Dishonored info and videos juxtapose stealth and combat

Developers discuss stealth system, then show it off

Chris KempJuly 1, 2012

New details and some spicy gameplay videos have emerged from developer Arkane Studios on upcoming action-stealth FPS game Dishonored, particularly in regards to how the stealth system works.

As you’ll see in the video, the protagonist Corvo is capable of getting very close to enemies without being detected. The developer explains this is due to their occlusion-based stealth system, avoiding detection means hiding from an enemy’s line of sight, and at greater distances lighting becomes a factor as well.

The game will include a Lean feature, where Corvo can hide behind an object and observe what’s going on. As long as his body is hidden, enemies won’t be able to see him. You can also peep through keyholes, and tapping into the supernatural aspect of the game, an ability called Dark Vision will allow you to see enemies and their view cones through walls.

The save system will allow for quick-saving, but will also include checkpoints in case you forget. The only time you won’t be allowed to save is during combat.

Dishonored features four difficulty levels, which are divided mainly by enemy perception, damage and responsiveness and health and mana potion efficacy. If you opt for the casual, easy-mode experience, your health will actually regenerate over time.

Arkane studios have given us two different gameplay videos to look at, illustrating the different approach players can take to complete a mission.

Both videos cover the same Golden Cat mission, but in the first video the player takes a very stealthy approach, while in the second video we see how a player might complete the same mission using very direct, brute-force tactics to get the job done.