By W James
Released in 2012 Dishonored gainedcritical acclaim.
Dishonored 2 is a huge improvementover whatthe original Dishonored was with many added features that make the game feel fresh.
The fluidity of combat and the nuanced world building are a sight to behold in Dishonored 2. However, the main narrative in Dishonored 2 is a little bland but that doesn’t take away from how this game is a marvel to both look at and play.
Dishonored 2 takes place 15 years after the first game. Emily Kalwin sits on the throne with her dad and Royal Protector Corvo Attano at her side.
An uprising occurs at the beginning of the game that sets you on the path of revenge to get your kingdom and life back.
Its at this point in the game you choose to play as either Corvo or Emily.
Both Emily and Corvo are pretty interesting characters in their own right and are interesting in the ways they interact with the world.
However, I wasn’t too fond of either voice actor because whenever a line is delivered it feels monotone and with no inflection.
The main narrative is also a bit of a bummer it’s pretty paint by the numbers so don’t expect and mind blowing narrative set pieces.
What this game does very, very right is the gameplay. It has been a long time since I came across a game that gave me so many options about how to go about a situation.
As Emily I can chain different abilities to take out enemies at once or as Corvo you can freeze time and walk right by them. Those are just two of the numerous was to get by any one scenario.
Dishonored 2 is a stealth game no question but even if I got caught by the guards I felt like I could take them one on one. I wouldn’t recommend it but it can be done.
Dishonored 2 does a great job at environmental story telling as well. Karnaca, the silver mining city in Serkonos, is so well realized.
It feels like a city down on its luck oppressed by socialites taking advantage of the poor.
A note in a diary or a conversation overheard are all ways to slow down your playthrough and really appreciate the nuance this game has.
The brush stroke art style of Dishonored makes these moments that much more appreciated.
In the end Dishonored 2 is a phenomenally made game full of nuance and care.
I see that the developers love this world and the characters in it. That giving the player control of their character’s fate is at its core with a really cool world to explore.
Dishonored 2 is game worth playing over and over again.
