'Dishonored review': A new twist on the stealth video game genre

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If you were to combine the stealth gameplay of Assassin’s Creed with the in-your-face action and story of Bioshock, Dishonored would be its love child.

From beginning to end, Dishonored doesn’t disappoint.

Graphics & Presentation

In the backdrop of the fictional city of Dunwall, your character, the royal bodyguard Corvo, is on a revenge-filled journey to clear his name. Framed for killing the Empress and abducting her young daughter, after 6 months in prison, Corvo is released and given the opportunity to take down the ones responsible. How you ultimately complete your mission is your choice.

The ability to use stealth to sneak around or to dispose of your adversaries in brutal combat highlights the freedom Dishonored gives you. Play to your strengths.

The company that brought us the Fallout series, Bethesda Studios, outdid themselves in crafting Dishonored’s colorful backdrop. Inspired by Victorian-era London, Dunwall visually jumps off the screen. It literally looks like you’re walking through the ins and outs of an oil painting. From the packs of rats that are savaging the streets to the subtle interactions of the guards who are looking for your every move, the player has a lot to take in visually.

http://youtu.be/x5lsIRUkat4

 Gameplay

Dishonored is played from the 1st person perspective, meaning combat is extremely up close and personal. The bodyguard turned assassin uses traditional weapons to take out his targets, like swords and guns, but as the story progresses you’ll be blessed with more weapons of the supernatural variety. Your magic powers are pretty nasty and can be used in a variety of capacities.

The Blink ability allows you to teleport a short distance to avoid guards patrolling…or used to appear behind an enemy to slit his throat. Teleport away from the bloody mess you made and leave the reinforcements confused.  While hide-n-seek kills are enjoyable, not all of Corvo’s abilities are used for the offensive. ‘Dark Vision’ is a passive power that allows you to see through walls as you plot the best way to take out your mark.

By far my favorite power to use has to be the ‘Devouring Swarm.’ The ‘Devouring Swarm’ summons a group of bloodthirsty rats that will eat your opponents alive.

 Verdict

I have few complaints about Dishonored.  All your powers are upgradable, but the task to enhance these abilities can become a strenuous one. Bone Charms are the currency used for the power upgrades that are littered over the city, so you may be backtracking from your mission to become a force to be reckoned with.  I completed the game by maxing out a few powers and dismissing those that didn’t suit my ‘shoot first ask questions later’ play style.

Unless you’re so anal retentive that you must collect every magic spell, save yourself the trouble.

In conclusion, Dishonored is a game of the year contender that provides a new spin on the stealth genre that should be best bought to experience.

You can check out Kyle’s musical coverage on theGrio music page, and follow Kyle on Twitter at @HarveyWins.