Forget Cyberpunk 2077, this Steampunk RPG from 2012 chose and Fallout is inevitable

Dishonored came out 13 years ago and has remained the blueprint for how choice-based mechanics are done ever since. Since then, there have been plenty of games that feature heavy decision making Dishonored debuted, but its specific version of choice-based gameplay is felt throughout its world, making it a uniquely beautiful RPG, even more than a decade later. Over the years, developers have tried to make choices in the game more complex, and while most of them have been successful, Dishonored it represents a system that is characterized by much more depth than it might seem at first glance.

In Dishonored, your actions can quickly have dire consequences

Image via Arkane Studios

IN Dishonoredyou play as Corvo Attano, the sole bodyguard of the missing Empress Emily, who is about to ascend the throne of Dunwall, a bleak steampunk-inspired city suffering from a deadly plague.

Of course, the player's decisions shaping the outcome of the story or the fate of the character is the foundation of many strong RPGs, but Dishonored he takes this concept and really makes it part of his world atmosphere. Instead of just a basic moral mechanic, Dishonored's take on decision making is called Chaos system. The chaos system serves as a mirror of the protagonist Corvo's morality. It will not only affect him, but also the world around him and ultimately the end of the game.

Sure, that's not necessarily new, but it stands apart from how drastically playstyle can affect the overall outcome of a story and its characters. There are only three endings Dishonoredand they all pack a punch, whether it's good or bad, and it all depends on what Corvo's Chaos level will be at the end of the game.

What affects Corvo's chaos level in Dishonored?

• Killing people

• Certain decisions made during side missions

On the surface, the Chaos system is simple. If you kill a lot of people during the game, the level of Chaos will increase. If Corvo kills less or no people, his Chaos level will decrease. In addition, however, special events must also be taken into account. For example, while playing “The Royal Physician”, Corvo encounters a woman who is surrounded by a pack of rats and later in Falcon's house, a test subject. Saving these people will lower Corva's Chaos level, and this is just one of several times the protagonist can choose to save people or ignore the quest. These special actions are not necessary to complete the game, but can be useful for those who want to reduce the chaos. Consequences like these Dishonored on any good list of great RPGs with tough choices.

It sneaks through Dishonored and killing as few people as possible is much easier said than done. DishonoredThe game can be difficult, but it is not too difficult. It just takes a lot of extra effort to get through the story while still trying to keep Corvo as a morally upright person.

The chaos system makes the city of Dunwall feel completely different every time you play through it

From the environment to how NPCs and allies interact with Corvo, Dishonored gives a decent indication of what the level of Chaos is. Finally, a high level of chaos Dishonored it makes everything more complicated than it needs to be, but for those who like a good challenge, it can also be quite fun.

How Dishonored's level of chaos affects the experience

Depending on what the player chooses, Corvo's quest to rescue Emily can become much more difficult and unpleasant, and it's entirely up to the player how it plays out. It may seem easier to kill everyone during the story and not deal with the slower, methodical stealth, but it's definitely not. The obstacles that high Chaos presents are only worth it if players are really looking for extra difficulty and a dark conclusion. DishonoredThe three endings can lead the story to an optimistic ending or a dark and bleak finale, and while fascinating, it can be shocking to see how things turn out for Corvo and Emily.

Dishonored's three endings demonstrate the harshness of its world

Although there are three different possible endings, only one is good. So if Corvo's Chaos level isn't in good shape, players are out of luck once the final moments roll around. Of course, because it exists Dishonored sequel, there's clearly an end to canon, but the various story branching options add fun replayability.

Dishonored's three endings explained

• Good ending — Emily takes the throne and Corvo remains her protector. Dunwall's plague is cured, leading the city to an age of peace.
• Bad ending — Emily still ascends the throne, but her reign is far from optimistic. Dunwall is still drowning in corruption and plague, leaving the city in a hopeless state.
• An even worse ending — In this outcome, Emily dies and the throne is left without an heir, quickly causing infighting and further chaos. Plague-infected rats attack people in the streets, further spreading the disease, and Corvo flees Dunwall.

There may be plenty of choice-based, story-based RPGs that have wowed players since 2012, but Dishonored remains one of the best in the genre. It balances linear storytelling with strong RPG mechanics, and no matter what one chooses, the ending is bound to leave an impression.

Released

October 9, 2012

ESRB

M For Adults 17+ due to blood and gore, intense violence, sexual themes, strong language

Engine

Unreal Engine 3