Dishonored

92%
Game Brain Score Based on 35,501 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Dishonored Game Cover
Don't be surprised if Dishonored is in the conversation for GOTY 2012. Arkane Studios' first game is one of the best titles of the year in almost every facet.
Starting at $2.49Buy now
Get on Steam Get on Xbox Games Store Get on Epic Games Store

In Dishonored, you play as a supernatural assassin seeking revenge in a plague-ridden city. With flexible stealth and combat gameplay, choose your own playstyle to take down targets with creative ways to kill or non-lethal options. Your decisions and actions impact the world and outcome of the story.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • NVIDIA GeForce NOW
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Tablet
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
  • Xbox Game Pass
  • x_box_cloud_gaming
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

92%
Audience ScoreBased on 35,501 reviews
story6,201 positive mentions
stability159 negative mentions
  • story13,895 mentions

    The story of "Dishonored" is a well-crafted revenge narrative set in a richly detailed, plague-ridden world, where players control Corvo Attano, a bodyguard framed for the murder of the Empress. The game features a unique chaos system that alters the story and environment based on the player's choices, allowing for multiple endings and a variety of approaches to each mission, enhancing replayability. While some players find the story predictable and the characters somewhat flat, many appreciate the depth of world-building and the engaging plot twists that unfold throughout the game.

    • “The story is captivating, and depending on your choices you can play as either a revolutionary or a terrorist.”
    • “You get a nice well-written story, an interesting world where industry and magic meet, all wrapped up in a nice 10-12 hour story with plenty of replay value.”
    • “The story is engaging, with well-developed characters and a richly woven plot that explores themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of one’s actions.”
    • “However, while Dishonored shines in many areas, its story and character development are somewhat less compelling.”
    • “The game’s reliance on extensive reading to uncover lore and background information may not appeal to everyone, leaving some players less invested in the story’s intricacies.”
    • “The story is somewhat basic, but serviceable.”
  • gameplay7,043 mentions

    The gameplay of "Dishonored" is widely praised for its fluid mechanics, allowing players to approach missions with a high degree of creativity, whether through stealth or direct combat. The game features a unique blend of supernatural abilities and traditional weapons, enhancing the player's experience and offering multiple pathways to complete objectives, which significantly boosts replayability. While some players note issues with AI behavior and the balance between lethal and non-lethal gameplay, the overall consensus is that the engaging mechanics and immersive world make it a standout title in the stealth-action genre.

    • “The gameplay is truly remarkable.”
    • “The flexibility in gameplay is one of the game’s standout features.”
    • “Dishonored is a masterclass in game design, seamlessly blending narrative depth, immersive atmosphere, and innovative gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay feels like a hybrid between fallout, deus ex and bioshock.”
    • “The gameplay is where dishonored truly becomes a staple of its genre.”
    • “The gameplay can be a bit repetitive and the game was shorter than i expected but i still enjoyed the play-through and story.”
  • graphics3,511 mentions

    The graphics of "Dishonored" have received mixed reviews, with many praising its unique art style that resembles an oil painting, which has helped the game age well since its 2012 release. While some players note that the graphics can appear dated compared to modern standards, the stylized visuals and atmospheric design effectively contribute to the game's immersive experience. Overall, the game's aesthetic, characterized by a blend of steampunk and gothic elements, is often highlighted as a standout feature, enhancing both the storytelling and gameplay.

    • “Its visual style, which evokes an impressionistic aesthetic, contributes to a unique experience that feels both timeless and innovative.”
    • “The game's art direction and graphics, considering its origins as a PS3 title, have held up exceptionally well.”
    • “The art style is very unique, with every person and location looking as if you pulled it from a painting.”
    • “The graphics are shockingly bad.”
    • “The graphics are extremely dated, feeling like a mid to late 2000s game.”
    • “The graphics may look a bit outdated for current standards (game published 2012) however this can easily be neglected as it's not going for a realistic look and hence has its own timeless style.”
  • replayability1,513 mentions

    Dishonored is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its open-ended level design, multiple playstyles, and the impact of player choices on the story and endings. Players can approach missions in various ways—stealthily or aggressively—leading to different outcomes and encouraging multiple playthroughs. The game's relatively short length, combined with its rich mechanics and numerous collectibles, further enhances its replay value, making it a favorite among fans of the stealth genre.

    • “Additionally, the fact there's multiple endings depending on your choices gives a whole extra level of replayability.”
    • “The blend of stealth, action, and supernatural abilities creates a gaming experience that is both thrilling and endlessly replayable.”
    • “The game offers a lot of freedom and replayability with its open-ended level design and well-implemented stealth mechanics.”
    • “The only downside for me is that it does not have any replay value.”
    • “Despite how short this game is, it makes up for this in replayability.”
    • “The pseudo-nonlinear design is great for the first time you play through, but there is next to no replayability.”
  • atmosphere1,042 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Dishonored" is widely praised for its immersive and richly detailed world, characterized by a unique blend of steampunk aesthetics and a dark, oppressive ambiance. Players appreciate the game's ability to evoke a sense of dread and intrigue through its art style, sound design, and environmental storytelling, making the city of Dunwall feel alive and reactive to player choices. Overall, the game's atmosphere is considered one of its standout features, enhancing both the narrative and gameplay experience.

    • “The atmosphere is stunning, with a beautifully rendered steampunk world that is rich in detail and atmosphere.”
    • “Its grimy streets, towering architecture, and oppressive atmosphere are beautifully realized, creating a haunting world that begs to be explored.”
    • “The atmosphere, gameplay, characters, story, exploration, everything.”
    • “The oppressive atmosphere, marked by an industrial revolution gone awry and a deadly rat plague, immerses players in a world that's both bleak and captivating.”
    • “The atmosphere is palpably dark, gruesome, and hopeless.”
    • “The atmosphere in this game is quite something too.”
  • music587 mentions

    The music in "Dishonored" has received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many praising its atmospheric and haunting qualities that enhance the game's immersive experience. Composed by Daniel Licht, the soundtrack effectively complements the game's dark and brooding tone, although some players found it minimal or forgettable at times. Iconic tracks like "Honor for All" and the "Drunken Whaler" have been highlighted as standout pieces, contributing significantly to the overall ambiance and emotional impact of the game.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack complements the setting, enhancing the overall immersion.”
    • “One cannot praise Dishonored without mentioning its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, which sets the mood and enhances every moment of the gameplay.”
    • “The music seamlessly adapts to your actions, ramping up the tension during intense encounters or remaining subtle during stealthy maneuvers.”
    • “The music is very minimal but fits the setting well.”
    • “The music, what there is of it, is not memorable.”
    • “The soundtrack is forgettable for the most part.”
  • optimization200 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is highly praised, with many users reporting smooth performance across a range of hardware, including older systems. While some minor issues like stuttering and texture pop-ins were noted, the majority of players experienced stable frame rates and minimal bugs, making it accessible even for those with lower-end PCs. The game's visuals and mechanics are well-optimized, contributing to a satisfying gameplay experience.

    • “This game runs smoothly and the story is immaculate.”
    • “Great optimization (ez 120 fps on gtx 1050 ti)”
    • “Performance is top notch, smooth as butter on pretty much anything that isn't an igpu.”
    • “Furthermore, Dishonored suffers from numerous technical issues and poor optimization, with frequent framerate drops, texture pop-in, and other graphical glitches detracting from the overall experience.”
    • “The game is fun, but the audio is choppy and the lag unbearable; poor optimizations made the game barely playable.”
    • “What I personally found bad was the game's PC optimization; it resulted in a lot of lag and low performance on my side, while the graphics didn't justify such issues.”
  • stability194 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is a mixed bag, with many players reporting minor glitches and bugs that can occasionally disrupt gameplay, particularly in the DLC content. While some users experienced game-breaking issues, most found the core game to be relatively stable and enjoyable, with smooth performance on various platforms. Despite its age, many players appreciate the game's charm, often attributing some of the glitches to its unique character rather than viewing them as significant drawbacks.

    • “Overall 10/10 game, no glitches from what I've seen, and overall very fun.”
    • “This game hasn't aged very badly at all, and everything feels and runs great.”
    • “The stealth mechanic and gameplay is solid and, for me, a bug-free experience.”
    • “The only reason I'm not giving 10/10 stars is the increasing amount of game-breaking bugs and glitches as I proceeded.”
    • “I suffered so much with glitches causing the trials to go slightly awry and completely ruining my run (making me restart again and again), plus some of the achievements take genuine skill that I had to learn and practice.”
    • “There are glitches and parts of levels that aren't polished.”
  • emotional192 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is a mixed bag, with many players expressing deep emotional connections to characters, particularly Emily, and experiencing genuine feelings of guilt and regret for their in-game actions. While some found the narrative to be touching and immersive, others criticized it for lacking depth and character development, leading to a disconnect during key emotional moments. Overall, the game successfully evokes a range of emotions, from heartbreak to pride, depending on the player's choices and playstyle.

    • “The story is riveting and emotional and overall unique and creative.”
    • “I have't gotten emotional over a game in a long time, but seeing Emily's drawing titled 'Daddy' directed towards Corvo really got me going.”
    • “This game made me feel bad for killing people (I got the bad ending).”
    • “I was looking forward to doing a sadist run where I annihilated everything on the map, but now I just feel burnt out and annoyed with myself for sinking time into a game with cool mechanics but otherwise a terribly boring story.”
    • “A boring story, badly told, that has no momentum or emotional resonance.”
    • “Other than that, the game is rather boring story-wise.”
  • humor159 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players highlighting its dark and absurd comedic elements, such as the ridiculous ragdoll physics and the often silly interactions between characters. Many reviews mention the amusing dialogue and the funny ways to execute stealth tactics, which contribute to a lighthearted experience despite the game's serious themes. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm, making the gameplay entertaining and engaging.

    • “Haha funny game about a distressed father looking for a child to save from a corrupt government.”
    • “The faces the people make as well as their comments are hilarious or scary at some points.”
    • “It's funny, for someone trying to prove he's innocent of murder, Corvo does a lot of murder.”
  • grinding157 mentions

    The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in this game is a significant and often tedious aspect, with many players feeling it requires an excessive time commitment, likening it to needing "a second life." While some appreciate the replay value and the satisfaction of mastering the mechanics, the repetitive nature of stealth gameplay and achievement hunting is frequently criticized as dull and frustrating. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a major drawback, detracting from the enjoyment of the game.

    • “Replay value is immense, story never gets old, little to no tediousness here, the game is just genuinely one of the best things Bethesda ever made.”
    • “Enjoyable searches for runes/relics (not tedious/repetitive).”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “While clearly many think this game is great, the gameplay itself is tedious, and all the nice bells and whistles, fabulous as they are, at least to me, fall short of making up for it.”
    • “While the game attempts to offer players freedom of choice in how they approach missions and objectives, the reality is a tedious slog of sneaking, stabbing, and stealth kills that quickly grows stale.”
    • “In conclusion, Dishonored, while having fantastic gameplay, is marred down by extremely tedious backtracking, a rather barebones story, and a heavy-handed morality system that punishes the player for using the cool toys the game gives them.”
  • character development103 mentions

    Character development in "Dishonored" receives mixed reviews, with some praising its depth and the impact of player choices on character arcs, while others criticize it for being shallow and lacking meaningful interactions. The game's artistic character design is often highlighted as visually striking, though opinions vary on its effectiveness in conveying character depth. Overall, while there are moments of strong character development, many players feel that it falls short in comparison to the game's engaging world and narrative.

    • “While the overarching story is compelling, Dishonored truly shines in its character development and the choices players make.”
    • “The plot has many different themes at play and the characters are well motivated and interesting to deal with, there are some people you’ll love to hate, others you’ll love to love and others still that’ll leave you guessing, wondering what their code is and if their actions are dedicated to self-interest or making lives better. Character development is tied to the game’s chaos system too, so you can witness some characters become more brutal, cruel, and uncaring if the plague worsens and bodies pile up in the streets, while others become kinder, forgiving, and generous in a run where you lessen the body count and try to be a better person.”
    • “The character development is just amazing for all the main characters.”
    • “Some of the worst character development, story, and dialogue I've seen in a video game.”
    • “While the game attempts to inject some emotional weight into the proceedings with dramatic cutscenes and character interactions, the story ultimately feels shallow and underdeveloped, with little in the way of meaningful character development or narrative depth.”
    • “There's no character development.”
  • monetization24 mentions

    The reviews highlight a strong appreciation for the absence of microtransactions and season passes in the game, contrasting it with the prevalent monetization strategies of major gaming companies that prioritize profit over quality. Players express nostalgia for a time when games were complete and focused on storytelling rather than in-game purchases, making this title a refreshing alternative in the current gaming landscape. Overall, the game is praised for its integrity and commitment to delivering a full experience without the pitfalls of modern monetization tactics.

    • “Dishonored is bug free, entertaining, complete, has a solid narrative and tight gameplay, with no microtransactions or mandatory season pass.”
    • “No microtransactions/season pass bs.”
    • “The golden age of offline story-driven games is nearly gone with developers like Arcane being pushed out by megacorps that care more for microtransactions and recycling the same content annually than actually earning your dollar.”
    • “Sick and tired of modern gaming microtransactions, cosmetics, pay-to-win looters, and other gimmicks big gaming companies are coming up with to steal your money?”
    • “If you are tired of microtransactions and cheap base games that feel torn apart in order to ask more money from you, this is an excellent remedy.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

91% average critic score

Buy Dishonored

Play time

19hMedian play time
46hAverage play time
12hMain story
37hCompletionist
10-50hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 168 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News