SinceDeathloop’s reveal, gamers gave been keenly awaiting the launch of Arkane Studios' latest project. After initial delays,Deathlooplooks set to release later this year, much to the excitement of PlayStation 5 and PC owners everywhere.
Likerecent releaseReturnal,one of the defining features ofDeathloopis its experimentation with time.Deathloopopts for a traditionalGroundhog Day-style time loop, with the day resetting upon the player’s death. The result of this is a fairly unique game that has captured the interest of many. Despite comparisons, and indeed some similarities betweenDishonoredandDeathloop, the two games actually seem quite different from one another. But is this dissimilarity reflected in the game’s main protagonists?
RELATED:Deathloop Studio Arkane Talks Creative Freedom with Xbox Game Pass
Dishonored’s Corvo vs Deathloop’s Colt
Corvo Attano, Royal Protector and main protagonist, is thrust into the events of theDishonoredgamesby being twice ousted from his position and set upon by the self-imposed rulers. Corvo is a silent protagonist in the first game, which proved to be troublesome when accused of a murder he didn’t commit, but he finds his voice inDishonored 2. Corvo is hardly the most outspoken protagonist when given the chance, always maintaining a serious demeanor, befitting of both the circumstances he finds himself in and his characterization as a ruthless assassin. It is within combat that Corvo’s character comes alive, with slick handwork and a collection of supernatural abilities, Corvo makes quick work dispatching of enemies in style.
Colt Vahn, in comparison, is the Yin to Corvo Attano’s Yang. Seeming to have also been ousted from a position of relative power, Colt is being sought out by a new regime, intent on bringing an end to his plans to end the time loop.Colt’sDeathloopabilitiesare easily recognizable as bearing a resemblance to those possessed by Corvo, most notably, Corvo’s trademark teleportation ability that allows him to navigate throughout levels like a ghost. Unlike Corvo, though, Colt appears to have a good amount of humor about him. The torturous situation he finds himself in proving to be the inspiration behind his exasperated one-liners and general frustrated apathy towards his enemies, knowing his success is a question of when rather than if.
Colt’s fighting style, best described as Corvo with automatic weapons, makes for excitingDeathloopgameplay trailers. Corvo’s slick combat style lives on through Colt as he battles his way through enemy bases with a combination of stealth and brutality. Despite significant changes to the gameplay loop, the combat system appears as smooth as it was inDishonored. This is perhaps one of the features that has excited fans the most and for good reason asDishonored’scombat system was one of the main draws of the game.
Deathloop Vs Dishonored
Despite coming from the same developer and sharing a very similar combat system,DishonoredandDeathlooplook to be quite different games. For starters,Deathloophas a self-aware bond-style aesthetic and the game seems a lot more colorful thanDishonored’sdark, dusty, steampunk look.Dishonored’saesthetic contributed greatly to the overall feel of the game, which makesDeathloop’santithetical style quite an interesting departure.
One of the biggest differences between the two games isDeathloop’sgameplay loop, which combines aDark Soulsesqueonline component withHitmanstyle level progression. InDeathloop, the player’s game is infiltrated by Julianna, who may either be NPC or player-controlled and will attempt to kill Colt, bringing the time loop to a halt. This is a notable change fromDishonored, which is single-player by design. How well this gameplay feature will play out is yet to be seen, but it could prove to be significant in shaping the gameplay ofDeathloop.
DespiteMicrosoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, and unlike theDishonoredgames,Deathloopis set to debut on PC and PlayStation 5 as a console exclusive. While it will appear on Xbox later down the line, Xbox gamers will have to wait to play Arkane Studios' latest game.
Deathlooplaunches September 14 for PC and PlayStation 5.
