Dishonored 2 | Xbox One

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Subtlety isn’t always something which comes naturally in gaming. So many experiences are explosion-filled, non-stop action thrill rides that you come to expect grand spectacle and over-the-top set pieces whenever you turn on your console.

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by
James
Michael
Parry

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@pass_controller

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Deverloper: Arkane Studios
Publisher: Bethesda
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One
Players: 1

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Dishonored has always been a series which gives players a choice of how to approach things, offering multiple paths through areas and ways to complete objectives, many of them relying on an appreciation of the art of stealth - and Dishonored 2 is no exception.

Going in all guns blazing (or, in this case, gun and decapitating knife) will prove immensely satisfying and, let's be honest, cool, but leave some of the game’s finer details and even a few achievements out of reach. Making your way through each level without claiming lives and/or raising the alarm affects the level of ‘chaos’ in the world. A loose term, silently judging how much havoc you happen to be reeking and subtly affecting elements of the landscape, such as how many bloodfly infestations you find ready to nip at your neck.

Playing all the way through with an insatiable bloodlust is by no means ‘wrong’, as the game encourages you to choose your own path, but there are definite consequences and, in the end, you’re going to make your job much harder.

You fill the shoes of either Corvo Attano, a slightly older iteration of the protagonist from the first game, or his daughter, Emily Kaldwin, as they are challenged to the throne or Dunwall by Emily’s estranged aunt. Sadly, choosing to play as one closes off access to the other and there’s little relationship building beyond the tutorial as a result.

Each brutal killer - or ghostlike infiltrator, depending on your playstyle - has their own set of supernatural abilities which work in a similar way to BioShock’s plasmids, only with a more otherworldly presentation. The end result, once you’ve unlocked a number of these powers, is an increasing number of options on how to tackle certain problems and puzzles, which can feel incredibly rewarding when you find a combination that works for you.

The story is, as per usual, one of betrayal and false accusations, which either Emily or Corvo must work towards setting right in order to restore equilibrium. The missions themselves each have their own personality, injected through both level design and specific mechanics, making the game feel much more varied than you might expect.

One such level, which was shown off frequently prior to release, is The Clockwork Mansion, in which the entire building layout transforms around you at the pull of a lever - like some sort of twisted M.C. Escher painting come to life - and it’s extremely impressive.

Dishonored 2 stands up as one of the most compelling single-player outings of the year, balancing gameplay, story and spectacle in a way not often seen these days.

Developer Arkane seems to be acutely aware of the sort of spectacle they’ve created in this and other levels, as they offer occasional periods of respite in which you’re granted the freedom to explore and soak in the richness of this world. It isn’t quite as endearing as pre-event Columbia in BioShock Infinite, but it does have some genuine character to it, while still feeling like a natural battleground to skulk about in.

Gameplay is generally extremely well-balanced; slick and deliberate movements underline the fact you’re a trained killer, whether you decide to use that part of your skillset or not, whilst fluid combat elements flow naturally.

The original Dishonored was considered a challenging jaunt, which is an attribute its sequel holds on to. There are four difficulty settings from the off, with more to be added, along with a New Game Plus option via a free update in due course, but even the standard difficulty is a serious test of skill - particularly if you’re aiming to get through the game with no kills and not being discovered at all. There’s even a mode in which you forgo powers, reserved for actual masochists, though a forgiving save system might help you cheese your way through.

The AI can be overzealous at times, with the slightest glimpse of the player through cover, at a distance, even in shadow, arousing their suspicion, no matter how careful you might be to move slowly and carefully. In the same breath the enemies also suffer from cone of vision syndrome, where if you pull shenanigans behind them, even just a few metres away, they’re completely oblivious. This sort of inconsistency is few and far between, but certainly present enough to be noticeable and impact the way you play.

Some supporting characters have excellent voice talent on show, with turns from Rosario Dawson (Daredevil and Luke Cage), Robin Lord Taylor (Gotham’s Penguin) and Sam Rockwell (Moon, Seven Psychopaths and Iron Man 2). Investing in these names pays off as the cast bring their characters to life, which is essential in what can otherwise feel like quite a deliberately solitary experience.

In the end, Dishonored 2 stands up as one of the most compelling single-player outings of the year, balancing gameplay, story and spectacle in a way not often seen these days. While there are a few things which don’t quite work, the game is greater than the sum of its parts, delivering a thoroughly engaging experience that will push veteran Corvo players while also offering a new gameplay style to master with Emily and her more nuanced set of powers.

At this time of year it might - in the spirit of the game itself - be one which is at risk of slipping by unnoticed, but there are lots of reasons it’s more than worthy of your time.
 
Pros

• Well-balanced gameplay with real, if subtle, choices and consequences
• Accessible for newcomers and a step up for returnees
• Superpowers are always good fun

 
Cons

• Graphically unremarkable
• AI can be both annoyingly dense and unrealistically aware
• Some simple move combinations take a long time to master

Score 9/10
Did you enjoy Dishonored 2? Let us know in the comments and be sure to check out our video review as well.