Dishonored 2 Reviews
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 going to keep stealth game fans busy for quite a while this holiday season. Every level is meticulously crafted, with more emphasis on verticality to enhance some of the new powers introduced. Additional hidden level goals are discovered organically, and while enemies can be hilariously clumsy, they are also adept pathfinders. With a nuanced story, two protagonists to play as, and multiple endings, Dishonored 2 begs, or rather, deserves to be played again and again.
Dishonored 2 is just the latest example in a long line of games that continue to illustrate the close relationship between quality stealth games and emergent gameplay. Any given playthrough will present you with myriad chances to both create and react to opportunities, many of which appear with little to no warning. It's in surviving these situations (preferably undetected) where Dishonored 2 delivers its most tangible rushes and most profound sense of gratification. It's a tale of vengeance that's presented in an imaginatively conceived world, one that is as threatening as it is inviting.
The second time is definitely a charm for Dishonored 2, which builds on the solid framework of the original to create a bigger, better sequel. This includes more powers, more characters and a bigger playground filled with interesting missions layered with even more gameplay elements. Some of its villains feel a bit caricaturish and lovers of pure stealth might not like the lack of consequences from taking a more action-oriented approach. The freedom to choose your path and approach to gameplay, however, combined with fun mechanics make Dishonored 2 worth playing over and over and over again.
Back in 2012, Dishonored was a title that surprised many its striking world and engaging gameplay rooted in old-school stealth, and with its sequel, Arkane Studios thoughtfully (and smartly) builds on what made the original one of the highlights of the last generation of games. Dishonored 2 will still satisfy those looking for a challenging (but rewarding) stealth experience, but more importantly does so with an incredibly varied toolset of abilities, skills, and options more than ever before. If Dishonored was the student that displayed great promise, Dishonored 2 shows the series well on its way to becoming the master.
Dishonored 2 had a lot of high expectations to live up to, and it does so admirably. Not only is it a great game in its own right, but it also exists as a fantastic sequel that expands upon its predecessor in multiple memorable ways.
Dishonored 2 is a marvel of level and puzzle design, which more than makes up for the lack of an engaging story or characters.
If you liked the story of revenge of the first game this time you will love it, because it explains important details on who was the assassin of the crown.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Dishonored 2 is unquestionably bigger, more beautiful and stronger than the first episode. Artistically the most neat, bathed in an extraordinary universe and offering a simple but captivating and very well narrated frame, with two charismatic characters that we enjoy embodying, it proposes environments as seductive as brilliantly constructed.
Review in French | Read full review
Dishonored 2’s beautifully bleak world, incredibly level design, and top notch AI make for an altogether grand experience that will have fans of the classic Thief series truly enthralled. Its story is not the best narrative you’ve ever seen, and the voice acting (even of Vincent D’Onofrio and Rosario Dawson) is rough. Not Peter Dinklebot of Destiny Infamy bad, but it’s not great. That said, there’s little in Dishonored 2 that would keep me from recommending it for all fans of stealth action games. Simply put, it succeeds and surpasses where the sequel laid the groundwork.
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.
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 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.
Dishonored 2 is a huge triumph, managing to achieve the lofty goal of outdoing its predecessor in almost every way.
If you liked the first Dishonored then I have no doubt this will feel both familiar and also an even more expansive world with some nice new twists to make for an even more satisfying gaming experience. If you’ve never played the original then you can still jump straight in and get your Steampunk action on. Great conspiratorial story telling with some fun game mechanics make this a worthy game for your collection… plus there are plenty of reasons to return to Dunwall after your first play through… try a different main character or try a different approach to the many challenges that await.
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.
A masterclass in game design that values your agency
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
Dishonored 2 is the richest, most refined and probably most personality first-person sneak game of our time.
Review in Chinese | Read full review
Dishonored 2 takes everything that made Dishonored 1 great, and improves upon nearly every aspect. With a wealth of different ways to play, as well as fantastic level design dotted with collectibles, this game is sure to please returning fans and newcomers alike.