Dishonored® Definitive Edition Review: A Stealth Masterpiece Revisited

Dishonored® Definitive Edition Review: A Stealth Masterpiece Revisited

Introduction

Dishonored® Definitive Edition, released in 2015, brings the critically acclaimed 2012 action-adventure game Dishonored to the current generation of consoles with enhanced graphics and all previously released DLCs included. Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, this edition offers both new players and long-time fans an opportunity to experience the game in its most refined form. In this review, we'll explore how Dishonored® Definitive Edition stands up to the test of time and what makes it a must-play for stealth enthusiasts.

Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, Dishonored® Definitive Edition offers a masterful blend of stealth, action, and exploration. Set in the steampunk-inspired city of Dunwall, the game follows Corvo Attano, a bodyguard framed for the murder of the Empress he was sworn to protect. Armed with a range of supernatural abilities granted by a mysterious figure known as the Outsider, Corvo embarks on a quest for vengeance and justice.

The gameplay is characterized by its freedom of choice. Players can approach missions with a variety of strategies, from stealthily bypassing enemies and using non-lethal takedowns to engaging in direct combat. The game’s level design supports this versatility with intricate environments that reward exploration and clever problem-solving.

The "Blink" ability, which allows Corvo to teleport short distances, and the "Possession" power, which enables him to control animals and enemies, are particularly notable. These abilities, combined with an arsenal of weapons and gadgets, provide players with numerous ways to approach each mission.

Visuals and Performance

The Definitive Edition enhances the original game’s graphics, offering improved textures, lighting, and overall visual fidelity. The upgrade makes the richly detailed world of Dunwall even more immersive, with its dark, atmospheric settings coming to life in higher resolution. While the game’s visual enhancements are significant, it’s the art direction that truly shines, maintaining the distinct steampunk aesthetic that defines the Dishonored series.

On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, Dishonored® Definitive Edition runs smoothly with minimal performance issues, providing a stable and enjoyable experience. The updated graphics and performance improvements make the game feel more modern while preserving its original charm.

Story and Characters

Dishonored’s narrative is a compelling mix of political intrigue and supernatural elements. The story unfolds through a series of well-crafted missions and character interactions, with Corvo’s quest for revenge intertwining with a broader conspiracy affecting the fate of Dunwall. The writing and voice acting contribute to a deeply engaging experience, with memorable characters like the enigmatic Outsider and the scheming High Overseer.

The game’s choice system allows players to shape the outcome of the story. The decisions you make, whether through lethal or non-lethal means, influence the game’s world and the ending you receive. This system adds replayability, as different approaches lead to varied experiences and outcomes.

DLC and Additional Content

Dishonored® Definitive Edition includes all the downloadable content (DLC) released for the original game. This includes:

• The Knife of Dunwall: Follow Daud, the leader of a group of assassins, as he seeks redemption for his actions.
• The Brigmore Witches: Continue Daud’s story and face off against powerful witches.
• Dunwall City Trials: A series of challenge maps that test players’ skills in combat and stealth.
• Void Walker’s Arsenal: Additional weapons and equipment to enhance the gameplay experience.

These DLCs add significant value to the Definitive Edition, offering expanded lore, new missions, and additional gameplay challenges.

Replayability and Value

Dishonored® Definitive Edition is highly replayable due to its branching storylines and multiple playthroughs encouraged by the game’s choice-based mechanics. The various ways to approach missions and the impact of player decisions on the story provide ample incentive to revisit the game. The inclusion of all DLCs further enhances the overall value, making it a comprehensive package for both newcomers and veterans.

Dishonored® Definitive Edition FAQ

1. What is Dishonored® Definitive Edition?

• Answer: Dishonored® Definitive Edition is an enhanced version of the original 2012 action-adventure game Dishonored. Released in 2015, it features upgraded graphics and includes all the downloadable content (DLC) released for the original game.

2. What platforms is Dishonored® Definitive Edition available on?

• Answer: The Definitive Edition is available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It is also playable on Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility.

3. What improvements does the Definitive Edition offer over the original game?

• Answer: The Definitive Edition features enhanced textures, improved lighting, and higher-resolution graphics compared to the original game. These upgrades provide a more polished visual experience while retaining the original game's distinctive art style.

4. Does Dishonored® Definitive Edition include all the DLCs?

• Answer: Yes, the Definitive Edition includes all the downloadable content for the original game, including The Knife of Dunwall, The Brigmore Witches, Dunwall City Trials, and Void Walker’s Arsenal. This adds new missions, challenges, and additional content.

5. Are there any new features or content in Dishonored® Definitive Edition that weren't in the original game?

• Answer: The Definitive Edition does not add new content beyond the existing DLCs. It focuses on graphical improvements and includes all previously released additional content for a complete experience.

6. Can I play Dishonored® Definitive Edition on a PC?

• Answer: No, Dishonored® Definitive Edition is not available for PC. The enhanced version is exclusive to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

7. Is Dishonored® Definitive Edition a good starting point for new players?

• Answer: Yes, Dishonored® Definitive Edition is an excellent starting point for new players. It includes all the content from the original game and its DLCs, making it a comprehensive package that introduces players to the Dishonored series with improved visuals.

8. What are the differences between Dishonored® Definitive Edition and the original Dishonored?

• Answer: The main differences are improved graphics and the inclusion of all DLCs in the Definitive Edition. The core gameplay and story remain the same, but the enhanced visuals and additional content provide a more polished and complete experience.

9. Does Dishonored® Definitive Edition support any special features like HDR or 4K resolution?

• Answer: Dishonored® Definitive Edition supports enhanced graphics for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, but it does not specifically include HDR or 4K resolution support. The visual improvements are more general upgrades in texture and lighting.

10. Can I use a save file from the original Dishonored in the Definitive Edition?

• Answer: No, save files from the original Dishonored are not compatible with the Definitive Edition. The game does not support importing or transferring save data.

11. How does the game perform on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One?

• Answer: Dishonored® Definitive Edition generally performs well on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, offering stable frame rates and improved graphics compared to the original release. There are minimal performance issues reported.

12. Is there a difference in content between the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions?

• Answer: There is no significant difference in content between the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Dishonored® Definitive Edition. Both versions include the same enhancements and all the original DLCs.

13. How does the Definitive Edition compare to the remastered version of other games?

• Answer: Dishonored® Definitive Edition offers a solid upgrade in visuals and includes all DLCs, but it does not add new gameplay features or content. It stands out for its complete package and improved graphics, though it follows a similar approach to other remastered games by focusing on graphical enhancements.

14. Are there any notable changes in gameplay or mechanics in the Definitive Edition?

• Answer: The gameplay and mechanics remain unchanged from the original Dishonored. The Definitive Edition focuses on visual improvements rather than altering gameplay or mechanics.

15. Will there be any future updates or support for Dishonored® Definitive Edition?

• Answer: As of now, there are no announcements for future updates or additional support for Dishonored® Definitive Edition. The game is considered a complete package with the enhancements and content available at release.

Conclusion

Dishonored® Definitive Edition is a standout title that successfully elevates the original game’s experience with improved graphics and added content. It remains a benchmark for stealth and action games, offering a rich, immersive world, engaging gameplay, and a compelling narrative. Whether you’re experiencing it for the first time or revisiting Dunwall, this edition is a testament to the enduring quality of Arkane Studios’ design and storytelling.