“A prime example of gameplay freedom” – acclaimed stealth-action RPG 91% off, now just $2.70
Dishonored 2 continues the story of the acclaimed 2012 stealth-action game Dishonored. In the first installment, players assumed the role of Corvo Attano, bodyguard to Dunwall's Empress, who was wrongfully accused of her murder following a fatal assassination. Gifted with supernatural abilities, Corvo set out on a quest for revenge and to bring justice to a collapsing empire.
Developed by Arkane Studios and released by Bethesda Softworks in November 2016, Dishonored 2 picks up 15 years after the events of the first game. Players can choose to play as Empress Emily Kaldwin or return as her protector, Corvo Attano. Emily adds strategic depth to combat through abilities such as "Domino," allowing linked enemies to share a common fate, and "Mesmerize," which distracts opponents. Corvo, on the other hand, relies on familiar powers like slowing time and teleporting. The mission: reclaim the throne and put an end to the rise of a new tyrant.
At the core of Dishonored 2 is its open-ended level design. Each mission unfolds in a richly layered environment filled with corridors, balconies, hidden paths and alternate entry points. Rather than following a fixed route, players are encouraged to explore and experiment. You might slip unnoticed through an open window, distract a guard to sneak past or creatively sabotage a deadly device to eliminate enemies. Adding further depth to this freedom is the chaos system, which dynamically responds to your playstyle. The more brutal and reckless your actions, the darker and more hostile the world becomes. Enemies grow more aggressive, the tone shifts and your choices shape the outcome of the story, boosting the game’s replay value. Visually, Dishonored 2 captivates with its distinctive steampunk aesthetic, supported by a tense and atmospheric soundtrack.
Reviews: Great level design, lots of freedom, but shallow story
In its review, the German magazine GameStar praised Dishonored 2 for its outstanding level design, calling it a "prime example of gameplay freedom." The game’s refined stealth mechanics, backed by smart enemy AI, were highlighted as major strengths, along with its richly detailed world and distinctive art style. The option to play as either Emily or Corvo adds even more variety, allowing for different strategies and approaches. Combined with the chaos system, this variety ensures strong replay value and a gameplay experience that adapts to your choices.
GameStar did note some shortcomings in Dishonored 2. The story and characters were seen as lacking emotional depth and the controls occasionally felt imprecise. The absence of a New Game Plus mode was also criticized, especially given the wide range of unlockable abilities that would be perfect for multiple playthroughs. Despite these issues, the game has been well received overall. On Steam, it boasts around 40,000 reviews, 89% of which are positive. On Metacritic, it earned a solid Metascore of 86 and a User Score of 7.4.
91% discount at Fanatical
Official reseller Fanatical is offering Dishonored 2 at a massive 91% discount until April 14, dropping the price from $30 down to just $2.70. The deal includes a game key that can be activated on GOG, though not on Steam. According to SteamDB, the stealth RPG is frequently on sale, typically at around 80% off. A 91% discount has never been seen on Steam, making Fanatical’s offer roughly 30 cents cheaper than the lowest price ever listed there.
Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.
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