Dishonored [PS3/360/PC] review

[crocky-chocky]

Played up to the end of the first major mission last night.

It doesn't have the strong start of the games it's drawn comparison with, and I don't really feel invested in the story...yet. About halfway through the first open environment though, when I was up to speed with all the games systems and mechanics, it all clicked into place and I was in le zone. It's properly fantastic when it's all up and running.

The level design is the major success for me so far. I've gone for the patient non-lethal stealthy approach (with a small allowance for choppin' folk for when it goes tits up), and it really gives you time to drink in just how well put together the level is, and how many options you have. I was thinking this morning, that by the time I'd completed the first mission, I had such a clear picture of the level layout that I could walk through it from start to finish...I can't say that about many modern games really, and it makes me want to replay levels right away...rather than the usual never again.

The rune heart is brilliant too, it gives you just the right amount of info, and is a really simple way of ensuring you explore every nook and cranny. The blink ability is also great, and allows for some gutsy maneuvers that wouldn't be possible in other games...I do miss daring runs across opens spaces, though, and guards seem to give up a little too easily if you use it to escape.

So far, all its little systems have worked together beautifully and have produced some pretty nice, organic feeling puzzles with multiple solutions. Even the rat possessing ability has produced a neat little puzzle, and initially I thought that idea was a bit...stupid?

Really like it so far, looking forward to playing more...

[PeteJ]

Nobody playing one of the highest rated games of 2012?

Ok, I've only done about the first half an hour but it seems good so far

[SuperBeatBoy]

Ive done the first act, loving the stealth and controls. Would be playing it now but i'm trying to wrap up sleeping dogs first!

[gambit6613]

I have put a few hours into this so far and have got as far as first mission. I dont know why but it just has not clicked for me yet, just cant quite put my finger on why this exactly, the combat is pretty good and the world is pretty clever, maybe just need to play more.

One thing that does really bother me is it really is a not a great looking game, i hate to sound like graphics whore because generally im not but it just looks pretty bad, maybe i have been spoiled by recent games. If this was released 3-4 years ago it would be understandable but when pretty much all games released for Xbox now are really pushing the system to its limits, this is disappointing.

[EvilBoris]

I'm hoping its a slow burner, I've played a couple of hours and I am a little disappointed. I'm hoping as I unlock more abilities that it opens up more options for me, I seem to be struggling with the stealth and end up just killing, which I don't want to do.

[gambit6613]

I'm hoping its a slow burner, I've played a couple of hours and I am a little disappointed. I'm hoping as I unlock more abilities that it opens up more options for me, I seem to be struggling with the stealth and end up just killing, which I don't want to do.

Thats really funny you should say that about the stealth, im having the exact same problems. I just end up always getting spotted and end up just killing everything which kind of is not what the game is about, the restrictions on ammo for example dont help. Another thing is im crap with the sword when it come to blocking/parrying, its not to bad one on one but when someone goes behind you it makes it impossible.

[SuperBeatBoy]

I completely stealth-ed the prison with no problems. While choking someone you can actually move while you are doing it, so you can pull them out of view, grab them and then just drop them somewhere.

[teddymeow]

One word; amazing!!

More words; the world, characters and art style are all fantastic. The little interaction between Corvo and Emily at the beginning so he doesn't seem like a cold blooded psycho.

I really like the stealth although taking on a group of soldiers was brilliant! The counter and power items (left hand) stuff is really well done.

The gripes I've read about this being 4 hours long seem stupid seeing as I spent 2 doing the first main assassination. I really like the multiple choice way of dealing with the "level bosses" too.

Definitely a contender for my GotY.

[Loftgroover]

Nobody playing one of the highest rated games of 2012?

Ok, I've only done about the first half an hour but it seems good so far

I decided to wait til I have heard more views on here. I think I will have a similar experience to the one that EvilBoris mentioned...so will be a better idea to wait for the magic £17.99 price drop unless I am persuaded.

[Adam]

I'm surprised how much dialogue there is in the game. You can talk to people for ages before they take away the option to talk anymore. Then there's the heart which tells you secrets about whoever you are looking at. She (the heart) seems to have alot to say too. Can also peek through keyholes and overhear conversations, sometimes concerning you, before entering rooms. Still feel like I've barely touched the game though.