Bethesda's Dishonored has arrived with considerable hype surrounding it, which can often be an indication of a game with shortcomings.
Gladly, this is far from the truth in this instance.
You are Corvo Attano, the once-trusted bodyguard of the Empress. Framed for her murder and empowered with supernatural abilities, you become an assassin to seek revenge on those who ruined your life.
Dishonored's gameplay is firmly entrenched in stealth tactics. You can certainly choose to run and gun, causing as much carnage as you like, but you will need to be prepared for the consequences.
Most missions can be completed without harming anyone (apart from targeted assassinations) using a mixture of stealth and supernatural skills.
The decisions you make discern how other characters react to you, and produce different endings. Merciless killings of all and sundry will cause others to react aggressively. You also run the danger of shunning someone from who you need valuable information.
Playing stealthily and avoiding collateral damage elicits more favourable reactions from other characters.
The game isn't long but welcomes several play-throughs, as there are collectibles stashed around the world. Finding these, especially runes, allows more powers to be acquired and others to be upgraded.
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Dishonored is extremely well-made with Oblivion-like visuals and a fascinating storyline. Expect to see this first-person action adventure on many "game of the year" lists. It's the sleeper hit of 2012.
Dishonored
From: Bethesda
For: Xbox 360
Rating: 5 / 5