Perhaps learning from the lessons experienced from publisher Bethesda's complaints about Skyrim, or maybe just because they are PC people at heart, Arkane Studios today revealed that the PC version of Dishonored would feature a different user interface than the console versions of their game.

Unlike Skyrim, though, Dishonored doesn't feature intensely detailed menus, but is more about in-the-moment action, which leads us to believe those UI differences will be with the game's ability selection menu.

For those that don't know, because the game's trailers thus far haven't completely sold the idea, Dishonored puts players into the role of a supernatural assassin who has access to a wide variety of powers that will assist him in his quest for revenge. These powers run the gamut from a short-burst teleport ability called Blink to a more offensive based ability called Windblast. Each is important for a given situation, but they might not be as easily accessible as some gamers might like.

For the console version of Dishonored, which was playable in Bethesda's booth at E3 2012, players will be able to access their six active and four passive powers via a simple wheel-based menu. All they need do is hold a button (I believe it was the right bumper) and up pops the menu. From there the player can program a couple different options to the d-pad, although one power can only be selected at a time.

The best comparison for Dishonored's interface on the console is the biotic powers reticule in the Mass Effect series. It lets the player select a given load out for a particular situation, but also gives them the freedom to change things up on the fly.

As far as the PC interface, though, our guess is that each of the game's powers will be accessible without the use of a menu. The inherent advantages of a keyboard should make for switching between the 10 powers/weapons much easier, and we hope to learn more about it in the coming weeks. Needless to say, although we've said it a couple times already, this game is one to watch out for.

Does the promise of an improved UI sway towards picking up the PC version of Dishonored?

Dishonored releases October 9, 2012 for the PC, Xbox 360, and PS3.

Source: PC Gamer