Dishonored 2 Update Given Release Date, Adds Interesting New Game Plus Mode

The next Dishonored 2 update will arrive on December 19 and introduces the long-awaited New Game Plus mode, publisher Bethesda has announced. The update will launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, but a beta version is available now for those on PC.

The mode allows players to use both Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano's abilities in a single playthrough. Previously, the game asked players to pick between the two characters, who have unique skills exclusive to them.

"Unlocked once you complete the game as either Emily or Corvo, New Game Plus lets you begin anew as either character with access to each hero's full suite of abilities plus all the Bonecharm Traits and Runes collected from your previous playthrough that you can re-assign to choose the powers you want," reads a press release.

Bethesda has said "more options to customize" the Dishonored 2 experience will arrive in January. These include the much-requested Mission Select option and a custom difficulty setting that lets you "further tailor to your playstyle and adjust the challenge based on a wide array of settings."

Since its launch, Bethesda and developer Arkane Studios has been addressing performance issues on the PC. Game director Harvey Smith said these issues arose despite exhaustive testing of the game.

"There were certain combinations of things that we just didn't expect, despite extensively testing the game; very high-end CPUs with low-end GPUs, and older drivers, things like that," Smith explained. "I'm a PC gamer. There is nothing like running on a super high-end PC. But it's also the most varied platform to support. It's way, way more complicated than consoles."

In his Dishonored 2 review, critic Scott Butterworth was very positive about the game.

"If you use your powers creatively and judiciously, you can be in complete control. It feels exceptionally empowering, especially since when you mess up, you realize your enemies really are smart and powerful enough to kill you quickly," he said.

"Dishonored 2 might lack challenge in its later levels, but the basic tools are a joy to play with regardless. And with two characters and two basic play styles to choose from--both of which noticeably impact the story and the world as you go--there's a lot of longevity to be wrung from the campaign."