Here is a Stealth-Action RPG of a completely different type - a unique blend of both combat and storytelling, with a strong emphasis on exploration and interaction. Dishonored 2 is not just a stealth-slam-shootout, this is something that has gone beyond any stealth mechanic. This is one of those games that really stands on its own, being more about the game world, and player experience, than just one or two key moments of action or dialogue.
The environments of Dishonored 2 are extremely large, but very accessible. The vastness of the design allows you to quickly traverse every corner of the city without fear of wandering aimlessly, giving you a sense of depth without being overwhelmed, and keeping you playing for far longer than many stealth game titles. The world design is extremely well thought out and well executed, and I would highly recommend the game for the experience of exploration alone, not to mention the story and lore.
Within the first 15 minutes of playing through the game, you are able to choose between Corvo or Emily , both of whom were introduced to you and have similar abilities, but are also different in their own ways, and with their own personality, motivations and goals.
Choose Corvo if you want to have fun and not get bogged down by the many intricacies of combat mechanics.
Choose Emily if you want a little mystery, and don’t mind the difficult balancing act.
The choices in the game are quite significant, and you will want to play through the story in order to learn as much as you can about each character. The game features a Chaos System similar to the one introduced in Dishonored. Killing more enemies will create more chaos, and not killing them will result in less chaos. There are numerous side quests that allow you to uncover details and plot threads that are interesting to delve into, such as the history or politics of the city. There are many interesting characters to learn about and interact with, and it was an exciting experience to be able to learn about the motivations behind many of the events that take place in the game.
Players upgrade and customize their character by discovering runes and bonecharms hidden throughout the world. You can make them stronger, tougher, faster, and more resilient. These can be changed on the fly to switch up your strategy at any instant. You can even craft your own bonecharms to suit your tastes, after you unlock the ability via the game's progression system.
Shrines to The Outsider are scattered throughout the game, many with a distinctly cultish feel to them. Each one holds two runes, and a message from The Outsider. The player can learn more about the mysterious figure by exploring these shrines and discovering lore regarding the The Void.
The game's beautiful locations and its vibrant art direction allow for a world that is both intimate and expansive, with an emphasis on exploring the space and feeling like you are a part of it. This is one of the most powerful ways to convey the feeling of immersion in a game. There are multiple areas where the game really pushes boundaries and uses the environment to tell its story. It is an extremely powerful approach to telling an immersive narrative; and in this case Dishonored 2 is an absolutely beautiful place to explore.
The Clockwork Mansion is one of the more intriguing buildings you encounter, built like a giant clockwork castle, with a circular floor and intricate staircases winding through a maze of intricate pipes and tunnels that connect it to the outside world. Every room in the building is meticulously crafted and has a unique purpose that is not necessarily obvious upon first glance, but is nonetheless fascinating to explore.
The mansion features switches that allow you to manipulate the house in many ways, including removing the walls, changing the interior lighting, adding light to the ceiling and even altering the shape of the ceiling above.
There are a number of ways to access different parts of the house, with many doors leading to other areas in the house, allowing for various ways to interact with it.
With some tact, one can even get a glimpse behind the curtain.
Between High Chaos, Low Chaos, Corvo, and Emily, this game offers plenty of options and some of the most exciting combat I've played this year. If you are looking for that perfect mystery, this game offers it at every turn. The game suffers from some of the same problems that plagued Dishonored like the lack of an in-game map, or slow pacing at times. But the sheer scope and breadth of the world – the breadth of which I couldn't help but get tired of at times – made the entire thing feel like an epic struggle, a quest to defeat a corrupt empire and restore order. While the game isn’t without its flaws, I feel it manages to do more than enough with what it’s given. If you want an ambitious sequel to a successful title, I would strongly recommend this.
Do yourself the honor of picking this one up when you get the chance.