Parents' Guide to

Dishonored

By Chris Morris, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Violent choices impact ultimate outcome of mature game.

Game PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360 2012
Dishonored Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Dishonored Game: Screenshot #1
  • Dishonored Game: Screenshot #2
  • Dishonored Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 29 parent reviews

Johnwhite'07
Johnwhite'07 Adult
June 6, 2020
age 15+

Enjoyable game with moral ambiguity.

Dishonored is set in a renaissance town riddled with plague. You play as Corvo, a bodyguard to the empress. When she is assassinated and her daughter kidnapped, you are framed for it by the culprits, who it reveals early on. Your mission revolves around killing the traitors and saving the daughter of the empress. You can massacre the guards in your way, or spare them. The ending depends on your decisions. That said, there are some depictions of brothels and alcohol, as well as plenty of gore.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Easy to play/use
Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Kent R.
Kent R. Parent
May 30, 2018
age 16+

*Late* Excellent Exercise in Making Choices

This game isn't for anyone who has a hard time with the macabre or some of the darkest themes of life. However, as someone with Bipolar disorder, this game was hands-on therapy for me regarding reaction to triggering stresses. In the game, if you seek pure revenge in the form of killing, your world becomes darker (as mentioned in the game) but you also lose friends and never gain new ones. These are the elements of the game that I think makes it a worthwhile journey for people who need to practice being smart instead of emotional, because the real-world lessons are there without the real-world consequences.

This title has:

Great messages
Easy to play/use
See all 29 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (29):
Kids say (39):

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

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