Many times before have developers tried to make a balanced, story-driven stealth-action game to be a model title for the rest of the genre. While we have seen some solid titles in the past, as well as some duds, there has never been on to truly define it and become a benchmark for everyone else to compare to. Now, we have that benchmark to admire, compare, and contrast every aspect of what a successful stealth-action should be like with Bethesda's new hit, Dishonored.
With many consumers now jumping into next gen consoles and games, there are few hit titles being developed for those who still crave an awesome adventure on last gen consoles such as the Xbox 360. Dishonored, now available for nearly three years, is a steal of a game at an average price point of about $20. You have a variety of different ways you can approach each mission, and that gives the game some impressive replay value. You can play this game multiple times, and complete the same missions in various ways that will ultimately affect how the end of the game turns out.
You're dropped into Dunwall, a fallen utopia of a city affected heavily by a rat plague. Your job was to protect the Empress, and after being framed for her murder, you escape prison in a plot to take revenge on those who framed you and ultimately took over the government. You must find the Empress's daughter, Emily, and restore peace back to Dunwall. You'll be sent on various assassination missions, towards brothels, strongholds, capitol buildings and more. Bethesda did an outstanding job in bringing you a variety of locales to explore. You'll be able to explore areas of all kinds through special abilities gained from a supernatural being known only as "The Outsider". He is revered in terror mostly throughout the city, and you will become more than just acquaintances with him as you discover hidden runes and bone charms in sanctuaries throughout the world. One of Dishonored's shortcomings is the length of the game itself, spanning maybe 8-12 hours to completed the entire main campaign. This is balanced out by the fact that you can replay the story in various ways, whether to kill everyone in sight, or to sneak your way around and never kill a single enemy in the entire game. The choice is yours, and that is one of the best things about Dishonored. It does not force you to play a certain way, and that really personalizes the experience for you.
Graphically, Dishonored has a unique art style to it. If you have played Bioshock and Borderlands, the art style is very similar to both in terms of how the world is drawn out, and illustrated. Color can go from bland and grim to colorful and bright in a heartbeat, and it keeps you interested to explore every area possible. Shadow usage is done wonderfully with lighting, and it really helps set a dark undertone as you dive further into the plot. There are the occasional glitches with bodies morphing into walls and other objects, but this happens few and far between.
Overall, Dishonored is a fun and involved stealth-action title. You have complete control over how you want to play, and that helps build value in a game that you can now find for as little as $20. Whether you currently own an Xbox 360 or not, you owe it to yourself to find one, and try out Dishonored. Few titles can grip a genre and breathe new life into an area of the gaming world that goes often untouched. If you are looking for a fun, unique, and entertaining adventure, take control of your destiny, and revive the once glorious city of Dunwall.