Dishonored Definitive Edition Review
Platform: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and PC
Developer: Arkane Studios
Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
Author: K.D.
So, what’s so definitive about this game, you may ask. Well, I’m glad you asked! The original Dishonored released in 2012 and its story was set in Dunwall, a Victorian age London-esque town, in the midst of a ravaging plague. Corvo, our protagonist and also Empress Jessamine’s bodyguard, returns from his trip to seek foreign aid against the virulent plague to no avail. But upon his return, the Empress is assassinated and her daughter, Emily, is kidnapped and Corvo is held responsible. The story that follows is one of revenge, redemption, betrayal, and all those other fun stuff that accentuate a captivating story!
Corvo will kill anyone in his way.
Before we get to the definitive edition, I think it’s important to note why this game is/was popular! The gameplay. This game sets up one of the most diverse gameplay structures and gives the player the option to determine their own playstyle. You can shoot everything in its soon-to-be-dead little face, or you can try to sneak past them, or any combination in between. The less people you kill, the easier the plague becomes to remove and, conversely, the more people you kill the worse the plague gets. This is not really an open world concept; Corvo’s tasks are compartmentalized so once a mission is complete, it’s done. So, be thorough or just sneak past everyone and finish the game.
Let’s add to the problem.
So, back to your original question: what is the definitive edition? Well, you see, there are a few DLCs (downloadable content, for you non-gamers) that add a bit to the storyline, some loot, and improved graphics! Who doesn’t love more game, loot, and better graphics?!
There are two DLC story add-ons: The Blade of Dunwall and, its continuation, the Witch of Brigmore. These two follow Daud, the douche that shanks the one and only Empress, and his actions leading up to confronting Corvo. There are many of the same mechanics as the main game, but with different bone charms and new skills unique to Daud. It presents a deeper understanding at the meta-game: the politics of the time, hierarchies, social norms, and just how effed up everything seems to be (poor, poor whale brutality ~sad face~). While these two don’t offer much to Corvo’s story, there’s more kill kill kill or sneak sneak sneak! So how could you go wrong?
The loot in this case is ridiculous for people who enjoy a challenge in their game. When the game was released, there were four separate pre-order bonuses that each included three bone charms (trinkets that give the player the ability to customize Corvo to their liking), a statue that allows you to actually equip an extra bone, AND 500 coins. But you don’t just get one—you get them all. So that’s ~does math~ 12 bone charms, 4 additional bone charm slots (and you start with 3), and 2000 coins. That is a lot! It gives new players a different playthrough experience and removes a good chunk of the challenge right from the start.
Finally, the graphics have minor updates: they look a little crisper and cleaner, but it doesn’t quite have the WOW factor that remasters and re-releases have when they upscale. Due to the updated graphics and locked-in 30 fps (frames per second for the non-technical folks) means that there are significantly longer wait times during the loading screens.
So, what does this boil down to? Minor upgrades to graphics, more story, and too much loot. The game itself is definitely worth it, and the ability to play it on new-gen consoles provides a new entry point into the Dishonored world. Something to note however, the major difference between the GOTY (Game of the Year) edition for last-gen consoles (ps3 and xbox 360) is the graphics upgrade, which honestly isn’t greatly compelling. That being said, if you haven’t played this game before, I would highly recommend picking it up in whatever capacity you think suits you.
Story – Simple and linear, but full of incredible lore and world immersion. One star awarded
Game Play – One of the most diverse game plays for a linear story progression. One star awarded.
Graphics – Stimulating visuals and excellent attention to detail. One star awarded.
Audio – Solid soundscapes, but nothing stellar or ground-breaking. Half-star awarded.
Replay – While it’s not necessary, multiple play throughs varying play styles are encouraged. ~cough three different endings cough~ One star awarded.
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