The Amazing Combat of Dishonored 2

Summary

In this video, the creator dives into the combat mechanics of *Dishonored 2*, praising its smooth and dynamic system, especially the introduction of Far Reach, which enhances movement and combat flexibility. They discuss the impact of swordplay, finishers, and bone charms, highlighting how the game rewards fast, strategic combat. However, the creator points out issues like the distracting dynamic FOV and visual effects. A comparison with *Death of the Outsider* reveals that while the core mechanics are similar, the latter’s combat is less fluid due to problems with movement and ranged weapons. The video ultimately celebrates *Dishonored 2*’s combat system while offering constructive critiques.

Takeaways

• 😀 The player enjoys *Dishonored 2* for its great atmosphere and level design, especially compared to the first game.
• 😀 A switch to a high chaos, aggressive playstyle in *Dishonored 2* revealed the depth and enjoyment of its combat mechanics.
• 😀 The sword combat allows for finishers in several ways, including knocking enemies off balance or attacking when they are unaware.
• 😀 The introduction of chargeable heavy attacks adds more range and strategic options in combat.
• 😀 Combat mechanics are enhanced by the independence of hand movements, letting the player control different actions simultaneously, creating smooth gameplay.
• 😀 Fast movement is rewarded in combat, where closing the gap quickly is crucial to avoid enemy defense, especially with the double jump and vaulting abilities.
• 😀 *Dishonored 2* offers character customization through bone charms, allowing players to stack perks like movement speed for more agile combat.
• 😀 Far Reach is praised as the most interesting and versatile ability, functioning like a grappling hook and offering high mobility and control in combat.
• 😀 The pull function of Far Reach, while effective for isolating enemies, could be improved with a better key bind system for more control over what you're targeting.
• 😀 The combat system becomes less interesting when using overly powerful abilities like grenades or upgraded wind blast, which quickly end encounters, diminishing tactical engagement.
• 😀 *Dishonored: Death of the Outsider* introduces a new movement ability called Displace, which is essentially a less efficient version of Blink, as it requires aiming and adds complexity without significant benefits for combat.

Q & A

What makes the combat system in *Dishonored 2* unique?

The combat system in *Dishonored 2* is notable for its speed, fluidity, and the ability to control various combat elements independently, such as sword attacks and movement. It allows for fast-paced combat while maintaining precise control over actions like charging heavy attacks, using far reach, and incorporating tactical awareness.

How does the far reach ability enhance combat in *Dishonored 2*?

Far reach acts like a grappling hook, pulling the player toward targets quickly. It allows for high-speed movement, overshooting enemies, and getting in and out of combat swiftly. This mechanic gives players a unique way to engage in combat, making it feel like a movement shooter while still rooted in melee combat.

What are the advantages of using far reach in combat?

Far reach provides a significant advantage by allowing the player to close gaps quickly, move around the environment with speed, and perform dynamic combat moves. The ability to pull enemies towards you and perform finishers on them while they're defenseless is particularly powerful in single-target combat.

What are the drawbacks of the dynamic field of view (FOV) changes in *Dishonored 2*?

The dynamic FOV changes that occur during sprinting and heavy attacks can negatively affect depth perception, making it difficult to judge the distance between the player and enemies. This can hinder aiming accuracy and disrupt the flow of combat.

How does the combat in *Dishonored 2* compare to *Dishonored 1*?

The combat in *Dishonored 2* is more advanced, featuring mechanics like the ability to charge sword attacks, perform more fluid movement with vaulting, and use far reach. The combat is generally faster and more dynamic than *Dishonored 1*, with more options for customization and playstyle.

What role do charms play in *Dishonored 2*?

Charms in *Dishonored 2* act as character perks that can be crafted and stacked to enhance movement, speed, and other attributes. They allow players to customize their abilities, such as increasing running speed or enhancing weapon handling, enabling a personalized approach to combat.

Why is the finishers animation a point of criticism in *Dishonored 2*?

While finishers are visually impressive, they can become repetitive and interrupt the flow of combat. Some players find that the time spent in the finisher animation could be better used in uninterrupted combat, and the option to disable them could improve pacing.

How does *Dishonored 2* reward fast movement in combat?

The game rewards fast movement by allowing players to close the gap quickly, avoiding enemy attacks, and dealing more damage before enemies can react. Speed is a core aspect of combat, and abilities like far reach or movement-enhancing charms help players maintain high velocity during encounters.

What is the main combat mechanic that makes *Dishonored 2* feel smooth and responsive?

The smoothness of combat in *Dishonored 2* comes from how the game allows players to control multiple actions independently, such as attacking with one hand while moving or charging an attack with the other. This sense of freedom in controlling the character's movements and actions simultaneously adds to the fluidity.

What is the main criticism of the ranged combat in *Dishonored 2*?

The ranged combat in *Dishonored 2* is criticized for its inaccuracy, especially with the voltaic gun. The crosshair widens when moving, and the gun can only shoot single projectiles, making it less effective in fast-paced combat. A more precise or upgradeable ranged weapon would have improved the experience.