S&S; Review: Dishonored

Title: Dishonored
Format: PS3, Xbox 360
Release Date: October 9, 2012
Publisher: Bethesda
Developer: Arkane Studios
Price: $59.99
ESRB Rating: M

With just a day since its release, Dishonored has already captured the hearts and minds of many gamers, including my own.  In a time where the gaming scene is cluttered with copies and knockoffs, its great to see a game be so different, but so great as well.  
Story and Presentation:
In Dishonored, you play as Corvo Attano, the protector of the Empress.  You'll find yourselves in the industrialized city of Dunwall, a city filled with crime and corruption.  When you're meeting with the Empress, she gets assassinated before your very eyes.  This sets off Corvo's quest for revenge, a narrative that never slows down in any way, it'll keep you engrossed and engaging throughout your campaign.  The voice talent in the game is one of the biggest catalysts for this as well, almost every character is voiced perfectly, bringing out each unique personality these characters possess.  The visuals in Dishonored are gorgeous, to say the least. The game really focuses on its selective choice of color, only noticeable when you see the game up close and personal. There are a lot of steampunk themes in the game, especially in the city.  Dunwall looks like a giant art piece in motion, and so do the characters.  The distinctive look the game exudes really separates this game from any other out there. Not every character looks good though, I came across a few NPCs that looked unfinished, their specific faces looked detailed, but everything below the neck just didn't match up.  This is a minor occurrence, but worthy enough to mention.  The music is absolutely incredible, the score fits the dramatic atmosphere flawlessly, easily making this one of my favorite soundtracks this year.
Core Gameplay:
The gameplay is simple but deep, it has all the makings of a first-person shooter, but you never have to fire a gun at all.  Dishonored manages to appease any type of player, if you prefer stealth in the game, the option is there.  You can finish the game without killing a soul, or if you wanna take the more chaotic approach, the game gives you all the lethal tools necessary.  Along side your trusty sword and various firearms, you have a number of special abilities that'll help you complete missions in different ways.  After you have unlocked Blink, your first teleportation power, you can choose nine other powers in any order you desire.  Combining these powers with your weapons offers up an endless amount of fun.  Seeing how the combat is brutal without using your powers, the inclusion of them can produce some pretty gruesome outcomes.  Possessing enemies and making them shoot themselves never gets old.  Over the course of the campaign's nine missions, you'll be collecting various items and coins that will allow you too upgrade your equipment and abilities.  If you take the time to try and find most of the runes and money, you'll be an unstoppable force by latter part of the game.  New enemy types are always being introduced, keeping the campaign feeling fresh.  With all this said, the game had to have solid controls.  After the quick tutorials, you get the hang of everything quite hastily.  
Final Thoughts:
Dishonored is one of the most unique and special titles we have seen in awhile.  The distinctive aesthetics and believable voice acting creates a wonderful atmosphere.  This mixed in with the sandbox style gameplay creates a superb gaming experience.  
S&S Rating: 9/5/10 @whatsPlay