Dishonored 2

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 17,583 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Dishonored 2 Game Cover
A rich, detailed world, tense stealth and frenetic action. Dishonored 2 has it all.
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In Dishonored 2, players uncover a conspiracy against Empress Emily Keldwin and can choose to play as either Emily or her father, Corvo Attano, each with their own set of abilities. The game takes place in the coastal city of Karnaca and features a variety of environments, from sprawling estate grounds to cramped, grimy streets. Players can complete objectives through stealth, combat, or a combination of both, allowing for a highly customizable experience.

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

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 17,583 reviews
story2,395 positive mentions
optimization622 negative mentions
  • story7,000 mentions

    The story of "Dishonored 2" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it lacks the depth and engagement of its predecessor. While some appreciate the continuation of the narrative and the introduction of new gameplay mechanics, others criticize the plot as predictable and derivative, often feeling like a rehash of the first game's story. The character development is seen as weaker, and the overall narrative is described as straightforward, with less emotional impact compared to the first installment. However, the game's rich world-building, unique mission designs, and the ability to choose between two protagonists add layers of replayability and enjoyment for players who prioritize gameplay over story.

    • “Such a masterpiece of a game, immersive with a strong story, multiple paths that you can take on your playthrough and attention to details.”
    • “The story is great, visuals are nice, and the gameplay speaks for itself.”
    • “The story is engaging and well-written, and it does a great job of drawing players into the world and its characters.”
    • “The plot is a dumber, more cliche-ridden rehash of Dishonored 1 with dull characters or duller versions of already existing characters.”
    • “The story is so bland I've actually already forgotten what happened, and I finished it last night.”
    • “The story is weak, plain and simple.”
  • gameplay3,986 mentions

    The gameplay in "Dishonored 2" has been widely praised for its refinement and expansion over the original, offering a blend of stealth and action that allows for multiple playstyles, including lethal and non-lethal approaches. Players appreciate the intricate level design, particularly in unique missions like the Clockwork Mansion and the time-traveling mechanics, which enhance the overall experience. However, some critiques focus on the story's lack of depth compared to the first game, and technical issues such as performance drops have been noted, though many still find the gameplay engaging and enjoyable.

    • “Dishonored 2 improves on the already great gameplay of the first game, adding new mechanics, new powers, and new ways to play, making it a worthy sequel.”
    • “The gameplay is fluid and engaging, with a variety of options for both lethal and non-lethal approaches, allowing players to tackle missions in their own unique way.”
    • “The level design is exceptional, with each mission introducing unique gameplay mechanics that keep the experience fresh and exciting.”
    • “What was worse is occasionally I didn’t spot it, and I lost probably a third of my gameplay time (a solid 12 hours) to repeating levels because of the extremely limited save space.”
    • “The gameplay is fine, very similar to the first, except all of Emily's powers feel underwhelming compared to Corvo's.”
    • “The constant fail and retrying of quick save and quick load is purposefully designed into the game experience, which I think is a really bad idea and takes massively away from the gameplay immersion.”
  • graphics2,329 mentions

    The graphics of "Dishonored 2" have received widespread praise for their stunning art style and significant improvements over the original game, showcasing a vibrant and immersive world. Many players appreciate the unique "whale-punk" aesthetic, which combines steampunk elements with a painterly quality, although some have reported performance issues and graphical glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while the visuals are generally regarded as beautiful and engaging, optimization remains a concern for some players, affecting their experience.

    • “Aesthetically speaking, it is beautiful, a digital work of art.”
    • “Graphics look fantastic; jumping from the first game to this was a pleasant surprise given the improvements they made to the visuals between the two.”
    • “The game's setting, the city of Karnaca, is a beautifully crafted environment that draws players into its rich lore and vibrant aesthetics.”
    • “The thing I didn't like most was the graphics.”
    • “The graphics look worse if anything so why the dropped fps?”
    • “The graphics are very decent and appreciable, I made this game run at medium with my old 8 years old comp that I had with an old geforce 760 gtx, and ran between 30 and 40 fps.”
  • optimization2,326 mentions

    The optimization of "Dishonored 2" has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting severe performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems and AMD graphics cards. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay after recent patches, others continue to struggle with frame drops, stuttering, and overall poor performance, leading to a mixed reception regarding its technical execution. Overall, the game's optimization remains a critical concern, overshadowing its otherwise engaging gameplay and narrative.

    • “The game runs smoothly and looks stunning even on mid-range hardware, making it accessible to a wide range of players.”
    • “Despite some graphical and performance issues, this game truly lives up to the original.”
    • “From what I hear, this wasn't well optimized on release, but it runs fantastically now.”
    • “The game is poorly optimized, so good luck running it if you have a lower-end system.”
    • “Game is unoptimized; my PC is significantly more powerful than the recommended specs, and I'm averaging 40-45 fps playing this game in 1080p, which is completely unacceptable.”
    • “Despite the performance issues, it's a great game, but the optimization is laughably terrible.”
  • replayability779 mentions

    Dishonored 2 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to its dual protagonists, Corvo and Emily, each with unique powers and playstyles. Players can explore various approaches to missions, including lethal and non-lethal strategies, and the addition of a New Game+ mode further enhances replay value by allowing players to carry over abilities and experiment with different character combinations. Overall, the game offers a rich and varied experience that encourages multiple playthroughs, making it a standout title for fans of replayable gameplay.

    • “Giant levels, infinitely replayable, with very original and fun concepts, ridiculously complex and intricate (but perfectly readable), flooded with options that accommodate all play styles perfectly and that never seem to run out even after four playthroughs, masterfully anchored in the game's fiction, represented through a rich and dynamic environment that is simultaneously fantastic and believable.”
    • “The addition of a second playable character brings a fresh perspective to the narrative, enhancing the replayability factor.”
    • “The replayability is just insane!”
    • “I think 30 euros is excessive considering its limited replayability, so maybe wait until the sales.”
    • “Having much more reduced changes based on your actions results in reduced replayability, and ultimately I felt like my third playthrough was a slog.”
    • “Despite its short story campaign there's plenty of replayability with the different characters, powers, and ways to conquer the same objective.”
  • atmosphere428 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Dishonored 2" is widely praised for its immersive and richly detailed environments, with many reviewers noting the game's stunning visuals, art direction, and sound design. While some players feel that the sequel lacks the darker, more oppressive atmosphere of the original game, others appreciate the vibrant and diverse settings of Karnaca, which still manage to evoke a strong sense of place and mood. Overall, the game successfully maintains the atmospheric qualities that define the series, though opinions vary on its effectiveness compared to the first installment.

    • “Coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adapts to the player's actions, the atmosphere remains immersive and captivating throughout.”
    • “The atmosphere is incredible, Karnaca looks so beautiful with grim parts and the music ties everything together nicely.”
    • “From the moment you step into this steampunk-inspired world, you're immersed in a breathtakingly detailed and atmospheric setting that feels alive with history and mystery.”
    • “The world building and atmosphere are not as solid as they were in the original, and much less is left to puzzle out when it comes to the story, even if most of the original's mysteries were all but confirmed if you searched for the answers.”
    • “The atmosphere is fitting, but the story and atmosphere which made the first game famous are lacking.”
    • “The developers had a chance to create a completely different city, a whole new feast for the eyes, but it just feels like Dunwall with slightly different architecture and a blander atmosphere.”
  • music349 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, with many praising the hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adapts to gameplay. While some players noted that the soundtrack may not be as memorable as the first game's, it still effectively enhances the overall experience, contributing to the rich worldbuilding and emotional depth. However, a few critiques mention occasional audio glitches and a lack of standout tracks, suggesting that while the music is generally well-received, it may not resonate with everyone.

    • “Coupled with a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that adapts to the player's actions, the atmosphere remains immersive and captivating throughout.”
    • “The soundtracks are top tier, the title theme is just a masterpiece and other soundtracks are crazy good.”
    • “The music is chilling and surreal.”
    • “The soundtrack is fine, though only the songs sung by in-game duets have been memorable.”
    • “The music is pretty forgettable.”
    • “The game has a very quiet soundtrack, which I understand because the game is supposed to be a stealth game, but I'm more a fan of the energetic and bombastic soundtracks.”
  • stability327 mentions

    The stability of the game has been a significant point of contention among players, with many reporting a plethora of bugs and glitches that detract from the overall experience. While some users have experienced smooth gameplay with minimal issues, a substantial number have encountered frequent crashes, frame rate drops, and audio problems, particularly on PC. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with many recommending patience for further patches to improve stability.

    • “Game runs smoothly with no glitches.”
    • “The game runs great on an older hardware!”
    • “Based on what I have played so far, the game looks wonderful and runs great and stable on my system.”
    • “The game is a buggy mess and can't be enjoyed while playing.”
    • “Constant bugs, glitches, and game-breaking issues have plagued my experience so far.”
    • “This game is literally unplayable on my PC; it launches fine, then the yellow loading bar fills up and then it freezes every single time without any error message.”
  • emotional105 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it deeply moving and others feeling detached. While certain moments and character arcs resonate strongly, many reviewers note that the sequel lacks the emotional depth and investment found in the original game, leading to a less compelling narrative experience overall. The gameplay mechanics are praised, but they often overshadow the emotional storytelling, resulting in a conflict between engaging gameplay and emotional fulfillment.

    • “The story line is so deep and emotional.”
    • “It really tries to tell an emotional story here, full of loyalty, betrayal, loss, and responsibilities.”
    • “With coming back to the Dishonored story after so long, I was worried, but after playing through the game, I have to admit I cried with the way the story played out.”
    • “Most of her comments throughout the game are boring and stupid, which makes an already very boring story even worse.”
    • “Boring story, with an open-ended world meant I had no interest in exploring or finding secrets because it felt fairly inconsequential.”
    • “But anyways, the game is not that good, and when I say that, it's because of such a boring story.”
  • humor97 mentions

    The humor in "Dishonored 2" is a blend of dark comedy and absurdity, with players finding amusement in the game's quirky mechanics, unexpected glitches, and humorous NPC interactions. Many reviews highlight the hilarity of using powers in unconventional ways, such as time manipulation and creative kills, which often lead to laugh-out-loud moments. While some players appreciate the game's attempts at humor, others note that the humor can sometimes feel forced or overshadowed by technical issues.

    • “Made with beautiful detail; just listening to a guard singing to himself a children's spelling song and getting it totally wrong is hilarious.”
    • “If Dishonored 2 were a dish, it would be a masterful blend of stealth, magic, and a dash of dark humor – served with a side of 'did that just happen?!' The game not only lets you sneak around like a ninja with supernatural powers but also throws in more plot twists than a Shakespearean tragedy.”
    • “It's hilarious to painstakingly reach a point using all your wits and abilities, just to find out there was an easier way to get there.”
    • “Dishonored 2 is currently competing with a high school sophomore's unfunny unity meme game for 'worst performance of the 21st century', and the only thing 'Arkane' about this is the supernaturally horrible optimization; I would rather go outside than contend with the Outsider in this 50 gigabyte mistake.”
    • “You're not funny.”
  • grinding96 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding the experience tedious due to the linear level design and the abundance of collectibles that detract from exploration. While some enjoy the challenge of achievement grinding and appreciate the improvements in stealth gameplay, others feel that the need to search extensively for items and complete repetitive tasks can make the game feel unnecessarily drawn out. Overall, the grinding elements can be rewarding for dedicated players but may frustrate those seeking a more streamlined experience.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “A bit grindy sometimes.”
    • “The missions are shorter, no tedious expeditions through the sewers, etc.”
    • “The levels are bigger, but their design is more linear, ironically, and getting all collectibles or even progressing through the story sometimes feels tedious, as you search for the key/code in a large area instead of being allowed to progress at your own pace; teleporting over everything is rarely an option.”
    • “I have limited time to play games now and playing games where you have to run around constantly looking for a hole in a wall or window doesn't feel challenging but rather tedious and time-consuming.”
    • “There is not a lot of variety with how you can build your character, and if you want the 'good ending' you need to complete a variety of incredibly boring and tedious tasks just to spare someone in a very specific way.”
  • character development62 mentions

    Character development in "Dishonored 2" receives mixed reviews, with some players praising the depth of Emily's character arc while others criticize the overall lack of growth for the main characters, Corvo and the Outsider. Many reviewers note that while the game excels in gameplay and world design, it falls short in providing meaningful character interactions and development compared to its predecessor. Overall, the character design is appreciated, but the narrative depth and emotional engagement are seen as weaker elements in this sequel.

    • “Finally, the story is very good (at least Emily's story is good) with a goal that is very easy to get behind, the reasons as to why we want to achieve the goal are well presented, and the main character development is very well done.”
    • “There were a few plot twists I didn't expect and a deeper involvement in character development, especially on Emily's part.”
    • “The character development for Emily and Corvo is very well done and is different whether you play in low chaos or high.”
    • “You will not see any character development or disputes in the group.”
    • “The lack of character development and the emptiness of the allied forces make me feel sad.”
    • “Dishonored 2 has very minor amounts of character development, no tension, and no climax, which is why the story fails.”
  • monetization10 mentions

    The monetization aspect of "Dishonored 2" has drawn mixed reactions, with some players perceiving it as a potential cash grab rather than a fully realized sequel. While there are no in-game purchases, critics feel that the game fails to address previous issues and instead adds superficial content, leading to disappointment among fans who expected a more polished experience. Overall, the sentiment suggests a lack of confidence in the game's value relative to its price.

    • “+ No in-game purchases”
    • “Seems like a cash grab.”
    • “It just feels like they wanted the cash grab, so they said it was a whole new game, when it just isn't.”
    • “I really wish companies would finish their games instead of making Christmas cash grabs.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

83% average critic score

Buy Dishonored 2

Play time

17hMedian play time
38hAverage play time
12hMain story
45hCompletionist
6-49hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 99 analyzed playthroughs

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