Dishonored 2

Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Cloud Gaming, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows, Amazon Luna
Genres: Stealth, Shooter, Action-Adventure, Fighting, Platformer
Developer: Arkane Studios
Awards: The Game Award for Best Action/Adventure
Nominations: British Academy Games Award for Game Design
Composer: Daniel Licht
Initial Release Date: November 10, 2016
Mode: Single Player

About the Game:

Dishonored 2 is the highly acclaimed sequel to Arkane Studios’ award-winning stealth-action game, Dishonored. Praised by critics as “brilliant,” “amazing,” and a “masterpiece,” this game builds on the foundation of its predecessor while introducing new characters, abilities, and a richly detailed world. Set 15 years after the events of the first game, Dishonored 2 offers players a fresh narrative, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals powered by the Void Engine.

Story:

The game takes place in a world where mysticism and industry collide. Empress Emily Kaldwin, now a grown woman, has been dethroned by an otherworldly usurper, throwing the Isles into chaos. Alongside her father and royal protector, Corvo Attano, Emily must fight to reclaim her throne and restore order.

Players can choose to play as either Emily or Corvo, each with their own unique abilities, perspectives, and emotional responses to the story. The game’s narrative is deeply immersive, with choices that impact the world and lead to multiple outcomes. From the familiar streets of Dunwall to the exotic, decaying city of Karnaca, the story unfolds in a world rich with lore, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.

Key Features:

Play as Emily or Corvo:

For the first time, players can choose between two fully voiced protagonists, each with their own set of powers, weapons, and gadgets. Emily’s abilities focus on shadow manipulation and crowd control, while Corvo retains his iconic powers from the first game, such as Blink and Time Bend.

Supernatural Powers:

Customize your abilities with advanced bonecharm crafting and upgrade trees. Dominate minds, link enemies, or become a living shadow to stalk your targets. The game encourages creativity, allowing you to approach challenges in countless ways.

Immersive World:

Explore beautifully crafted environments, from the sun-drenched coasts of Karnaca to the Dust District, a war-torn area ravaged by dust storms and factional conflict. The game’s signature mission locations, like the Clockwork Mansion, are masterpieces of design, offering unique challenges and surprises.

Void Engine:

Built on a highly customized version of id Tech, the Void Engine delivers stunning visuals, responsive AI, and dense urban environments. The game’s art direction and technical achievements set a new standard for the series.

My Final Thoughts:

Dishonored 2 is a triumph of storytelling, gameplay, and world-building. The game’s narrative is rich and engaging, with a level of depth that keeps you invested from start to finish. The ability to choose between Emily and Corvo adds significant replay value, as each character offers a unique perspective and set of abilities. Their interactions with NPCs and the world around them feel authentic, making the story even more immersive.

As a fan of stealth games, I was blown away by the level of creativity and freedom the game offers. Whether you prefer to sneak through levels undetected or engage in brutal combat, Dishonored 2 provides the tools to play your way. The game’s multiple endings, influenced by your choices, add a layer of replayability that encourages experimentation.

The world of Dishonored 2 is a character in itself. Karnaca, with its vibrant yet decaying beauty, is a stark contrast to the grim streets of Dunwall. The attention to detail in the environments, combined with the game’s signature art style, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. The Clockwork Mansion, in particular, is a standout moment that showcases the game’s innovative design.

In short, Dishonored 2 is a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Its blend of player choice, innovative gameplay, and a beautifully crafted world makes it one of the best action-adventure games of its generation.

Rating: 10/10

The Gameplays (Dishonored 2)