Dishonored 2 - Review After 100% 

Level design of this game is truly genius.

The clockwork mansion might be one of the best designed levels in video game history

I find Karnaca equally interesting as Dunwall, i think that its just different but the aesthetics remind me so much of the coast cities from Spain (my country) that I cant avoid falling in love. Maybe im a little biased.

I’ve played every arkane game since dishonored within the last year, except for redfall, and I fell in love with every single one of them ..

After 100% this game myself it was on one of my personal playthroughs that I was able to see the outcome of knocking out Aramis Stilton in a crack in the slab and it just blew my mind. I accidentally did it then saw new scenes I never knew could happen. Dishonored 1, 2, DOTO and Prey I loved for this. Where entire sections or mechanics in the game I never knew were a thing until I went out of my way to try different approaches. Hope we see a Dishonored 3 or Prey 2, but its extremely unlikely. Edit: Not my video but I'd highly recommend anyone to watch "Dishonored Tribute" by Volound. Its a compilation by himself, Clockner and StealthGamerBr. Always makes me replay the game.

Finally a review on my favorite game of all time

Yep, I pretty much agree with all that's said in the video. Those two mentioned levels in particular from Dishonored 2 are a milestone for video games' level design in general, for me. My favorite being the clockwork mansion, which is particularly amazing because it basically does not "cheat", it's really designed like it was a real building, with just a couple of invisible metal beams sticking out from the body of the mansion, depending on what configuration the interiors are set to. At least according to a documentary about this game I once watched (and of which of course I forgot the name), that goes also over how they managed to create the dilapidated manor level, with the 2 different timelines' versions of it being actually both drawn at all times but positioned one above the other, with the only difference between their position being the Z-axis values: really interesting stuff. Thanks for your videos!

Thank you for the video. 6:00 that was my struggle with the first one. The made you a proper murder hobo to the point that you could basically put bullets on your bullets, but "discouraged" you from doing that. Onward to 300k. All glory to the algorithm.

These games are at the top of my backlog. Some day, Gavin. Some day.

Sweet, love that you come back to games like these, and that you're also talking about "Death of the Outsider"; thank you.

Me as Corvo: I need to spare everyone to set a good example for my daughter. Me as Emily: Stabby stabby stab stab. Die, you traitors!

Thank you for your review and approach to spoilers. I've had this since it came out and still hadn't played it but intend to eventually. I was concerned that watching it might dampen my enjoyment when I finally play it but, those fears were unfounded. You're work is great and you should feel great.

Wow I thought this video was from years ago and it appeared to me because I just started playing Dishonored! And I was watching old reviews online. What a coincidence! Nice vid Mortis!

thank you! this is one of my favourite games of all time

I love this franchise and really hope they bring it back. Actually, I'm replaying through D1 again right now. I've heard some people complaining that D2 is way too similar to D1, and in a way I get it. It feels like a reboot of sorts, everything that happened in the first game and DLC seems to be irrelevant, because more or less the same occurs in the second. There's a threat to the Throne, characters didn't actually die, there's another plague, etc. However, the refinement of the game's systems, the fact that the story nonetheless is still good overall, and the level design being one of the best I've ever seen, plus a pretty (imo) interesting world and lore makes D2 a must play. I think they tried to end the storyline (and the IP even) too harshly with Death of the Outsider, even though it was an enjoyable DLC. Arkane seems like a company that doesn't like to do many entries with their IPs, sadly. They just reuse systems like they did with Deathloop, reusing Prey's Mooncrash systems and Dishonored powers to make that game. But they have something going here with Dishonored, sadly the advertisement for this franchise has never been good, thus the low sales. I blame Bethesda here for not doing their part. I repeat again how much I love the world and the lore of this IP. The industrial/victorian steampunk era, the cultist/occultist stuff, the mysterious world. There's a line Samuel the boatman says about seeing lights and faces at night in open sea that gives you the shivers. I really hope with all the setbacks Arkane had recently with their games of late, they decide to bring the IP back.

My take on the atmosphere is the opposite of yours, I loved how vibrant Karnaca felt.

I've played thru the first two and enjoyed them both immensely. Started Death of the Outsider but haven't finished yet. First one I played in lo chaos and second in hi chaos. Plan on reversing that in a second play of each. Definitely agree these are great games that should be played by every gamer out there at least once. Good vid

Great review, Mort. It's mind-blowing how good Arkane's level design is (and factors in all the player powers), especially compared to most of the competition. They're not even in the same ballpark. It's such a shame these games are enjoyed by a relative small crowd and most of the industry seems very much only interested in big profits. Making Dishonored 3 and Prey 2 less likely. But we can still hope. As a sidenote I DID like Deathloop. That game was quite the surprise, combining roguelite elements with the excellent level design (and powerups) of Arkane Studios.

Yay, love this game. So good. Hope there is a Dishonored 3 and that its actually good.

Never played these games but i might have to check them out now

I absolutely love running around slide knocking out guards and blink kicking them. Also, I like that you included doto in this since it wasn’t technically dlc. I really enjoyed the conclusion to the story of the outsider.

The Dishonored collection is also on Games Pass - Which makes it a really easy try if you're subscribed :) Honestly I think though the story of 2 is a bit flatter than 1's I don't think dishonored 1's story was in anyway groundbreaking so to me 2 is the superior game, I've played tons of it, got the platinum in it twice over and honestly if 3 is an evolution of it I will be incredibly happy, especially since the ending of the DLC kinda allows the series to really change it up dramatically and I'm really interested to see how they're going to pull the franschise forward from there. Also I really prefered Serkonos, I know Dunwall is it's own vibe but just having like an island paradise instead of lots of shades of black and dark browns was visually a nice pallete cleanser.

About Bone Charms, I wish you would have mentioned that they're randomized at the start of each mission. It can be an interesting aspect to each play-through and on a no powers run, is basically your only form of progression. Though some are obviously much better than others like the one that lets you recover mana by drinking water or summoning rats then eating them for infinite mana if playing Corvo or New game+. Unrelated, but apparently guards and civilians have random morality levels. A murderer will give you low chaos for killing them while a good person gives you high chaos for killing them. You can guess their morality by pointing the heart at them and listening to the heart's dialogue.

And then, u get Redfall, I hope Arkane goes back to ground with dishonored 3 and the new announced blade game.

This was about what I expected your opinion was gonna be haha. It's awesome you had fun with it cause I really do agree the gameplay is a joy and I appreciated you talking a bit about the no powers run aswell. *spoilers for those that care* I personally really did not like that they give the Outsiders entire backstory away in 2, I really appreciated the first game just having him as this outside (heh) force that just thought it was fun messing with the humans. I really think it ruined the character and mystery being told everything about him and destroyed any semblance of mystery. So if they make a third game, story wise I hope they do a lot better. By the way I am not sure if you ever take game recommendations, but I recently finished the game "The Chant" to 100% completion and had an absolute blast with it and it's a game I literally have never heard anyone talk about. But I thought it was very fun and reminded me a lot of Alan Wake, so if you liked Alan Wake I would recommend giving it a look on sale if nothing else

Was wondering what to play after completing my bg3 honour run, I take this as a sign

I don't remember being forced to be completely non lethal in D1? There was a threshold if I remember correctly, no more than 40% killed per mission. Or was it 60%? Either way, there wasn't a complete restriction as I recall.

Although Dishonored 2 is one of my favorite games of all time, I cannot claim that this is not a fair review. Naturally there are things that I disagree with, but all of them are fundamentally subjective, for example I personally adore the ambiance of Dishonored 2 a lot more than the first. It is those kinds of differences in opinion that are the wealth of gaming. A view that I do completely share, though, is that Delilah is a weirdly weak protagonist. However, I would also argue that it is inherently tied to both the Corvo/Emily factor of the game and that they did a lot of the establishment of that character in the DLC of the last game that didn't feature any of the protagonists of this game. Delilah is essentially an antagonist almost hand-crafted for Emily, but who has no efficient narrative connection to Corvo. Because of that, as they have to plan every level for both Emily and Corvo, they can't have a level that would, for instance, focus on expanding who the Caldwell family line was or giving a more concrete sense of the relationship between Emily's mother and Delilah as none of that would mean anything for Corvo. Hence they are left unable to do that narrative building required to really give the villain some oomph. For all my love for Dishonored 2, to me it is also a fascinating example of a game developer faltering when facing a huge decision. The narrative design of the game feels like during development they kept drifting more and more to it being Emily's story, but just never had the courage to let go of the Corvo option.

Very excited to see what they do with Dishonoured 3!

Oh man I love Dishonored 2! They definitely improved on the open world and side quests

I love Dishonored games but Prey still the Arkane peak in my opinion. You should try Arx Fatalis

Definitely the height of Arakane. Deathloop was fun, but I never felt the character of the world. Nothing needs to be said about Redfall. Prey was on par with Dishonored 1/2. Not excited about the Blade game coming but remains to be seen. I wish they would realize that Dishonored was realized as a jewel in hindsight by the gaming community and deliver a Dishonored 3, which I think would do much better in sales now than its predecessors did.

I'm about to start my dishonored series run to get ready for dishonored 3

I liked this game quite a bit. Stuck to non-lethal most of the time, but went full combat against the witch-type enemies for varieties sake. Agree that Emely makes the most sense as playable protagonist!

Loved the game, but totally agree on the story issues. Along with Delilah being absent for most of the game, your character is just retracing other people's steps the entire time. Corvo's story in the first game felt like you were driving the plot - here, we're just playing catch up. It's really apparent they had a bunch of cool ideas for levels (and they were definitely cool!) but then loosely strung them together for a plot. Death of the Outsider addressed this better, I think, even if it was much more condensed. I'm hopeful the inevitable Dishonored 3 takes us to an entirely new area (Pandyssia!) with completely new characters.

Good show sir

Love this game and review.

I believe the game was running pretty badly on launch because their Void Engine was still new. But once it was fixed up, it was great. The movement in the series is honestly unmatched.

I love the Dishonored series. I have all of the achievements in Dishonored 2 and Death of the Outsider. The level designs are so great especially in the Clockwork Mansion.

I've actually played my low chaos playthrough with Corvo and my high chaos one with Emily :D Totally doable and enjoyable, thanks to the amazing mechanics of this game.

My favourite game series. I really hope Blade will give me some of the feel that Dishonored did, other way the wait for D3 continues.

dishonored 1, 2 and kotor 2 are the games I replayed the most

While I dislike many aspects of the second game it’s still a decent experience glad to see you cover it

I would suggest try it in iron mode -one life through one campaign, highest difficulty. It make it more gritty and adrenaline. I do no bother with morality as stress is high

The only reviewer where I make sure to play the game myself to completion 'first'. Great break down of the game, but no use in making a purchasing decision. Interesting approach.

I played this game seven times and will probably do it again many more times. I hope they make a third one that is larger and longer.

I’m REALLY hoping that avowed does well and that between it and bg3, that we will get a final pillars 3. Id really like a lot of the questions from pillars 2 answered like what happens with the wheel. Also, i agree that the combat looks like it lacks *a little* bit of weight, i think these things often feel better to play than the look when just watching. Controller feedback and vibrations can make a huge difference. But i cant lie avowed has me nervous. I almost wonder if they should have kept the original “obsidans skyrim” pitch rather than pivoting to make it feel like a “classic obsidian game” in a documentary they said the pivoted mid development to make it smaller and give more choices and consequences. People REALLY want a proper fantasy sandbox lifesim rpg thats been missing for 13 years now.

There’s a reason why I’ve played the first game twice and am currently replaying it for the third time on the steam deck oled.

I adore these games and haven't played them since 2000. Your video inspired me to reinstall. The only criticism I have for Death of the Outsider in particular, is that I love Far Reach so much from Dishonored 2, that Billy's teleport power just doesn't feel as good to me.

Playing Batman/Daredevil style is the most fun, aggressive non-lethal. It makes Emily the perfect successor to both her parents, her warrior father and her diplomatic mother.

One of the things I hate about Dishonored 2 is how you can't see the Outsider's mark properly. In the first game, you could clearly see it on Corvo's hand and how it glowed everytime you used the powers. A cool detail which made me appreciate the design of the first game. In this one, both Corvo and Emily cover it up and you can only see it in action if you are holding down on the Mesmerize ability where you can see the mark clearly and glowing blue. It's a small problem but somehow always bugged me.

So you get the stealth Trophy, interesting. How does It work, what the game me as with do not alert enemies around? Could you alert one of you kill him immediately ?

Dishonored is one of those series where the DLCs have much more interesting stories.

One of my favorite games of all time!

Dishonored 2, as far as I'm concerned, has the best difficulty customization and NG+ systems added to any AAA game, and right up there with some of the most impressive indies in that field - CrossCode or Celeste or Dead Cells for difficulty, especially. Those updates are amazing.

Dishonored always gets me in the mood to start a Blades in the Dark campaign.

The first time you experience (and then again and again) The The Clockwork Mansion is one of gaming greatest achievements :) particularly after opening that Jindosh lock without clues Prey when? :D

Games always make me wanna watch shows (movies, series or anime) and shows always make me wanna play video games, for me my show for dishonored is the anime darker than black, the only thing that was missing for me in dishonored was a grapple hook come on dishonored 3! I want the exact one batman has in arkham knight just in dishonored

Aggressive non-lethal is also my favorite way to play. If I'm being honest, it's the only truly fun way I like to play, lethal being too easy and pure stealth being a quicksave-fest. But aggressive non-lethal hits the sweet spot perfectly.

This game is INCREDIBLE!

It is still nice to see people playing dishonored 2 after all this game.

I think all 3 games were given away for free for people who get all the regular launcher freebies. Just a reminder to check your libraries, you may already own them.

Death of the Outsider is so great, it’s the culmination of everything they’d been doing in the series and really lived up to expectations.

How performance going? I want to buy on sell but scared of know issues

Can you review kingsvein? I’m enjoying it so much

You can actually skip the whole Dust District level by solving the Jindosh Lock. It's one of those logic puzzles that requires a grid. It was soooo satisfying to crack that thing.

I would recommend Deus EX HR + MD f you're looking for something more like this.

Among the best games I've played in my life. Just occupies a really unique space for itself that hasn't really been challenged. Sort of overlaps in small ways with some other FPS titles, but not quite the same atmosphere and level design and fluidity in the gameplay.

I’ve tried to play this on pc but it never starts up tried finding a solution but nothing worked shame. Great review though :)

I play the whole series on Steam with a controller and remap lean (because I never use it) to quicksave and just goof around trying weird things and if things go awry... boom, quickload.

One of my top 10 game of all time ..

I played Corvo first and loved this game anyway. Likely cuz it was my first dishonored game, but I kinda prefer playing as him.

For the algorithm!

I think Corvo might've been better situated as an unlockable character. While the variety is pretty nice, you start the game from the perspective of Emily. That and a few other details, as discussed in the video, make her the obvious framed character for Dishonored 2. Having Corvo be unlockable would've been a little bit more forgivable imo, because then it's just an instance of adding a new way to play the game without the expectation that Corvo needs to fit as the main focus character. With that context, they could have even recycled Doud as well. But whats done is done and D2 is still incredibly enjoyable imo

Dishonored 1 just had better 'down time' moments The interesting hub of the pub with all its characters would then feed into how you tackle each level The boat was sorely lacking in personality despite the fact they could have done so much with it Also the 'Crown killer' could have been such an interesting foil to the player Pity it was a One and done deal rather than a game spanning mouse hunt

Have you played Deathloop, Mort? It's in the same setting as Dishonored but obviously in the far future.

DOTO was my favorite in the series even though it's got a reputation of the black sheep. I think my biggest complaint in dishonored has always been the story and how it makes having fun in a video game the bad route to take, story-wise. And Samuel in the first game being such a hypocrite out of nowhere on the final mission really irked me. I also very much dislike how you have to go on a fetch quest for nearly every rune, such that in order to get more powers to spice up the game you have to go out of your way to do what felt to me like chores. DOTO fixed both of these issues by giving you a fair number of powers from the get-go, and letting you make your own moral decisions without the devs telling you that you're wrong and they're right about morals. Especially in a fantasy video game. Ultimately what DOTO fixed was the constant feeling I had that the Dishonored games are just too long and drawn out for the sake of it. Detail and level design never falters but story and power-scaling are just too sparse. Prey took me longer than any Dishonored game and yet I never felt like prey was too long. Because I always felt clever or powerful at every step. Also the story in Prey is better in my opinion. Dishonored just never had a good story. Not even the first one. Sometimes I think people play so many video games that they start to believe that mediocrity is wonderful because they're so used to garbage. The dishonored story (any of the games) never really reached a quality beyond that of, for example, the Borderlands or Call of Duty series. The best thing I can say about it is that it didn't get in the way (which is more than I can say about half of all video games, but still, I don't believe it deserves high praise). Anyway I like the dishonored series and I always keep my eye on Arkane. If a third one comes out I'll likely play it.

Brilliant game the world did feel kinda less opressive. But gameplay & levels are just amazing

one of the best imm sims of all time. the replayability is great

Your footage seems to be 30 fps. Was this how you played or just how you recorded the gameplay?

How do you 100% every game? Do you have a team or you do it yourself?

This is my favorite game

They are soooooo good

Now that you've played this, will you be playing Deus Ex Human Revolution and Mankind Divided?

I absolutely agree on the story part. I didn´t even finish Dishonored 2 although giving it 2 tries at release and several years later. It just isn´t interesting and motivating. The Jindosh Mansion is S-Tier Levelbuilding tho.

One could state that Dishonored (1) should be played only as stealth and non lethal as wanton killing would not be considered 'good' but 'evil'. And that to set Corvo aside from the evil ways of the antagonists. Once you start killing people, the game gets so much easier... But, and that is a consession to less patient players (of which there are too many), which was done in Dishonored 2 and therefore that lost a lot of its charm in comparison.

I love this games.

If you like the sandbox nature and level design of this you have to play the Hitman Trilogy.

After the fumble with Redfall, I'm worried about where Dishonored 3 is heading. 💩 Still, Dishonored 1 and 2, along with their DLC/expansions are often sold at a discount nowadays. They're worth getting. 👍

Unfortunately the game still has some framerate issues for me on base xbox one

So Pray next ?

Sorry, why is your takedown button an arrow down key?

For PC, Epic games give away Dishonored frequently, I've got D1 definitive edition and Death of the Outsider for free from Epic...

Loved the first game but then one never clicked with me for some reason 🤷‍♂️

first game had better story while second had improved and expanded mechanics (upgrade system could use a non-lethal solution for pistol and sword or at least a rune to give such effect with every type of damage (even spells and explosives)) emily to me had worse skills and story and her mask was superman level of idiocy of disguise (should have just taken that old mask or anything else) that crippled ship captain was to me the most interesting character that could use more spotlight (especially if there was a certain shift in timeline from knocking out a certain mining boss to prevent his presence at certain ritual) death of the outsider turned my favorite character from second game into boring assassin that for no reason gains power as unique exception from the outsider with dumbest skills and boring story resulting in killing any reason to make another game this time the only crippled thing is stealth and non-lethal (both in combat and solution for target characters)

Balam Industries sponsored field trip.

My days that looks so much prettier than the graphics i run.

Hey I’m not the only one to 100% this game! Of course the other one is Mortim…

It should have been made all around the timepiece.

👍🏾👍🏾🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💪🏾💪🏾