Arkane Studios’ Dishonored 2 launched November 11, 2016 as the immersive sim masterpiece. The stealth-action sequel sold 5+ million copies, refined the original’s formula, and delivered gaming’s best level design with Clockwork Mansion and A Crack in the Slab.
Critical Success
- 88/100 Metacritic (PS4)
- Best Action/Adventure nominee (TGA 2016)
- PC launch issues (later patched)
- Death of the Outsider standalone expansion (2017)
Dual Protagonists
Play as Corvo or Emily:
- Corvo — Original protagonist, familiar powers
- Emily — New empress, unique abilities
- Different perspectives, dialogue
- Separate playthroughs encouraged
Emily’s powers (Far Reach, Domino, Doppelganger) felt fresh.
Legendary Levels
Dishonored 2’s masterpiece levels:
- Clockwork Mansion — Rooms reconfigure, walls move
- A Crack in the Slab — Time travel between past/present
- Dust District — Gang warfare, choose sides
- Royal Conservatory — Bloodflies, witchcraft
The Clockwork Mansion = game design brilliance.
Chaos System
- Kill = high chaos (dark ending)
- Non-lethal = low chaos (good ending)
- Every NPC death tracked
- Emily/Corvo’s morality shapes world
The system encouraged restraint, creativity.
Immersive Sim Excellence
- Multiple paths per objective
- Environmental kills, accidents
- Powers combo (possess rat → climb vents)
- Stealth vs combat viable
- Ghost runs (never seen, never kill)
The player freedom rivaled Deus Ex.
Legacy
Dishonored 2 cemented Arkane as immersive sim masters. The studio’s attention to level design influenced Deathloop, Prey.
Sources: Arkane, Bethesda, Metacritic, gaming press 2016-2023