless opportunities is something that definitely shouldn't be overlooked.
9/10