Dishonored: Definitive Edition
By Paul Semel,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Bloody, but bloody good, mature stealth action game.
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Dishonored: Definitive Edition
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Based on 1 parent review
THE BEST!
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What’s It About?
In DISHONORED: DEFINITIVE EDITION, you're the bodyguard of the Empress ... until she's killed by usurpers to the throne who turn around and frame you for her murder. After escaping prison, you embark on a series of assassination missions to prove, ironically, that you're not a killer. Set in an alternate version of 1900s England that's been ravaged by a plague, you have to use bladed weapons, firearms, magic, and comfortable shoes to take down the conspiracy, clear your name, and rescue the Empress' missing daughter. Along with the regular game, Dishonored: Definitive Edition also includes the add-ons that expanded upon the story from a different character's perspective.
Is It Any Good?
Whereas most stealth action games cast you as a spy, this first-person action game instead puts you in the quiet shoes of an assassin trying to prove he's not a killer. It's those sneaky elements that helped make Dishonored one of 2012's best games. What makes Dishonored: Definitive Edition live up to its name is it includes all the original game's add-ons, including missions that expand the story from a different perspective. It also packs the usual graphical upgrade that comes when you bring a PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game to the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. But, though this is pretty all-encompassing, it still has some issues. Although most of your enemies are good at their jobs, you occasionally run into some distracted fool who doesn't notice the guy with the mask and big sword sneaking up behind him. This new version also has text that's small and white, which makes the menus and captions impossible to read. Also, if you've already played the original game and the extra missions on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 4, this adds nothing new, meaning players looking for a new experience will want to save their money for Dishonored 2. But for fans of the original or newcomers to the series, Dishonored: Definitive Edition delivers hours of stealth-filled fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about revenge. Is it ever OK to hurt someone because he or she hurt you first? Or is there a better way to solve this problem?
Discuss stealing. Why is it not OK to take something that isn't yours? Why is it really not OK if the thing you're taking is a leadership position in the government, which you got by killing the rightful ruler?
Talk about killing or not killing. When playing this game, did you ever stop yourself from killing someone? Would you consider trying to play this game with the intention of not killing anyone?
Game Details
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Available online
- Publisher: Bethesda Softworks
- Release date: August 25, 2015
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Adventures
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language
- Last updated: February 21, 2020
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