New ‘Dishonored’ Screenshots Showcase Unique Visuals and Combat

It’s been quite a while since gamers had last seen anything for the Bethesda published Arkane Studios developed title Dishonored, leaving plenty of opportunity for the developer to swoop in with some new screenshots and concept art pieces, like they have done today, and completely blow us away.

Most of what is contained within these shots has been suggested by previous details regarding the game, but seeing the steam punk aesthetic of Dishonored once again reinforces how much of a departure this title will be for all parties involved.

Much of what makes Dishonored so unique is its ability to present the player with choices, making every outcome of a given situation unique to the player. It’s something that has been done before in games, but the way in which Arkane is planning on approaching it seems fairly unique.

Unfortunately, because these are screenshots, the idea of that choice isn’t communicated that well, but one of the creative ways in which our assassin main character dispatching his foes is on display.

Here’s the full blurb from Bethesda followed by the screenshots and concept art:

Dishonored casts you as a supernatural assassin driven by revenge. Creatively eliminate your targets with the flexible combat system as you combine the numerous supernatural abilities, weapons and unusual gadgets at your disposal. Pursue your enemies under the cover of darkness or ruthlessly attack them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission plays out based on the choices you make.

Also on display is what appears to be a dual-wielding mechanic that would see the player brandishing a knife in one hand and a futuristic pistol of sorts in the other. Combat in previous Bethesda games has always been about finding the right combination to suit the player, so perhaps an evolution of that formula is being employed by Arkane Studios here.

And, of course, these screenshots can’t go by without making mention of how gorgeous this game looks. Sure, it bares a striking resemblance to BioShock: Infinite in certain regards, but the painterly aspect to its visuals makes it feel unlike anything Bethesda has delivered before. We might not know that much about the game, nor have a clear indication of how combat scenarios will play out in real time, but this absolutely feels like a game to watch in the near future.

What do you think of the new screenshots for Dishonored? What most intrigues you about this game?

Dishonored is slated to release later this year for the PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.