Dishonored 2 Details Abound at E3

Citizens of Dunwall, it's almost time to take back what's yours. Arkane Studios had much to show and tell about the highly anticipated Dishonored 2. From three different videos and nearly constant announcements, their presentation was one of the meatiest of the night. Gamers and journalists learned about the new location, Karnaca, the seaside "Jewel of the South." The new area appears to get a bit more sunshine than the city of Dunwall, but the grim tone hangs tightly to its bones. The area is defined as having a rich history and realistic qualities. This ranges from intricate scenery details to AI with more purpose and routine. In fact, the game runs on an entirely new engine, dubbed the Void Engine. The aim of the team was to make Dishonored 2 act as a painting in motion.


A great place to visit, but I wouldn't wanna die there

The new content was so plentiful, my head is still spinning. Set 15 years after the first game, new usurpers rise from the shadows. Players will choose between working their way through Karnaca as either the familiar Corvo Attano or a grown up Emily Kaldwin to take the throne back. This time, there is no silent protagonist. Both characters are fully voiced and will even speak their thoughts during gameplay.


Nice city you've got here, it'd be a shame if someone died all over it

The game itself will be chock full of new mechanics as well. Arkane's E3 presentation covered a wide array of new skills. This includes the impressive telekinetic ability called "Far Reach." Initially used to grab items from far away (gravity gun style), it can be upgraded to eventually pull enemies to you as well (enhanced gravity gun style). In fact, skills and abilities are described as being versatile, allowing players to chose between multiple different trees for each ability's progression. It will definitely be interesting to see how all of that is implemented in the final game. However, there are still more abilities to cover. Viewers got to see more of the Shadow Walk ability that turns the character into a walking nightmare. There was also the impressive Domino ability. This one appears to link multiple enemies together, causing them all to share the same fate. Most intriguing, however, was the skill called Mesmerize. This power seems to fully distract and hold multiple enemies in place, allowing players to waltz their way out the door. It is unsure how long this lasts, but it is a welcome addition to the stealth gameplay.


Hello, friend! Fancy seeing you here.

There are so many more details, it is hard to include them all here. We were shown the fascinating item, the Outsider's Timepiece. Players will be able to use the device to instantly leap between two time periods. The setting changes with the jump. Where a wall blocks the way in one time, it has decayed away in the other. Where guards patrol one time's hallway, only the wind and dust occupy the other. The mechanic can be used to get around more easily, evade capture, and even slip unseen behind an unsuspecting victim.


Just a sec, I'm just gonna slip this in my pocket real quick

In all honesty, though, there was one element I noticed in the videos that the presentation refused to mention. While nonlethal takedowns from behind existed in the first game, dropping on your victim could only result in digging your knife into his or her spine. However, I noticed an extra little icon during the gameplay trailer that possibly hints to nonlethal takedowns from above, a feature I did wish was in the original. However, I could be wrong. One factor I wished for, but must go without, is the idea of an open world for Dishonored 2. I understand it may be a stretch and would run the risk of getting closer to Assassin's Creed territory. However, I can't shake the feeling that mindlessly blinking across rooftops and taking to the crowded streets themselves would be an awesome experience. Regardless, I am still psyched about Dishonored 2. The Knife of Dunwall is taking a bit of a business trip, and I can't wait to get to work.