Why is Dishonored so Creepy?

Dishonored’s unsettling atmosphere stems from a confluence of factors: its decaying industrial setting riddled with disease and societal collapse, the unsettling supernatural elements, and the player’s ability to enact both brutal violence and cunning stealth, all contributing to a persistent sense of unease and moral ambiguity. The game crafts a world teetering on the brink, where the line between justice and vengeance blurs, and the player’s choices directly influence the grim fate of Dunwall, creating an inherently creepy and unforgettable experience.

The Perfect Storm of Unease

Dishonored masterfully creates a creepy atmosphere through several interconnected design choices. It’s not just one element, but the synergy between them that makes the game so effective. Here’s a breakdown:

1. A City on the Brink

Dunwall, the primary setting of Dishonored, is arguably its most significant source of creepiness. The city is not just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself, breathing with sickness and despair.

• The Plague: The rat plague is more than just a plot device; it’s a visual and auditory assault. Swarms of rats devour corpses, leaving behind skeletal remains and spreading disease. The constant threat of infection and the sight of plague victims contribute to the unsettling atmosphere.
• Decaying Architecture: The city’s design is heavily influenced by Victorian-era London and Edinburgh, but with a distorted and exaggerated aesthetic. Buildings are crumbling, streets are flooded, and the once-grand architecture is now scarred by neglect and decay. This visual representation of societal collapse amplifies the game’s sense of dread.
• Oppressive Government: The tyrannical rule of the Lord Regent further exacerbates the city’s woes. His oppressive security forces patrol the streets, enforcing strict laws and executing dissenters. This creates a constant atmosphere of fear and paranoia.

2. Supernatural Horror

The Outsider and the powers he grants Corvo are integral to the game’s creepy atmosphere.

• The Outsider: This enigmatic figure is a being of immense power and ambiguous morality. His presence hints at a cosmic horror lurking beneath the surface of Dunwall, a force beyond human comprehension. The Outsider himself is not scary in the traditional sense, but the implications of his existence are profoundly unsettling.
• Unnatural Powers: While the powers Corvo receives from the Outsider are empowering, they also have a disturbing quality. Possession allows you to inhabit the bodies of rats and humans, blurring the lines between self and other. Blink is a teleportation ability that can be used to traverse impossible distances, but it also disrupts the natural order of things. The very existence of these powers suggests a world where the laws of physics and morality are constantly under threat.
• The Void: The Void itself, the Outsider’s realm, is a visually disturbing place, seemingly existing outside of reality.

3. Moral Ambiguity and Violence

Dishonored does not shy away from depicting violence, and this contributes to its overall creepiness.

• Player Agency: The game gives you a wide range of options for dealing with enemies, from non-lethal takedowns to brutal assassinations. This freedom of choice forces you to confront the moral implications of your actions, adding another layer of unease to the experience.
• High and Low Chaos: The chaos system tracks your actions and influences the game’s ending. If you kill indiscriminately, Dunwall becomes even more chaotic and depressing. This reinforces the idea that your choices have real consequences and that violence begets more violence.
• Environmental Storytelling: The environments themselves tell stories of death and violence. You might stumble upon a torture chamber, a mass grave, or a room splattered with blood. These details create a sense of history and trauma, reminding you of the suffering that has taken place in Dunwall.

4. Steampunk Dystopia

The steampunk aesthetic adds to the game’s unique creepiness.

• Technological Dissonance: The combination of advanced technology and Victorian-era architecture creates a sense of anachronism and unease. The steam-powered machinery feels both familiar and alien, reminding you that Dunwall is a city caught between tradition and progress.
• Body Horror: Some of the technological enhancements, such as the Tallboys’ stilts and the Overseers’ music boxes, have a disturbing quality. They represent the ways in which technology can be used to control and oppress people.

5. Sound Design

The game’s sound design is meticulously crafted to enhance the feeling of creepiness.

• Atmospheric Music: The soundtrack is subtle but effective, creating a sense of tension and dread. The music often features dissonant chords and unsettling sound effects.
• Environmental Sounds: The sounds of rats scurrying, wind howling, and guards patrolling the streets create a sense of immersion and unease. The game uses sound to create a feeling of being constantly watched and hunted.

In conclusion, Dishonored’s creepiness is not derived from jump scares or gore, but from a combination of oppressive atmosphere, moral ambiguity, and unsettling supernatural elements. It’s a game that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the nature of power, violence, and the human condition. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) understands how these elements contribute to immersive and thought-provoking gaming experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Dishonored, further exploring its themes and elements:

1. Is Dishonored a horror game?

No, Dishonored is not a horror game in the traditional sense. It’s generally classified as a stealth action-adventure game with elements of immersive sim. While it has creepy and unsettling aspects, it doesn’t rely on jump scares or explicit gore to create fear.

2. Is Dishonored okay for 12 year olds?

Due to its violence, gore, and mature themes, Dishonored is generally not recommended for children under the age of 16. The game features decapitation, rat swarms devouring NPCs, and a brothel level. The ESRB rating is Mature 17+.

3. Can you beat Dishonored without killing anyone?

Yes, it’s possible to complete Dishonored without killing any targets. This non-lethal playthrough requires careful planning, skillful use of stealth, and the use of non-lethal abilities.

4. How does killing affect the game in Dishonored?

Killing enemies affects the game’s chaos system. Excessive killing leads to high chaos, resulting in a darker ending, more enemies, and increased rat plague infestation. Conversely, a low chaos playthrough, achieved through non-lethal methods, leads to a more optimistic ending.

5. Which Dishonored game is better, 1 or 2?

Both games are excellent and highly regarded. Dishonored is often praised for its tight level design and compelling story, while Dishonored 2 improves upon the mechanics, offers more character abilities, and features more expansive and detailed levels. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

6. What gender is the playable character in Dishonored 2?

In Dishonored 2, you can choose to play as either Corvo Attano (the protagonist from the first game) or Emily Kaldwin (his daughter).

7. Who is the Outsider in Dishonored?

The Outsider is a supernatural being residing in the Void. He grants Corvo (and Emily in Dishonored 2) magical powers. He’s a figure of immense power and ambiguous morality, acting as a catalyst for the events of the game.

8. How many endings does Dishonored have?

Dishonored has three major endings, categorized as Low Chaos and High Chaos. The specific details of each ending depend on the player’s actions throughout the game, primarily the number of people killed.

9. How can you lower chaos in Dishonored?

To lower chaos, avoid killing enemies. Use non-lethal takedowns like sleep darts and chokeholds. Also, completing certain side objectives can reduce your chaos level.

10. Do assassinations with powers count as kills in Dishonored?

Yes, using your own powers to directly kill enemies, like using rats or setting them on fire, will count towards your kill count and contribute to your chaos level.

11. How long does it take to 100% complete Dishonored?

To achieve 100% completion in Dishonored, you’ll likely spend around 36-46 hours. This includes completing the main story, side quests, and finding all collectibles.

12. What era is Dishonored based on?

Dishonored’s setting is inspired by late 1800s to early 1900s London and Edinburgh, blending industrial technology with Victorian-era architecture.

13. Will there be a Dishonored 3?

While there have been rumors and leaks, there is no official confirmation of a Dishonored 3. Some leaks suggested a potential release window in Fiscal Year 2024, but this remains unconfirmed.

14. How many hours is Dishonored?

Dishonored’s main story can be completed in around 12 hours.

15. Are all women in Dishonored weak and damsel in distress?

Absolutely not! Dishonored includes a variety of female characters with different roles and personalities. In Dishonored 2, Emily Kaldwin is a playable protagonist. There are women soldiers, professors, thugs, scientists, and politicians throughout the game.