Overview
Thief meets superpowers. Dishonored gave players Corvo Attano’s revenge quest alongside the Outsider’s supernatural gifts—Blink teleportation, possession, time manipulation. Each assassination target offered lethal and non-lethal options. The chaos system tracked violence, affecting world state and ending. Arkane proved immersive sims still had commercial potential.
Fast facts
- Developer: Arkane Studios.
- Directors: Raphael Colantonio, Harvey Smith.
- Year: 2012.
- Setting: Dunwall (steampunk empire).
Supernatural abilities
| Power | Function |
|---|
| Blink | Short teleportation |
| Dark Vision | See through walls |
| Possession | Control creatures/people |
| Bend Time | Time manipulation |
Chaos system
| Level | Consequence |
|---|
| Low chaos | Fewer enemies, better ending |
| High chaos | More rats, plague, bleaker world |
| Non-lethal | Specific options per target |
| Player reflection | Actions have weight |
Level design philosophy
| Element | Purpose |
|---|
| Multiple routes | Player choice |
| Verticality | Blink exploitation |
| Secrets | Exploration reward |
| Replayability | Different approaches |
Creative solutions
| Example | Method |
|---|
| Target possession | Walk them to death |
| Rat swarms | Indirect killing |
| Environmental | Accidents, traps |
| Ghost runs | Never seen |
Series continuation
| Title | Year |
|---|
| Dishonored | 2012 |
| Dishonored 2 | 2016 |
| Death of the Outsider | 2017 |
See also