Does It Matter Who I Play As in Dishonored 2? A Deep Dive
Absolutely, it matters significantly who you choose to play as in Dishonored 2! While the core story remains the same, the experience is undeniably altered depending on whether you pick Corvo Attano or Emily Kaldwin. From the powers you wield to the way the world and its characters react to you, the choice impacts gameplay, narrative resonance, and overall enjoyment. Choosing your character at the beginning is a crucial decision that shapes your journey through Dunwall and Karnaca.
The Core Differences: Powers, Playstyle, and Perception
The most immediate difference lies in the unique powers each character brings to the table.
Corvo Attano: The Classic Assassin
Corvo, the protagonist of the original Dishonored, retains his iconic abilities, including:
- Blink: A short-range teleport, essential for traversal and quick escapes.
- Possession: Allows you to inhabit the bodies of animals and humans for stealth and infiltration.
- Bend Time: Temporarily slows or stops time, offering tactical advantages in combat and exploration.
- Devouring Swarm: Summons a swarm of rats to devour enemies.
- Windblast: A forceful gust of wind that can knock down enemies or clear obstacles.
Corvo’s powers are familiar, reliable, and versatile, making him a strong choice for players who enjoyed the first game or prefer a more traditional stealth-action experience. His abilities are often more direct and combat-oriented, leaning towards aggressive playstyles if desired, although stealth is always a viable option.
Emily Kaldwin: The Empress Redefined
Emily, now a grown woman, wields a new set of powers that reflect her royal upbringing and unique perspective:
- Far Reach: A grappling ability that allows her to quickly traverse distances and manipulate objects.
- Mesmerize: Creates a distraction by summoning a group of ethereal beings to capture enemy attention.
- Domino: Links enemies together, causing actions performed on one to affect all linked targets.
- Shadow Walk: Turns Emily into a shadowy being, allowing her to move quickly and silently.
- Doppelganger: Summons a clone of Emily to distract or attack enemies.
Emily’s powers are more subtle, strategic, and focused on manipulation. They offer a fresh and creative approach to stealth and combat, encouraging players to think outside the box. Her abilities are well-suited for non-lethal playthroughs, allowing for creative solutions to challenging situations.
Playstyle Implications
The choice between Corvo and Emily significantly affects your playstyle. Corvo offers a more straightforward, often aggressive approach. Emily encourages a more creative and manipulative style, focusing on crowd control and indirect engagement. While both characters can achieve the same objectives, the path to victory feels distinctively different based on your chosen abilities.
The Narrative Impact
While the main plot points remain the same, the characters’ reactions to Corvo and Emily vary. People recognize Corvo as the former Royal Protector, which brings a certain level of respect, fear, or resentment. Emily is seen as the deposed Empress, eliciting sympathy, loyalty, or opportunism from different factions. This subtle difference in perception adds depth to the narrative and makes each playthrough feel unique. The game subtly suggests that Emily’s playthrough is the true story.
Chaos Level and Endings
Regardless of who you choose, your actions will affect the world around you and the ultimate ending you receive. The Chaos System tracks the number of kills you make and the level of disruption you cause. A high Chaos playthrough, characterized by frequent kills and widespread chaos, leads to a darker ending with more bloodflies and despair. A low Chaos playthrough, focusing on stealth and non-lethal takedowns, results in a more optimistic ending. The GamesLearningSociety.org encourages analysis of this ethical system.
Is There a “Right” Choice?
Ultimately, there is no objectively “right” choice. It depends entirely on your personal preferences. If you’re new to the series, Emily offers a more intuitive and narratively consistent introduction. If you’re a returning fan who loved Corvo’s powers, sticking with him provides a familiar and satisfying experience. The best approach is often to play through the game twice, once as each character, to fully appreciate the depth and replayability that Dishonored 2 offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I switch between Corvo and Emily during the game?
No, you cannot switch characters mid-game. Your choice at the beginning is permanent for that playthrough.
2. Is Dishonored 2 easier as Corvo or Emily?
This depends on your playstyle. Corvo’s powers are generally more straightforward, making him potentially easier for beginners. Emily’s powers require more strategic thinking but can be incredibly powerful once mastered. Many find Dishonored 2 generally easier than the first game due to more refined abilities.
3. Does killing “bad” guys still affect the Chaos level?
Yes, but it affects it less than killing “good” guys. This is a departure from the first game. However, any kill contributes to raising the overall Chaos level.
4. Do my choices in the original Dishonored affect Dishonored 2?
No, your choices in the first game do not directly affect the events of Dishonored 2. The sequel picks and chooses what is considered canon.
5. Is there any romance in Dishonored 2?
Romance is minimal in Dishonored 2. The focus is primarily on the plot and the relationship between Emily and Corvo.
6. Does it matter who I play first if I plan on playing again?
Not really. Some argue that Emily provides a better narrative introduction, but it’s entirely a matter of personal preference. Experiment!
7. Are Corvo’s powers exactly the same as in the first game?
Yes, with some minor tweaks and upgrades. His core abilities (Blink, Possession, Bend Time, Devouring Swarm, Windblast) remain the same, but the upgrade paths offer new possibilities.
8. Are Emily’s powers completely new?
Yes, Emily’s powers are entirely unique to her. They were designed to offer a fresh and distinct gameplay experience.
9. Can I play a completely non-lethal playthrough as either character?
Yes, both Corvo and Emily are perfectly capable of completing the game without killing anyone. This requires careful planning, skillful use of stealth, and creative application of non-lethal abilities.
10. Who is the most powerful character in Dishonored 2 from a story perspective?
From a gameplay perspective, it’s subjective and depends on the player’s skill. Story-wise, Delilah Copperspoon is arguably the most powerful, due to her connection to the Void and her control over art.
11. Is there a Dishonored 3 in development?
Rumors and leaked documents suggest a possible Dishonored 3 being planned for release between April 2024 and March 2025, but this remains unconfirmed by Bethesda.
12. Does playing as Corvo reveal more about his backstory?
Not significantly more than playing as Emily. His dialogue provides some insights, but the core story focuses on Emily’s journey.
13. How many hours of gameplay can I expect from Dishonored 2?
The main story takes around 12-13 hours. Completionists can expect to spend around 40-45 hours exploring everything the game has to offer.
14. Can Corvo become Emperor?
No, Corvo cannot become Emperor.
15. Why do some people find Dishonored 2 disappointing?
Some players find the enemy AI in Dishonored 2 to be overly sensitive, making stealth more challenging and frustrating. Others may find the story less compelling than the original.
Ultimately, the choice between Corvo and Emily boils down to personal preference. Both offer a unique and compelling gameplay experience in the richly detailed world of Dishonored 2. Experiment, explore, and enjoy the journey! Consider studying game mechanics and narratives at the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) to deepen your understanding of video game design.