Dishonored is described as a first-person Neo-Victorian/steampunk stealth action shooter.
Now, take a breath, step back, and let me tell you about this game and what it really is, because that proxy-genre is about as mind-boggling as the original cut of Donnie Darko.
The World
Dishonored takes place in a fascinating world where the past, future -- and things in-between -- all help form the game's intriguing reality. The world's industrial age-driven economy is now booming thanks to a new multipurpose fuel: whale oil. You'll visit the desolated Isles, the beautiful Pandyssian Continent, and the once-bustling city of Dunwall.
The Story
Corvo, a once legendary guard for the Empress, is on a mission to hunt down the Lord Regent, an evil villain that has framed him for the Empress' assassination. The fine swordsman, cunning marksman, delicate master-at-arms and sly infiltrator also has the use of fascinating supernatural powers, as the game's simulated open-world presents many different challenges and obstacles for Corvo as he attempts to clear his name.
New Revelations
The game's focus on non-lethal combat and a stealth approach is evident in new promotional material for the game.
A letter addressed to "Loyal Citizen of Dunwall" suggests that a "terrible plague continues to ravage" the city, and that a "city-wide curfew" has been increased to protect citizens from "the dangerous criminal responsible for murdering government officials". That obviously refers to the framing of the game's main character, Corvo.
More interestingly, however, is that the letter encourages all citizens to "alert the city watch immediately" if they see or come into contact with the accused. That certainly alludes to a focus on stealth play, as it would clearly be wise to avoid detection from citizens.
An intriguing clock was packaged with the letter, a "timepiece that has been provided" to "serve as a reminder" of each citizens duty. The clock, which can be seen below, comes with a neat little reminder as to the citizens' responsibility:
All members of the watch, we are now under high alarm.
A dangerous fugitive is on the move within this district
Stay alert and detain any suspicious person on sight
To all citizens: this area remains under lockdown
And curfew is in affect as of this moment
Get to your homes and stay indoors
You are obligated under penalty of law to report any suspicious person at once
Remember: The boldest measures are the safest
If you weren't yet intrigued by what Bethesda and developer, Arkane Studios, were bringing to the table with Dishonored, these latest revelations and promotional materials should certainly do the trick.
With such a high price to pay, our character is truly in an increasingly hostile and aggressive environment.
We can't wait to visit it!
Dishonored is set for release in 2012 for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3
By Gaetano Prestia - Tweet @Gaetano_Prestia