Dishonored Review

Posted By Robert G. about 7 months ago

Dishonored Review

Dishonored Review – ZGR, 6.6 out of 10 based on 10 ratings

There is always a moment when we stop to praise the new in the gaming world. We naturally rage against the constant influx of sequels, craving something different from what we see in the market day by day. Players are always on the lookout for something to inspire them, to give accolades to without question. The reality though is that such instances of originality are often deified without critical analysis. We lose a certain sense of honesty when we are blinded by our passion.

I bring this up because I see that happening with Dishonored, the latest effort from Arkane Studios, the team behind the PC cult classic Arx Fatalis. Dishonored is unique type of game, not just in terms of visuals or gameplay, but due to the mystique behind it being branded as something “new.” So while Dishonored is a breath of fresh air in the current gaming market, it is far from the perfect presentation many may make it out to be.

Dishonored has you star as Corvo Attano, the silent bodyguard of the current empress of the island of Gristol. The capital whaling city of Dunwall is stricken with a mysterious plague, paralyzing the population with fear and uncertainty. Sadly, Corvo is framed for the death of the empress and the kidnapping of her only daughter, and is subsequently dishonored in a conspiracy plot to overthrow the city, only to be rescued from prison by another group of conspirators trying to save it.

With a velvet cloak and a diamond-encrusted dagger, Dishonored tries to play a game of thrones with its background of wanton murder. Conspiracies, backstabbing, and mad power grabs abound, as Dishonored does very little in terms of narrative that is innovative. This is possibly due to design, since Corvo is tasked as the instrument of the revolution, he has little stake other than protecting the empress’ daughter from harm.

Arkane Studios also has a habit of not really explaining much about the game world. Like Bioshock, most of the context is found through books and recording machines, as we learn tidbits about Gristol, the neighboring isles, the magical properties of the Outsider–an ethereal being believed to be a god–and the whale oil-based technology that surrounds you. But in the end, most of this information is world-building filler that makes a cool extra to the task at hand. Since Corvo is the only man who can eliminate the conspirators populating Dunwall, his actions become the primary focus.

It was Miss. Scarlet in the dining room with the plague rats!

“Eliminate” is the key word here. Corvo can go through the game violently, stabbing and shooting any watchman, citizen, and target as he wishes, or he can stick to the shadows and use subterfuge to achieve the same effect. He can sell targets into slavery or brand them a traitor by literally branding their face. The game offers a number of choices in how to deal with targets, each level giving you options to play.

That is the crux of Dishonored‘s charm. Each of the nine levels offers various options in how to approach a solution. Do you go through sewers to sneak into the basement or climb ledges to an open window? Do you put guards to sleep, stab them in the back, or avoid them entirely? Do you poison your target, shoot your target, or throw them in jail? The amount of choices is staggering and Arkane Studios was not lying when they claimed you can play your way.

It really does thrust Dishonored into some forgotten territory. Nothing is really “new” in terms of Dishonored’s game design, as Arkane borrows elements from many sources, namely Thief and Hitman, to make lavish set-pieces you can explore in non-linear ways. It is a throwback to old-school PC game design; where the world is the Rubik’s Cube and the game will hold your hand minimally throughout, leaving you to tread along with your wits and reflexes. Arkane Studios is also banking on the fact that you, the player, will replay Dishonored multiple times to try out different tactics. So at its core, Dishonored is a stealth-based puzzle game that relies on the player changing their style each time to keep it refreshing, all the while finding the best routes to solve your problems.

Sage Reviews: Dishonored

By Bennett The Sage

If you could play Bioshock as Nightcrawler, then you'd have Dishonored.

Dishonored Review

By Robert G.

Dishonored is far from the revelation many paint it to be, and it certainly will not cater to everyone’s tastes. Make no mistake though, this is that rare kind of game that has the potential of catching lightning in a bottle through its own merits, generating an amazing experience through a jolt of inspiration.

Dishonored Review - ZGR

By ZGRDaniel

After watching the amazing trailer for Dishonored in April, Daniel was clearly excited to test out the game upon launch. But did it live up to the awesomeness?