Dishonored Released

Bethesda Softworks and Arkane Studios have released their much-anticipated action RPG-lite Dishonored, and while we haven’t been covering the game a whole lot given how light it is on the RPG elements, its focus on stealth and multiple solutions certainly looks like it’ll fit the bill for many of us looking for something new to play. Take in the launch trailer and see what you think:

And the full press release is below:

BETHESDA SOFTWORKS’ DISHONORED NOW AVAILABLE IN NORTH AMERICA

Arkane Studios’ Critically-Acclaimed First-Person Action Game Hits Stores

October 9, 2012 (Rockville, MD) Bethesda Softworks®, a ZeniMax® Media company, today announced that Arkane® Studios’ first-person action game, Dishonoredâ„¢, is now available in retail stores across North America. Developed under co-creative directors, Raphael Colantonio, lead designer on Arx Fatalis®, and Harvey Smith, lead designer on Deus Ex®, Dishonored is available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and PC. Dishonored has already garnered critical acclaim, winning over 50 awards at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) as well GamesCom’s (Game of the Show.)

Dishonored has earned universal praise from the industry’s most influential outlets including NBCNews.com, who awarded the game a 10 out of 10 and called the game (Outstanding). The Escapist, which also awarded the game a perfect score added (Dishonored is smart enough to know not to try too hard to impress you, and as a result, it will blow you away.) Destructoid.com states (Dishonored is that game of 2012) while Kotaku calls the game (nothing short of a masterpiece.)

(We wanted to create a very physical first-person action game that encourages players to play the way they want by providing them with versatile game systems) said Raphael Colantonio, President, Arkane Studios. (We’ve watched gamers play Dishonored at consumer events and we’ve seen some amazing gameplay choices and power combinations. We’re very proud of our development team’s final product, and excited to see the game in the hands of gamers.)

(The team at Arkane Studios set out to create an original game with a deep story, set in an immersive world, full of player choice.and they have delivered on all aspects,) said Vlatko Andonov, President, Bethesda Softworks. (We couldn’t be more proud of Dishonored and can’t wait for fans to finally get their hands on it.)

In Dishonored, players take on the role of Corvo, a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Players can creatively eliminate enemies using a flexible combat system that combines supernatural abilities and numerous weapons. Dishonored gives players the choice to pursue targets under the cover of darkness or boldly attack with weapons drawn. Every choice made controls each mission and the game’s ultimate conclusion.

Dishonored features a renowned and award-winning ensemble of actors including Academy Award® winner, Susan Sarandon ((Thelma & Louise,) (Dead Man Walking)), Golden Globe® winner, Brad Dourif ((The Lord of the Rings) trilogy, (One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest)), Emmy® Award nominees Carrie Fisher (original (Star Wars) trilogy) and John Slattery ((Mad Men)), Michael Madsen ((Thelma & Louise,) (Reservoir Dogs,) (Kill Bill)) and Lena Headey ((300,) (Game of Thrones)). In addition to the star-studded voice cast, Composer Daniel Licht ((Dexter)) lends his musical talents to create the game’s original score.

Dishonored is now available in North America and will be available throughout Europe on October 12, 2012 on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system and Games for Windows.

Dishonored has been rated M for mature by the ESRB. For more information about Dishonored visit: www.dishonored.com.

About Bethesda Softworks
Bethesda Softworks, part of the ZeniMax Media Inc. family of companies, is a worldwide publisher of premier interactive entertainment software. Titles featured under the Bethesda label include such blockbuster franchises as DOOM®, QUAKE®, The Elder Scrolls®, Fallout®, Wolfenstein® and RAGE® . Among the world’s top development studios creating titles for ZeniMax are Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, Arkane Studios, MachineGames Studios, Tango Gameworks and ZeniMax Online Studios. For more information on Bethesda Softworks’ products, visit www.bethsoft.com.

About Arkane Studios
Founded in 1999, Arkane, a ZeniMax Media company, has offices located in Lyon, France and Austin, Texas and has attracted diverse and talented developers with a passion for creating detailed, immersive worlds.