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CRITIK

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Item: Dishonored: Death of the Outsider
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2017

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Puzzle and Logic, RPG, Stealth, Single Player, First Person Perspective

AvailableSep 14, 2017

PlatformPC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

DeveloperArkane Studios

Overview

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is a standalone expansion pack and a sequel to Dishonored 2. The game features all the series hallmarks, including brutal combat systems, unique level design and immersive storytelling that responds to your every choice. With compelling characters and exhilarating action, Death of the Outsider is the perfect entry point for those new to the Dishonored series, while delivering a significant expansion of the gameplay and world for longtime fans.

Elsewhere

7.7

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics praised the story for its smaller and more focused nature, with a clear mission to kill the Outsider. This was seen as a universe-altering event that felt both big and intimate, providing a satisfying resolution to the franchise (AusGamers, Stevivor, DualShockers). The story was also commended for its well-developed characters, interesting plot, and exploration of the series' mythos and occult themes (TheXboxHub, DarkStation, Critical Hit). The narrative was described as entertaining, with nuanced motivations and a clear understanding of the player's objectives (GameGrin, TheSixthAxis). These positive aspects indicate that the story of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider successfully delivers a satisfying conclusion to the series, with essential answers and a concise story. However, there were also negative opinions regarding the story. Some critics felt that the story lacked character development and relied heavily on animated slides and voiceovers for lore and character information (COGconnected). The narrative was criticized for starting strong but eventually running out of steam, with the final missions falling flat (GameSpot, TrueAchievements, Gameplanet). The storytelling was described as rushed, lacking thematic impact, and having an abrupt ending (Gamer.no, Push Square). These negative aspects suggest that the story of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider may not fully meet the expectations of some players in terms of character development, pacing, and thematic depth. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider has both positive and negative elements. While it provides a satisfying resolution to the franchise and explores interesting themes, it may fall short in terms of character development and pacing. The well-developed characters, intriguing plot, and nuanced motivations were praised by some critics, while others felt that the story lacked depth and had a rushed ending. It is important to note that the overall sentiment is generally positive, with the majority of critics finding the story entertaining and enjoyable (Polygon, DualShockers, TheSixthAxis). However, there are also valid criticisms regarding the narrative's execution, particularly in terms of character development and pacing (COGconnected, GameSpot, Gamer.no). Ultimately, the story of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider offers a satisfying conclusion to the series, but may not fully meet the expectations of all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Dishonored: Death of the Outsider's story. Some praise its focused nature, well-developed characters, and satisfying conclusion, while others criticize its lack of character development, rushed storytelling, and abrupt ending. Overall, the game delivers an entertaining narrative with intriguing themes, but falls short in terms of depth and pacing.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praise the game for its player freedom and the multiple ways to approach missions. The ability to choose between stealth and action routes, as well as the option to explore every room and avoid combat, is highlighted by several critics such as AusGamers and TheXboxHub. The inclusion of a new playable character, Billie Lurk, with her own set of moves is also mentioned positively by critics like COGconnected and DualShockers. The gameplay is described as fun, engaging, complex, and beautifully intricate by TheXboxHub and DarkStation. The stealth mechanics are particularly praised by Let's Play Video Games, while Polygon and CGMagazine emphasize the satisfaction of using magic tricks and the options for different strategies. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. Gaming Age mentions that all the new abilities are given at once, leaving little to work for during the rest of the campaign. The lack of a progression system beyond the completion of the story is also mentioned as a drawback by Gaming Age and Gamer.no. PlayStation LifeStyle points out that some abilities like Displace and Foresight are overpowered, while Semblance is underpowered. GameGrin mentions minor issues with the stealth mechanics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is very good. The majority of the critics appreciate the player freedom and the ability to tackle missions in various styles. The removal of the Chaos system is seen as a positive change that encourages experimentation in lethal and non-lethal approaches, as mentioned by DualShockers. The sharp AI systems and the incentive to experiment with the tools at the player's disposal are also highlighted by GameSpot and ZTGD. The intricate missions, the option to explore alternate routes, and the systemic freedom are praised by God is a Geek and Guardian. The challenging nature of the gameplay, the variety of missions and contracts, and the quality of the protagonist's powers are also mentioned positively by TheSixthAxis and Trusted Reviews. In conclusion, the gameplay of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is highly regarded by the critics. The game offers player freedom, multiple strategies, and a range of abilities to experiment with. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the lack of progression and balance issues with certain abilities, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is engaging, enjoyable, and a strong continuation of the Dishonored series.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics love Dishonored: Death of the Outsider's gameplay for its player freedom, multiple mission approaches, and fun mechanics. New character Billie Lurk and stealth options are big hits. Some critics note issues like overpowered abilities and lack of progression, but overall, the game is praised for its engaging, challenging gameplay and as a strong addition to the Dishonored series.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, with many highlighting the attention to detail and stunning visuals. AusGamers commended the overall feel and artistry of the world, as well as the strange sights and sounds of Karnaca. Xbox Achievements mentioned the eye for detail and stunning painterly art style of the game. TheXboxHub described the visuals as stunning, the level design as spectacular, and the attention to every little detail as amazing. CGMagazine mentioned the beautiful cities, detailed environments, and realistic character designs. Guardian praised the beautifully detailed worlds with grand interiors and dimly lit streets, adding that the environment team created a saturated style that added to the game's atmosphere. However, there were a few critics who had some negative comments about the graphics and visual design. Gaming Nexus stated that not much had changed with the Void Engine in terms of visuals, and if your PC could handle Dishonored 2, then this game should be no sweat. Gamer.no mentioned that while the level design in Karnaca was visually impressive, it lacked innovation, and the final level was particularly disappointing. VideoGamer briefly mentioned that some areas in Death of the Outsider were not as visually rich as in Dishonored 2. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider has excellent graphics and visual design. The game was praised for its attention to detail, stunning visuals, and beautiful environments. Critics such as Gameplanet, Polygon, and Let's Play Video Games highlighted the exceptional level design and complex, open locations that offered unseen paths and alternate access points. The positive comments from multiple critics, including AusGamers, COGconnected, TheXboxHub, Xbox Achievements, ZTGD, Destructoid, Gameplanet, Gaming Age, Polygon, CGMagazine, Guardian, Push Square, TheSixthAxis, Trusted Reviews, and We Got This Covered, further reinforce the overall positive sentiment towards the graphics and visual design of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics rave about Dishonored: Death of the Outsider's stunning graphics and visual design, praising the attention to detail, beautiful environments, and exceptional level design. While some critics noted minor drawbacks, the majority applaud the game's immersive world and striking visuals.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, with several highlighting it as a standout aspect of the game. TheXboxHub commends the audio as "top notch" with a "great soundtrack and superb audio detail." Xbox Achievements describes the music as "superlative" and "brilliantly atmospheric," while also praising the voice acting and sound effects. Gaming Nexus states that the audio component of the game is "outstanding," with "excellent music and really strong voice acting." These positive opinions indicate that the sound design and music successfully enhance the overall experience of the game, contributing to its immersive atmosphere and engaging gameplay. While the majority of critics had positive opinions, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. Gamer.no notes that the sound design is inconsistent, which could be seen as a minor annoyance. However, this criticism is overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive feedback from other reviewers. It is worth considering that the inconsistency may not be a significant issue for most players, as it is only mentioned as a minor drawback. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the sound design and music of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider are highly impressive. The Guardian specifically highlights the game's "incredible sound design," particularly in the hazy dusklight bank heist mission, where the presence of clockwork sentinels and the ability to wake individuals up adds tension and excitement. TrueAchievements praises the voice acting, stating that it is "very well done" and adds character to the game. We Got This Covered also mentions the "sonically brilliant aspects" of the game, further emphasizing the positive reception. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics indicates that the sound design and music greatly contribute to the overall quality and enjoyment of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the outstanding sound design and music in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, calling it top-notch, superlative, and atmospherically brilliant. While some mention minor inconsistencies in the sound design, the overwhelming consensus is highly positive, with praise for the immersive atmosphere and engaging gameplay enhanced by the audio.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

100%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the critics. The majority of the reviewers praised the voice work, highlighting its high standard and the three-dimensional quality it brought to the characters. TheXboxHub commended the voice acting for giving all characters, major and minor, a sense of depth that is often lacking in gaming. TrueAchievements specifically mentioned that the voice acting added character to the game and praised the relationship between the two main characters. Xbox Achievements singled out Rosario Dawson and Michael Madsen as great voice actors. Gaming Nexus appreciated the performances of Michael Madsen, Rosario Dawson, and Robin Lord Taylor, particularly noting Taylor's ability to flesh out The Outsider and make him more relatable. TheSixthAxis also highlighted Rosario Dawson's performance as Billie Lurk, praising it for making the protagonist feel grounded and human. We Got This Covered specifically mentioned Dawson's wonderful portrayal of Billie Lurk, bringing a world-weary sense of menace to the character. In terms of negatives, there were no criticisms mentioned by the critics regarding the voice acting in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. This indicates a strong consensus among the reviewers that the voice acting was of a consistently high standard throughout the game. Overall, the critics unanimously agreed that the voice acting in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider was exceptional. The positive feedback from TheXboxHub, TrueAchievements, Xbox Achievements, Gaming Nexus, TheSixthAxis, and We Got This Covered demonstrates a strong consensus among the reviewers that the voice acting greatly enhanced the game. The praise for the performances of Rosario Dawson, Michael Madsen, and Robin Lord Taylor further solidifies the positive reception. The voice acting in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider was a standout aspect of the game, bringing depth, character, and relatability to the various roles, and ultimately contributing to a more immersive and engaging experience for players.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praised the exceptional voice acting in Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, highlighting high standards and three-dimensional character portrayals. Rosario Dawson, Michael Madsen, and Robin Lord Taylor received particular acclaim for bringing depth and relatability to their roles. No criticisms were mentioned, indicating a strong consensus on the outstanding quality of the voice acting, which significantly enhanced the game's immersive experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

86%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, the reviewers had varying experiences across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, Gaming Age had a fantastic experience on PC, running the game on max settings with no issues at all. This suggests that the game was optimized well for PC, showcasing its potential when played on a high-performance system. TrueAchievements also mentioned that AI behavioral bugs were few and far between on Xbox One, indicating that the game generally performed well on this platform. Moving on to the negatives, ZTGD reported long load times and the possibility of losing progress if not saving often on Xbox One. This could be frustrating for players, as it disrupts the flow of the game and adds an extra layer of caution. CGMagazine and Gamer.no both mentioned long loading times as a frustrating aspect of the game's technical performance on PlayStation 4. Additionally, Gamer.no highlighted inconsistent sound design as a minor annoyance, which could impact the immersion of the game. Push Square noted instances of poor quality textures that took a few seconds to load properly on PlayStation 4, which could be visually jarring for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider had a generally solid technical performance across all platforms. While there were some minor issues mentioned, such as long loading times and occasional bugs, no major technical issues were reported. This suggests that the game was well-optimized for the respective platforms, with Gaming Age specifically highlighting the PC version as being made with the PC in mind. It is worth noting that the opinions of TrueAchievements and TheSixthAxis further support this overall positive sentiment, as they did not mention any major technical issues on Xbox One and PlayStation 4, respectively.

TL;DR

technical performance

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider delivers solid technical performance on all platforms, with optimized gameplay on PC and minimal bugs on Xbox One. However, long load times and texture issues on PlayStation 4 may hinder the gaming experience. Overall, the game is well-optimized with minor technical setbacks across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider are generally positive. Many critics highlight the various ways to approach missions and the level of freedom the game offers as reasons to replay and revisit the game. AusGamers mentions the multiple ways to reach a goal, while Critical Hit emphasizes the sandbox nature of each mission level. TheXboxHub and ZTGD both mention the presence of side stories and side jobs that offer challenge and replay value. TrueAchievements and Xbox Achievements highlight the contracts and achievements that encourage creative solutions and experimentation. Gameplanet and Push Square mention the optional contracts and multiple approaches to missions that contribute to replay value. However, there are a few critics who mention some negatives regarding the replay value of the game. Gaming Age mentions that the shorter experience and lack of a progression system may limit replay value. DarkStation points out that the lack of a morality system makes the world feel less responsive. Guardian mentions that the removal of meaningful progression of Billie's powers and the Chaos system may reduce replay value. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider offers a good amount of replay value. The game's open-ended missions, variety in tackling missions, and the presence of contracts and side quests are praised by multiple critics. The ability to replay missions with self-imposed parameters, the custom game mode, and the Original Game+ mode are also mentioned as factors that add to the replayability of the game. While there are a few criticisms regarding the shorter experience and the lack of certain systems, the overall sentiment is positive, with critics acknowledging the game's flexibility, multiple playstyles, and opportunities for exploration and experimentation.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Dishonored: Death of the Outsider for its high replay value due to its open-ended missions, diverse approaches, and engaging side quests. Some note limitations like the lack of a progression system or morality feature, but overall, the game's flexibility, custom modes, and varied playstyles earn positive feedback for encouraging exploration and creativity.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

87%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the majority of critics had a very positive opinion of Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. The game was praised for its gameplay mechanics, level design, and modifications that gave players more freedom. Critics such as AusGamers, TheXboxHub, and Trusted Reviews commended the game as a great addition to the Dishonored universe, with new characters, locations, and a fresh exploration of the city of Karnaca. They highlighted the engaging gameplay, strong story, and great atmosphere, making it a worthy expansion and continuation of the series. However, there were some criticisms raised by a few reviewers. COGconnected mentioned that the game pushes towards high-chaos playthrough and lacks lasting impact on playstyle. Gameplanet pointed out that the story felt rushed and the ending was disappointing, while Polygon felt that the game lacked originality and felt slightly exhausted. Gamer.no even went as far as saying that the game fell short of its predecessor and failed to establish its own identity. These criticisms suggest that some aspects of the game may not have lived up to the high standards set by the previous entries in the series. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics was that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider was a satisfying and enjoyable game. GameSpot, in particular, described it as a solid, inventive, yet somewhat subdued capper to the stories from the previous Dishonored games, offering players the chance to be creative in unexpected ways. DualShockers praised the game for continuing to highlight the special world crafted by Arkane Studios and serving as a bloody finish to a beautifully violent series. Guardian also mentioned that the game successfully concluded the series with strong missions and a fabulous and atmospheric world. In conclusion, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics. While there were some minor criticisms regarding aspects such as playstyle impact, story pacing, and originality, the overall sentiment was that the game was a fantastic addition to the Dishonored universe, providing a satisfying conclusion to the series. The game's engaging gameplay, strong narrative, and atmospheric world were praised by multiple critics, making it a highly recommended experience for both fans of the franchise and newcomers.

TL;DR

Critics mostly loved Dishonored: Death of the Outsider for its gameplay, level design, and immersive world in Karnaca. Some reviewers criticized its high-chaos focus and lack of originality, but overall, the game was seen as a solid and satisfying addition to the series. Despite minor flaws, the consensus is that it offers a fantastic experience with engaging gameplay and a strong narrative, making it a must-play for Dishonored fans and newcomers alike.

CRITIK

Reviews

131 reviews found

TrueAchievements

Xbox One

Sep 19, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game as a special conclusion to the series and states that it is consistent, bright, and memorable.

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Xbox Achievements

Xbox One

Sep 19, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review concludes that Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is a triumphant follow-up to Dishonored 2 and delivers a fantastic experience.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox One

Oct 6, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Dishonored: Death of the Outsider is an amazing expansion to the Dishonored universe, with new characters and locations. Fans of the franchise will love it.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death of the Outsider is a smaller but high-quality expansion that improves upon the best aspects of the series. It may serve as a fitting conclusion to the Dishonored series.

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Gaming Nexus

PlayStation 4

Oct 11, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death of The Outsider is a great follow up to Dishonored 2. It offers a really rich experience with a fair amount of replay value—which is really rare in add-on content these days.

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Trusted Reviews

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Death of the Outsider is a fantastic addition to the Dishonored universe, with a fresh exploration of the city of Karnaca and a morally ambiguous heroine. It achieves more in terms of content and narrative than many games strive for.

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VideoGamer

PlayStation 4

Sep 18, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Death of the Outsider as a tribute to the tight storytelling of the Dishonored series and highlights the enjoyment of playing as Billie Lurk. It also mentions some linear aspects towards the end of the game.

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COGconnected

Xbox One

Sep 24, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game pushes towards high-chaos playthrough and lacks lasting impact on playstyle. The reviewer wanted more time with the story, but still enjoyed the combat and felt connected to the protagonist.

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Let's Play Video Games

Oct 2, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic end to one of the best series in gaming, with improvements over Dishonored 2

Destructoid

Sep 29, 2017

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The expansion is a fitting farewell for one of the best video game franchises in recent memory.