“All right, that’s it!” “Dishonor on your whole family!” “Dishonor on you!” Dishonor on your cow!” – Mushu from “Mulan.”
Arkane Studios developed a first-person action-adventure stealth game titled, “Dishonored.” Set in the late 19th Century or early 20th Century London during a plague, a bodyguard named, Corvo is framed for murdering an empress. After he escapes prison, he joins a resistance group, “The Loyalists,” who seek to overthrow London’s corrupt organization known as, “The Abbey.” In order to save the empress’ daughter, Emily, he’ll need the tools to eliminate targets linked to The Abbey. Corvo’s also guided by a mysterious man named, “The Outsider” who gives him powers.
Released in 2012 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, (same year Assassin’s Creed III came out) it received positive reviews from critics and gamers alike. The game was re-released in 2015 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. One Year Later, a sequel was released earning positive reviews. Anyway, Arkane Studios is developing a video game based on Marvel’s Blade. As of mid-2025, no release date has been confirmed. Before Blade’s upcoming solo game comes out, I wanna share my thoughts on Dishonored.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever.
Quiet & Loud Aspect
Quiet: Michael Madsen, (may he Rest in Peace) Brad Dourif, Lena Headey, Chloë Grace Moretz & Susan Sarandon all did an excellent job for their respective voiceover performances.
Graphics bring the game’s immersive world to life such as character models, fluid movement, animation, lighting and environmental locations. The Definitive Edition enhances visuals on PS4 & Xbox One.
Gameplay/Mechanics
- Presented as a first-person action-adventure stealth game, you play as Corvo sneaking his way pass enemies and dangerous obstacles in his way.
- Combat allows you to strike down foes with your dagger, powers and arsenal. Block, then counterattack. Place a trap. Shoot an enemy with a crossbow or gun. Toss a grenade.
- Enemy A.I. reacts to your movement. If you make a sound like throwing an empty glass, they’ll investigate. They have eyes and ears. Time their movement. Be careful.
- Obtain coins and runes shaped like a human heart. Spend ’em on upgrades, stock health/mana, remedies and ammo. Bone Charms grant you a perk.
- Discover blueprints for new upgrades. Go to Piero’s shop to unlock and buy.
- Level Design in missions gives you options to pick a route. Either by rooftop, a secret passage, front entrance etc.
- You have two options to eliminate your primary target. Lethal or non-lethal.
- “Chaos System” acts as a morality system. Low Chaos means they’ll be less enemies, allies will trust you and a positive ending. High Chaos means more enemies, allies will no longer look up to you and a negative ending. If you kill many enemies, you get High Chaos. If you stick to a no killing rule like Batman, perform non-lethal takedowns and shoot sleeping darts, you get Low Chaos. Your decisions will affect the story. Choose your approach wisely.
- Cracking safes contains sweet loot. If you have a hard time, you can look ‘em up on YouTube walkthroughs.
- Collecting notes and audio recordings contains information on worldbuilding.
It took me 16 hours to beat the main story. Replay Value adds additional hours by replaying the entire game for alternate outcomes.
Tip: Before you make a move, always save your game. If you make a mistake, load your game file. Coordinate your plan properly. A little trial and error improve your strategy. Use it to your advantage.
The late Carrie Fisher voices a broadcaster. No joke. Look up her IMDb page.
Primary Themes are Power, Corruption, Consequence & Revenge. Each one’s handled carefully.
A Plot Twist changes everything.
If you purchased Dishonored: Definitive Edition or separate DLC, you get these things listed below. More bang for your buck.
- The Knife of Dunwall
- The Brigmore Witches
- Dunwall City Trials
- Void Walker’s Arsenal
Loud: The game only has ten main missions. Seems pretty low.
The Final Verdict: A-
Dishonored’s a really good game definitely worth your spare time. If you’re into steampunk or first-person stealth games, this one’s got your name on it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 