Dishonored 2

Right off the bat this is one of the worst performing games I've played recently. It's super variable, too, so I spent the first 2 levels effing around with visual settings trying to get it right. Very frustrating. It's a shame that Arkane is using the Void Engine again for Deathloop (rumor? confirmed? Not sure but I think so...) instead of CryEngine. Prey ran like a dream and looked amazing.

Game play and level design are great, but generally less memorable than the first game. I love the 2nd to last level with the incredible mansion and the many ways to infiltrate it, and the options for dispatching your target. Wish more levels were like that. There's another memorable level that has a very unique time mechanic which was great. Jindosh was a solid level too. What felt lacking for me were more memorable options for your targets. There's occasional enemy variety which helps mix things up, but mostly you're dealing with guards.

The same thematic issues from the first game are back. You get a story that doesn't pay off and gameplay mechanics that try to tell you that the story is worth your attention. I played thru without killing anyone. That was a fun challenge and my decision but I also feel I missed out on what could have been some very memorable combat scenarios and chain kills and what not. For all that trouble I got another slideshow. Whatever, I had fun.

I like that you can choose your character and that they apparently play differently. Maybe one day I'll play it again as Corvo and lay waste to every guard in Serkonos...

3/5, but I'm a tough grader. The game is fun and if you like the first game you'll like this one but maybe a little less. Not sure if I need to play "death of the outsider" .. maybe I'll finally go aggro in that one.