'Dishonored 2' release date on PS4, Xbox One, PC news: Features variety of character-based experiences

Facebook courtesy of Dishonored

"Dishonored 2," an upcoming action-adventure stealth role-playing video game, is offering players a variety of gaming experiences depending on which character they decide to use. 

Arkane Studios is developing the game, the sequel to "Dishonored," and Bethesda Softworks will be publishing it. The game is expected to be released in the first or second quarter of 2016 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

Set in the fictional plague-ridden industrial city of Dunwall, "Dishonored" revolves around Corvo Attano, bodyguard to the Empress of the Isles, who is framed for her murder and forced to become an assassin, seeking revenge on those who conspired against him. Corvo is aided in his quest by the Loyalists, a resistance group fighting to reclaim Dunwall, and the Outsider, a powerful being who imbues Corvo with magical abilities.

Several noted actors have provided their voices to the game's characters, including Susan Sarandon, Brad Dourif, Carrie Fisher, Michael Madsen, Lena Headey and ChloĆ« Grace Moretz.

In "Dishonored 2," players can either step back into the shoes of Attano, the same protagonist from the first game, or take on the role of Emily Kaldwin, the young empress who was a central yet unplayable character in the first entry of the franchise, according to PC Gamer.

Though the choice may appear to ultimately be a cosmetic or gender-specific preference, Harvey Smith, co-creative director for Arkane Studios, indicates that this is not the case.

According to Smith, while playing as Corvo is basically the same as it was in the original "Dishonored" game, a new system will be in place for Emily. She will be given her own unique powers and animations, allowing her to carry out her own distinct brand of justice.

Smith draws a stark contrast between the two, saying playing with Corvo provides players with a more rugged experience, while Emily grants them access to a style of play that requires more finesse.

Smith stopped short of saying whether the choice between Corvo or Emily would be a one time thing at the start of the game or something done again and again with every mission.

As for the other aspects of the game, Smith also indicated that developing the sequel is coming along more smoothly largely because the team already has elements of the game in place, according to Polygon.

"Dishonored 2" is also expected to feature the same multi-path approach to solving any quandary in the game just as it was in the original title.