One of the most discussed titles this fall has been Bethesda/Arkane’s FPS stealth game, Dishonored. Players assume the role of Corvo Attano, the Queen’s loyal bodyguard, who is wrongfully accused and convicted of the assassination that results in her death. Simultaneously, the heir to the throne is kidnapped, a child Corvo regards as almost his own daughter. The narrative follows Corvo’s journey from imprisonment, driven by shame and anger, as he seeks to rescue the heir and exact revenge. That is the core premise of Dishonored.
Players familiar with titles like BioShock will recognize the game’s style. The first-person perspective allows players to experience the world through Corvo’s eyes, with only his arms visible, which are used to control and equip weapons and items. While the game features a relatively linear narrative, players are given the freedom to decide how they want to approach each situation. A stealthy, non-lethal approach yields a more favorable ending, whereas a more aggressive, Rambo-style approach with swords, explosives, and firearms results in increased rat infestation, a more widespread plague, a more challenging final confrontation, and ultimately a darker conclusion.
Several aspects of Dishonored warrant immediate attention. The game presents a significant challenge and demands patience, for several reasons. Firstly, stealth gameplay is an art that requires precise timing and, in some cases, trial and error, since strategic planning is limited by unfamiliar environments. Secondly, Corvo is easily killed (particularly on normal or hard difficulty settings), and the load times between attempts can reach 20-30 seconds. This delay is noticeable, especially when attempting to overcome a difficult section multiple times.
The pre-release screenshots showcased at E3 were visually impressive, demonstrating exceptional color palettes, lighting, and detail. It appears that these assets were captured from the PC version running with high-end hardware and maximum settings. The PS3 version, which was the focus of this review, is visually appealing, but does not quite reach the level of fidelity I anticipated. Character models exhibit relatively simple facial features, and while the water and lighting effects are well-executed, many textures appear somewhat unrefined for a modern title (e.g. foliage).
The audio design, however, is exceptional. The atmospheric soundscape and sound effects significantly enhance the immersion, allowing players to, for example, hear guards conversing around corners to inform their tactical approach. Combined with strong voice acting, it provides a satisfying auditory experience.
Overall, Dishonored’s ambition is commendable. The game is set in a dystopian, quasi-historical setting reminiscent of 19th-century England, yet imbued with elements of cyberpunk through advanced technology, and a plague that transforms individuals into zombie-like creatures. It is a demanding game that requires a significant time investment, and the consequences of direct combat versus stealth are not always immediately clear in terms of achieving the “good” ending. However, most challenges offer multiple solutions, encouraging creativity and enhancing replayability.
I enjoyed Dishonored, though I did not find it to be a groundbreaking experience. Personally, I would have preferred more opportunities for direct action (or at least greater tolerance for chaotic gameplay) and perhaps a third-person perspective. The game places a strong emphasis on stealth and trial-and-error gameplay. However, I am impressed by the player’s freedom to choose their own solutions and the intrigue of discovering the next stage of the story (even if it largely revolves around “go to X and eliminate Y” objectives). While it may not be another Half-Life 2, it is above average for the genre. If you appreciate stealth-based gameplay and open-ended problem-solving, it is an essential purchase. However, if you prefer fast-paced action in the style of The Darkness, you should consider trying it first.
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