Dishonored 2

Action-stealth adventure set in a stunning, supernatural world of choices.

Immersive World-Building and Visual Design

Dishonored 2 continues the narrative and atmospheric excellence established by its predecessor. Set in the richly realized city of Karnaca, the game builds on its steampunk-inspired world with intricate architecture, dynamic weather effects, and a lived-in sense of history. The environments blend ornate interiors, bustling markets, and sinister alleys, rewarding detailed exploration with hidden passages, loot, and clues about the greater world.

Dual Protagonists with Distinct Abilities

Players can take on the role of either Corvo Attano, returning from the first game, or Emily Kaldwin, the deposed Empress. Each character offers a unique suite of supernatural powers, complementing their individual playstyles. Corvo’s time-honored abilities, like Blink for instant teleportation, remain intact, while Emily wields new and inventive powers, such as Far Reach and Domino, which link the fates of multiple enemies. The choice of protagonist significantly influences tactical options and narrative perspective.

Freedom of Approach and Dynamic Gameplay

One of the game's core strengths is the flexibility it offers in conquering its challenges. Missions can be tackled lethally or non-lethally, via stealth or open confrontation. This choice-driven structure is reinforced by an updated morality system that tracks player actions. The “Chaos” metric not only affects the world and its inhabitants, but also determines which ending unfolds. Non-lethal takedowns and creative use of powers and the environment open the door for experimentation and replayability.

Inventive Level Design

Each mission in Dishonored 2 stands out thanks to distinctive settings and gameplay mechanics. Highlights include the acclaimed Clockwork Mansion with its shifting rooms and moving parts, and the eerie Dust District, where sandstorms and shifting alliances add tactical complexity. These levels encourage multiple playthroughs, as alternate paths and methods reveal new story layers and secrets.

Enhanced AI and Challenge

Enemy AI is notably improved over the original, with guards exhibiting more realistic patrols and alert responses. This, combined with the variety of supernatural enemies and mechanical threats, keeps each encounter engaging and unpredictable. Adjustable difficulty settings and a custom difficulty option allow for fine-tuning the challenge.

Stellar Performance and Presentation

The game boasts impressive voice casting, with performances from experienced actors that enhance character depth. Its art direction, inspired by oil paintings and Victorian-era design, stands out in a crowded genre. However, some initial PC performance issues have been reported, though subsequent patches have addressed many of these concerns.

Replay Value and Customization

With two protagonists, branching storylines, variable Chaos levels, and a multitude of powers and upgrades, Dishonored 2 offers considerable replay value. Players can revisit missions to attempt alternative methods or push for different narrative outcomes. The game's upgrade system allows powers to be refined and tailored to individual strategy, rewarding both creative problem-solvers and action-oriented players.