Dishonored 2 Reviews
Last night I went to bed after starting my second playthrough of Dishonored 2, and I dreamed of Karnaca. Like the Outsider plucking those who interest him from their earthly existence, Dishonored 2 has invaded my unconscious mind, to the point where I can barely think about much else. I'm already planning my third run.
Dishonored 2's story beats are perhaps a little too familair, but it makes up for its narrative trappings with open-ended gameplay that rewards exploration and creativity. To call Dishonored 2 a stealth game is a bit of a disservice, because you can play it any way you like.
Dishonored 2 is the bigger, badder, and bolder version of the original game, thanks to its densely packed world and wonderfully enjoyable mechanics. Even though the experience only has nine main missions, the amount of replayability and exploration offered allows this title to always feel exciting.
Dishonored 2 is a huge triumph, managing to achieve the lofty goal of outdoing its predecessor in almost every way.
Here I am, nearly the end of this review, and returning players are probably thinking this all sounds familiar: correct. Dishonored 2 doesn’t do much differently, but rather tweaks what came before it, while averting risk. Emily injects new abilities, alongside some different weapon upgrades. There are excellent new environments to go with a similar story that doesn’t really go anywhere; it’s almost a clone of Corvo’s original desire to clear his name of wrongdoings amidst a powerplay. It makes for a very good action-stealth adventure that genuinely encourages playing by your own rules. But whereas we praised Dishonored 1 for being one of the most unique triple-A games of last-generation, that inherently isn’t the case with its very good, but very safe, sequel.
Dishonored 2 is a complex game with a simplistic first-person action wrapper. It offers up a variety of different gameplay options to run through the game with, while presenting a bigger world for you to stretch those options out in. It’s a great follow-up to the first game and certainly improves on its ideals.
Dishonored 2 is a better game than its predecessor in every form, building upon its award-winning formula, regardless if you stick to the shadows or spill the blood of your enemies. It’s a rewarding and satisfying experience, although the game culminates the same more or yes regardless of your choices. The game’s epilogue will paint an optimistic or disastrous picture of the future based on your choices, but the game’s narrative doesn’t hold up as well as the actual gameplay.
I'm a fairly casual gamer and enjoy first-person experiences that pose a challenge and tell a great story. While most of this is achieved in Dishonoured 2 - I feel the storytelling aspects left me feel a little lacking. There are huge bouts of exposition and lore to read - things that could be 'shown' rather than 'told' are extremely present and get repetitive quick. With the sheer amount of action taking place I never felt I really had time to read passages of books and pages of notes - and since this isn't a game like Elder Scrolls Online which rewards you for reading, it doesn't feel warranted here. Everything else is absolutely on point - from the excellent levels to intelligent enemies, it's a pleasure wielding your abilities to demolish anyone in your path and restore yourself to your rightful throne.
Dishonored was a genuine surprise when it launched four years ago; an innovative first-person experience that confounded expectations. That Dishonored 2 manages to once again surprise and amaze as much as the first game did is testament to what Arkane has crafted here. Dishonored 2 is quite simply one of the greatest games this year, and quite possibly one of the best of this generation. Do yourself a favour and go get it.
Dishonored 2 is the richest, most refined and probably most personality first-person sneak game of our time.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
The formula of the first game is hugely improved, giving countless possibilities of different play styles. Karnaca is wonderful and the level design is superb: The Clockwork Mansion is impressive and so is the level with two different fluxes of time you can jump into without constraints. The game is highly replayable, offers a mode without powers and is one of the most inspired games of this generation.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Had it not been for its plagued release on PC — not to mention the niggling texture work that pops up from time to time — Dishonored 2 just might have been in strong contention for best game this year.
Dishonored 2 takes what was good about the first game and attempts to build more around it; the core mechanics haven't changed; it's an action-adventure stealth game, whose non-linearity and replayability will easily absorb tens of hours of your life. The AI has been improved, and the addition of Emily adds new possibilities and powers for returning players to sink their teeth into. The story is easily investable in, and those who crave 100% completion will have a heart attack over just how much there is to find in this game; a medal should be awarded to anyone who finds all the coins in the game without using any guides; I guarantee it's nigh on impossible. Arkane has crafted another good title; while it's not compulsory to play its predecessor, it's advisable. If anything, it'll save you money should you decide you don't like the style; it's not for everyone; especially the cartoon-esque graphic style. Those who enjoy games of the action--adventure and stealth genres could find worse than Dishonored 2. It's by no means a perfect game, but it's pretty damn good.
A masterclass in game design that values your agency
Dishonored 2 is a functional follow-up to a classic that is mired by the addition of all sorts of unnecessary elements.
Ultimately, when I finished the game, I didn’t want it to end. The compelling atmosphere, the wonderful level design, the detailed steampunk world and the absorbing storyline, not to mention the precisely crafted gameplay, all coincide to craft one worthy successor. I guess you could say far from dishonouring its predecessor, this game honoured it and even, dare I say, outdid it.
Dishonored 2 is a great sequel, one that refines the mechanics of the original whilst adding plenty of replay value. It's unfortunate the narrative is lacking but there's plenty to explore and discover in this title.
It may feel like just more Dishonored, but Arkane have improved everything they could’ve and made a truly satisfying sequel. We just hope it’s not the last.
Dishonored 2 is an excellent stealth game bogged down by a terrible port. Consider this score provisional until Arkane fixes its myriad issues.