RipTen Review: Dishonored (Xbox 360)

Revenge tales are tricky things. They typically involve a person driven to unfathomable ends that, were it not for the intrusion of malevolent forces in their lives, would never even be considered. For the story to work, a character must first be sympathetic, his quest for retribution both just and tragic. Arkane Studios‘ Dishonored does so very much right, but is missing some key pieces that leave the experience wanting.

[Vivalajmax]

Sad to hear about the story faults of the title, but definitely curious enough by the gameplay that I am looking forward to picking it up.

[knowyourstuff]

Well when you're ripping off Bioshock of course you're going to have a silent protagonist, since Bioshock did it too. This title is original, in that it rips off another largely original title and mixes things around a little with more stealth gameplay, more jumping around, more melee, but really the aggregate design is quite similar. Sure there are synthetic differences but the more perceptive of us will recognize it.

[Pintheshadows]

Half Life did a silent protagonist long before Bioshock was even a concept.

I still think this game draws a lot from Thief.

[knowyourstuff]

Ughh... read what I said people ^^^

You're doing what Bioshock does, therefore you choose silent protagonist and use environment to push narrative. It doesn't mean Bioshock did silent protagonist first, it means when you do everything else Bioshock does it also lends to silent protagonist as the tool for pushing narrative. It's done on purpose so people will be forced to really take in the environment and focus on your powers. Why does this need to be explained? lol whatevs.

[ehuipe]

I've only had a few hours with the game, and the silent protagonist thing is sticking out like a sore thumb.

[GillHarrison]

As much as I enjoy a lot of games with silent protagonists, I feel that this game could have gained from having a voice behind the character.

[SageHonor]

I hate silent protagonist lol. DA origins is the only game where i didnt mind

[Shadonic]

yea im only on the first real mission and even then i notice him just sticking out he dosent have to say much just something.

[Insane087]

just read the text out loud :p

[Tokyo_reject]

Great game, horrible review

[PaladinXII]

I want to point out that I do not begrudge those that were able to look past the problems with the participatory aspects of the narrative. The world of Dunwall is so well crafted that it's like watching a play on Broadway with high school actors. The sets and scenery are gorgeous, but the moving parts, the things that are supposed to engage you in the moment are lacking.

I very much enjoyed a great deal of the gameplay, but it was *only* that which compelled me to play on. The story, at least the parts of it that are focused on the player character, are predictable. If you don't value story (at least not to the degree that I do), then my review is unlikely to match with your own experiences. However, if narrative is important to you (and it is often the key piece of what keeps me engaged in gaming), then my review might offer you an idea of what to expect.

All of that said, I *liked* the game. I did not *love* it. Unless the review rubric has changed in the last few days, a 7 is still a respectable score. I just wouldn't prioritize Dishonored if you have other stuff you want to buy right now.