'Dishonored' Review Round-Up: Critics Hail Arkane’s Stealth Adventure Game Prior To Its Release Date
Dishonored, the latest game from Arkane Studios and Bethesda Softworks, is ready for its official release date on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Luckily for those interested gamers, most critics are calling Dishonored incredible, memorable, and one of the “most refreshing experiences” of the year thus far. Bethesda

On May 10th Bethesda Softworks announced that 'Dishonored' will have a release date of Oct. 9th in North America, according to the official press release. The supernatural assassin game is being developed by Arkane Studios, and will launch in Australia on Oct. 11th and throughout Europe on Oct. 12th. Dishonored will be a multi-platform titled available for Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 and PC via Games for Windows.

The game will be set in Dunwall, which was described as an industrial whaling city where steampunk-inspired technology and otherworldly forces coexist in the shadows. Gamers will play as protagonist Corvo, a bodyguard that was discredited after the Empress he was hired to guard was murdered. Clearly, this is where the titled Dishonored was derived.

Framed for the crime, you become an infamous assassin, known by the disturbing mask that has become your calling card, the release's description states. Corvo will also receive some supernatural abilities from dark forces, but the synopsis hints that there may be a catch here.

But at what cost? The truth behind your betrayal is as murky as the waters surrounding the city, and the life you once had is gone forever.

Vlato Andonov, president of Bethesda Softworks, said that the team is excited to unveil the new dark-themed action game.

We are pleased that 'Dishonored' has captured people's attention, he said. We are looking forward to sharing lots more information about the game leading up to its launch in October, and having a hands-on build of 'Dishonored' in our booth at E3!

The game boasts a flexible combat system comprised of supernatural abilities, weapons and gadgets. Players have the option of tracking down their opponents under a shield of darkness or confronting them head on with weapons drawn. The outcome of each mission relies on the choices players make, echoing the widely successful model of combat/RPG based games such as Mass Effect.

From the games description, it seems like Dishonored could be a mix of Assassin's Creed and Mass Effect, two of the most prominent titles in the gaming industry as of late. Throw in some supernatural abilities with stealthy gameplay and choice-based outcomes, and gamers may be finding themselves putting Dishonored at the top of their holiday wish lists. Assassin's Creed 3, set to take place during the American Revolution, is launching only a couple of weeks later on Oct. 30th.

Coming from the same developer as one of the most recognizable action RPG franchises, The Elder Scrolls, Bethesda Softworks is sure to create one enticing adventure. When the official Dishonored announcement came on April 17th, fans were expecting the new Skyrim downloadable content called Dawnguard to be revealed. On the day before the Dishonored trailer was revealed, Bethesda's blog tweeted a screenshot from the game, which some fans misinterpreted as a possible Skyrim unveiling.

Check out the trailer for Dishonored below.

Follow on Twitter @LisaEadicicco