Dishonored 2: PS4 Review

Dishonored 2: PS4 Review

Developed by Bethesda and Arkane Studios
Platform: PS4

The first Dishonored was a great game.

Mixing treachery with the supernatural, revenge with stealth proved to be a major boon for the first outing and a return to Dunwall was inevitable after it snagged some 100 Game of the Year awards.

This latest sees you returning on the 15th anniversary of the death of Jessamine Kaldwin and the arrival of a coup, spearheaded by an unknown existence and threat which has lain dormant for years. With Emily and her protector Corvo Attano thrust from power, you're on the run - and you get to choose which person to play as.

Heading to Karnaca, the coastal city, secrets begin to come to light as you take on the forces that have seized power and claw your way back up to reclaiming your rite - and the throne of Dunwall.

Playing as Emily is a choice many will choose in this stealth sim, that's as much of a thrill as the first game was back in 2012. Arkane Studios has really built on the promise of the first game in this revenge driven thriller that hits all of the stealth bases.

But you actually have to play the game - even on the easiest setting. There's no way to simply blunder into proceedings and to hope to survive. You need to be stealthy, creeping around and eliminating those in your way before they become too alert to your presence and take you out.

And that's sometimes easier than it sounds; even on the game's easy setting, guards go from zero to alert in seconds, meaning you have to be onto it. From teleport powers to specific powers tailored for whichever character you choose to be, Dishonored's two-for-one deal means that really, many will find time to want to play this through again as the other once completion is hit. It's a canny move from Arkane, but rather than reeking of cash-in, it's a perfect way to play.

The game itself looks good, but at times, some of the mouths and eyes look hollow, with patches of white appearing unannounced and reminding you you're playing a game - it's a shame as visually, the Victorianesque streets of Dunwall and the brighter worlds of Karnaca look incredible, a testament to what the PS4 can achieve.

Ultimately, Dishonored 2's attention to detail, its revenge plot and its simplicity of play mean it's a title well worth picking up - even in the busiest part of the tail end of the year, it's a game that shines out and that deserves to be applauded.

Ah, Arkane, you've done it again.