Dishonored Definitive Edition Game Review

Genres: Stealth, Shooter, Action-Adventure
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Xbox One, GeForce Now, Microsoft Windows
Developer: Arkane Studios
Initial Release Date: October 8, 2012
Awards: BAFTA Games Award for Best Game (Nominee)
Composer: Daniel Licht
Mode: Single Player

About the Game:

Dishonored is an immersive first-person action game that places you in the shoes of Corvo Attano, a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Set in the steampunk-inspired city of Dunwall, a place where industrial technology and otherworldly forces collide, the game offers a rich narrative and a world that reacts dynamically to your choices. Framed for the murder of the Empress you once protected, you must navigate a city plagued by disease and corruption, using your newfound supernatural abilities to uncover the truth and exact vengeance.

Story:

The game’s story is a gripping tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. As Corvo, you are stripped of your honor and forced into the shadows, becoming a masked assassin feared by all. Dunwall, a city built on whaling and industrial innovation, is now overrun by a deadly plague and ruled by a corrupt government. As you unravel the conspiracy behind the Empress’s murder, you’ll encounter a cast of memorable characters, each with their own motives and secrets. The narrative is deep and engaging, with multiple endings that reflect the choices you make throughout the game.

DLC Story:

The Dishonored DLCs expand the story by focusing on Daud, the legendary assassin who killed the Empress. These add-ons provide a fresh perspective on the events of the main game and delve deeper into the lore of Dunwall.

The Knife of Dunwall:

Play as Daud, the assassin who changed the fate of Dunwall by killing the Empress. After the assassination, Daud seeks redemption as he uncovers the mystery of Delilah, a powerful and enigmatic figure. This DLC introduces new powers, weapons, and gadgets, such as the ability to summon assassins and track hidden runes. You’ll explore new districts of Dunwall, including the Rothwild Slaughterhouse and the Flooded District, while making choices that shape Daud’s fate.

The Brigmore Witches:

This DLC concludes Daud’s story as he confronts Delilah and her coven of witches. To stop her powerful ritual, Daud must navigate through rival gang territories, infiltrate Coldridge Prison, and finally attack Brigmore Manor. The DLC introduces new abilities like Pull, which allows you to manipulate enemies, and continues the themes of redemption and consequence. Your actions from The Knife of Dunwall carry over, creating a seamless and immersive experience.

Void Walker’s Arsenal:

This add-on pack provides additional content to enhance your playthrough of Corvo’s campaign. It includes unique character bonuses, extra bone charm slots, and bonus coins, giving you more tools to customize your gameplay style.

Key Features:

Improvise and Innovate: Approach each mission with your own playstyle. Whether you prefer stealthily navigating through shadows or engaging in brutal, head-on combat, Dishonored gives you the tools to succeed. Use a combination of supernatural abilities, gadgets, and weapons to creatively overcome challenges and eliminate your targets.

Action with Meaning: The world of Dishonored reacts to your decisions. Play as a ghost, leaving no trace of your presence, or embrace chaos and leave a trail of destruction in your wake. Your choices impact the story, NPC behavior, and the game’s ending, making each playthrough unique.

Supernatural Abilities: Harness powers like teleportation, possession, and time manipulation to outwit your enemies. Combine these abilities with your arsenal of weapons and gadgets to execute elaborate strategies and take down your targets in spectacular fashion.

A City Unlike Any Other: Dunwall is a beautifully crafted world, blending steampunk aesthetics with supernatural elements. Designed by Viktor Antonov, the art director behind Half-Life 2, the city feels alive and immersive, with every corner telling a story.

My Final Thoughts:

Dishonored is a masterpiece of storytelling and gameplay. I absolutely love how the game’s narrative unfolds and how every decision you make has a tangible impact on the world and its inhabitants. The NPCs react to your actions, and the ending reflects the path you’ve chosen, whether it’s one of mercy or chaos. This level of player agency makes the game incredibly replayable, as each playthrough offers a fresh experience.

As a fan of stealth games, Dishonored delivers everything I could ask for and more. The stealth mechanics are top-notch, allowing you to carefully plan your moves and execute them with precision. The game rewards creativity, whether you’re sneaking past enemies unnoticed or using your supernatural abilities to orchestrate elaborate takedowns.

The DLCs add even more depth to the experience, allowing players to step into the shoes of Daud and explore his journey of redemption. The additional content, such as Void Walker’s Arsenal, enhances the main campaign with new tools and customization options.

The world of Dunwall is a character in itself, with its dark, atmospheric design and intricate lore. The steampunk aesthetic, combined with the supernatural elements, creates a unique and unforgettable setting. The sound design and Daniel Licht’s haunting score further enhance the immersive experience.

In short, Dishonored is a must-play for fans of stealth, action, and rich storytelling. Its blend of player choice, innovative gameplay, and a beautifully crafted world makes it a standout title in the gaming world.