Dishonored
By Chris Morris,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Violent choices impact ultimate outcome of mature game.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this game.
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Dishonored
Community Reviews
Based on 29 parent reviews
Enjoyable game with moral ambiguity.
Report this review
*Late* Excellent Exercise in Making Choices
Report this review
What’s It About?
Players assume the role of Corvo, a royal bodyguard who has been framed for treason for the assassination of the empress. Freed from jail, he becomes an assassin, using a combination of weapons and supernatural abilities (such as the ability to teleport to areas a short distance away and stop time) to overthrow the actual conspirators behind the killing and protect the empress's daughter. Players have the choice to fight their way through the game or move in a stealthy manor and the game reacts accordingly. (Fewer kills results in a different ending than that of someone who leaves a bloody trail through the game.)
Is It Any Good?
Real choice in video games is a rare thing. You're typically steered in a certain direction -- often forced to kill, even when you'd rather not. Dishonored is a rare game that truly leaves the decisions in your hand. You can be a lethal killing machine or a ghost who never harms a fly (or a combination of both). As you follow your path, the game adjusts, taking your actions into account. Seemingly small decisions on one level can turn into bigger ones further in the game.
Just as impressively, the game creates characters you actually care about. The relationship between lead character Corvo and empress-in-waiting Emily is paternal and players actively work to protect her. The relationship humanizes your character -- and may make you reconsider your actions. Blend all of this with some unique supernatural powers and a good collection of real world weapons and it adds up to a smart, intense and engaging title.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about standing up for the weak (as Corvo does for the empress's daughter). Families can also talk about whether it's good to fight or avoid conflict -- and the ramifications of either action.
Families can also talk about the impact of media violence. In this game you can try to avoid the violence. Did you? Why or why not?
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: hypothesis-testing, solving puzzles, Responsibility & Ethics: following codes of conduct, integrity, making wise decisions
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release date: October 9, 2012
- Genre: Role-Playing
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Last updated: August 26, 2016
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Play
Our Editors Recommend
Best Action Games for Kids
Role-Playing Games (RPGs) for Kids
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate