Dishonored

With Dishonored, Arkane Studios wanted to revitalize the stealth genre. It was a big ask, and a big claim, but it managed to do just that. There's plenty of innovation to be found in this game, from its steampunk fantasy world to its open play style. Arkane's levels are meticulously and beautifully crafted to give the player hundreds of different ways to achieve mission outcomes. Though stealth is a clear option, so are sword fights or epic combinations of magic and traps. This leads to a feeling of great gameplay freedom and an adapting world, too. The actions you take as masked assassin Corvo Attano shape the outcome of the story and his reputation. As a voiceless character, you can form Corvo yourself, deciding between a ruthless killer or a non-lethal rogue. Narrative is not just an overall arc but inside of each mission. As you walk the nineteenth-century world, smaller parts tie together to create a story of betrayal and vengeance. However, Corvo's tale isn't the only notable one. Dishonored is littered with various sub-plots, voiced by one of the best casts in any video game. It includes John Slattery, Lena Headey, Chloe Grace Moretz, Susan Sarandon, Carrie Fisher, and more. Though a star cast doesn't necessarily make a good game, Arkane's combination of good acting and thoughtful writing creates a feeling of emotion that only compliments the gloomy atmosphere.