The short time period between Marches big releases, allows my Controller a little time to tidy up. We decided to finish off a few of the lingering games, which had been temporarily sidelined. Today saw the initial completion of Dishonored (Do you remember as far back as October?). It was a game I really looked forward to seeing, with a great advertising campaign; however coming out at the start of the school holidays, made it almost impossible to get engrossed in. So dusting it off today made for a nice Mothers day treat. 
Coming from Bethesda it was little surprise it was a sand box environment but the graphics and awards encouraged confidence. Described as a stealth action adventure; its set in a plague ridden futuristic industrial age with a distinct Bioshock feel. The game play harks back the old 'point and click to look in the cupboard' days, but it's worked into the story-line seamlessly. Dishonored also enjoys the horror genre with the infected attacking you with blood flecked coughing fits, rabid looking canines, not to mention looking down to see a massive bunch of rats chewing on your feet. However whilst I found the tale of false accusation, revenge and betrayal a touch jaded, I preferred to enjoy the views and character narratives.
The characters are very effective: you obviously are the strong silent type, saying nothing during the whole game, all the while wearing a very disturbing mask. The strong leaders, the creepy inventor and the solid boatman Samuel are the main mission givers. Granny Rags; the batty old dear with an interesting turn of phrase, and side missions, the mysterious Outsider who gives you magical powers (and a tattoo!). Not to forget the Empresses daughter, the young Emily, who's survival as ruler depends on your existence
Along with a gun and blade; you have a nice range of abilities that allow you to track down hidden objects, see guards and jump about the streets like a teleporting Assassins Creed character. To encourage extended game play everything you do has an effect on the city: Dead bodies swell the rat and plague problem, (as well as getting you caught.. a lot!) and the more you talk to people (or sneak about about spying on them), the more missions and information you gain. My Controller struggles with the concept of subtle (however effective slaughtering every one in sight is, it doesn't always work in every game), hence this first run through of the game was extremely short.
I did find the game-play a touch erratic and jerky; with emotion driven cut scenes, and characters to busy talk, and the disappearing bone charms that spawn randomly. The length of the game is something often commented on, yes it can be a bit short, but the story-line is only half the game. You could zip around looking for all the runes and bone charms with the help of your creeping soothsaying GPS heart. Or you could speak to the people and help them out with extra missions. Perhaps even try to complete the game with out cheerfully murdering every one you meet, which, I have been informed would make no sense for an assassin. This game does have longevity, however ensure you have a suitable Controller before setting out on this journey, apparently some are not happy to waste time judging innocence.
In addition to the game its self there is DLC (always great news for fans) Dunwall City Trials expansion will launched on December 11 2012.
The Knife of Dunwall DLC launches April 16.
The Brigmore Witches, which will be released sometime in the future.
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