Dishonored

File:Dishonored Video Game - Gameplay.ogv

Dishonored is a stealth action-adventure game developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. Released in 2012, the game is set in the fictional, plague-ridden industrial city of Dunwall. The player controls Corvo Attano, the Empress's bodyguard who is framed for her murder and forced to become an assassin, seeking revenge against those who conspired against him.

Gameplay

Dishonored is played from a first-person perspective and incorporates elements of stealth, exploration, and combat. Players can choose to approach missions with stealth, avoiding detection and minimizing casualties, or with direct combat, using a variety of weapons and supernatural abilities. The game features a chaos system that tracks the player's actions and affects the world and story, leading to multiple possible endings.

Plot

The game begins with Corvo Attano returning to Dunwall after a mission to seek aid for a plague that is ravaging the city. Upon his return, he is framed for the murder of the Empress and the kidnapping of her daughter, Emily Kaldwin. Corvo escapes from prison with the help of a group of loyalists and is granted supernatural abilities by a mysterious figure known as the Outsider. Using these abilities, Corvo sets out to clear his name, rescue Emily, and restore her to the throne.

Characters

• Corvo Attano: The protagonist, a former bodyguard turned assassin.
• Emily Kaldwin: The Empress's daughter and rightful heir to the throne.
• The Outsider: A mysterious figure who grants Corvo supernatural abilities.
• Havelock: Leader of the loyalists who assist Corvo in his quest.

Development

Dishonored was developed by Arkane Studios, with Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith serving as co-creative directors. The game's art style was influenced by the works of Victor Antonov, who previously worked on Half-Life 2. The development team aimed to create a game that allowed players to choose their own playstyle, whether through stealth or combat.

Reception

Dishonored received critical acclaim for its gameplay, art direction, and narrative. It won several awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Game and the Spike Video Game Award for Best Action-Adventure Game. The game's success led to the development of a sequel, Dishonored 2, released in 2016.

Sequels and Spin-offs

• Dishonored 2: The direct sequel to Dishonored, featuring both Corvo Attano and Emily Kaldwin as playable characters.
• Dishonored: Death of the Outsider: A standalone expansion that follows the story of Billie Lurk, a character from the main series.