Arkane Studios, although having gained prominence in recent years, is familiar to the gaming scene. The studio was established in France in 1999, releasing its inaugural game, Arx Fatalis, shortly after that. However, their standout series, Dishonored, catapulted them into the spotlight. Today, we will delve into the evolution of its distinct gaming style, showcasing the Arkane Studios games they’ve crafted over the years.
The studio experienced a significant shift when ZeniMax Media acquired them in 2010, increasing their production budgets and facilitating the development of more brave games. Fast-forward to 2021, following Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax, Arkane Studios now forms part of the Xbox Game Studios family.
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Best Arkane Studios Games
Arkane Studios may have a relatively short history in AAA game development, but it’s a history brimming with acclaimed titles that have earned a dedicated following amongst the gaming community. Their recent offering, Redfall, did receive a mixed response. Despite this, there’s plenty in Arkane’s portfolio to excite gamers, and anticipation remains high for their future releases.
To refresh your memory and possibly spark your interest in revisiting some of these gems, we’ve put together a list of a few standout projects from Arkane Studios games:
- Dishonored (Series)
- Prey
- Deathloop
- Redfall
Now, let’s delve into these modern classics from Arkane Studios. All have unique appeal and have left indelible marks on the gaming landscape. Buckle up — it’s going to be an exciting journey.
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1. Dishonored Series
Launched in 2012, Dishonored quickly established itself as a global hit, enjoying a warm reception from critics and players alike. The phenomenal success led the creators, Arkane Studios, to extend the Dishonored universe with a series of gripping DLCs and a sequel. It’s worth noting that ZeniMax Media played a pivotal role in this journey, as the project commenced soon after they took over Arkane Studios in 2010.
As one of the best Arkane Studios games — Dishonored’s unique blend of first-person stealth gameplay, where players adopt the persona of Corvo Attano, master assassin, was a significant aspect of its appeal. The game artfully combines combat and stealth mechanics in a visually striking world. Corvo is well-equipped with various gadgets and tools that elevate his deadly abilities to an art form.
Riding the wave of Dishonored’s success, Arkane Studios crafted two DLCs and followed up with a sequel named Dishonored 2. Further expanding this thrilling universe, a standalone expansion titled Dishonored: Death of the Outsider was also released.
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2. Prey
One of the most different among Arkane Studios games, Prey is an IP that the studio will surely continue in the coming years. It was a hit among critics, earning favourable reviews. Set in an alternate timeline with a sci-fi twist, it’s a visual treat for gamers. The gameplay is a rich fusion of stealth, combat, and RPG elements, with various weapons at the player’s disposal.
As players grapple with hordes of alien invaders, Prey cemented its position as a resounding success for Arkane Studios. Encouraged by the triumph of Prey, the studio announced plans for a sequel, aptly named Prey 2. However, this venture has yet to see the light of day.
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3. Deathloop
Sharing the same universe as the acclaimed Dishonored franchise, Deathloop is a futuristic first-person shooter that picks up some time after the franchise’s most recent addition, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider. Released in 2021, it’s available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X|S.
Credited for its artistic design and compelling gameplay, Deathloop has been warmly welcomed by critics and gamers. Maintaining the legacy of their prior success with Dishonored, Arkane Studios introduces us to a new breed of assassins, this time trapped within a time loop.
Deathloop boasts mechanics such as stealth, parkour, combat, various weapons, and quirky gadgets, providing a fertile playground for expanding your adventures in a universe lauded for its aesthetics. Also, we can say that Deathloop is the most iconic among Arkane Studios games with its art style.
Initially, the game was developed as a PlayStation 5 exclusive but later expanded to the Xbox Series X|S following Microsoft’s acquisition of Arkane Studios, which became part of Xbox Game Studios. Generally well-received by critics, Deathloop encourages players to deploy various inventive techniques for evasion and engagement.
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4. Redfall
Arkane Studios’ most recent game, Redfall, hasn’t quite hit the mark. It’s a first-person shooter, available on Windows and Xbox Series XIS, launched in 2023. Sadly, it’s been receiving quite a few negative remarks, particularly around its gameplay, storyline, and other technical issues.
You might be wondering why there’s no PlayStation 5 version. That’s because Microsoft now owns Arkane Studios. Players can pick from four characters, all survivors of a failed scientific experiment. The game boils down to a vampire-hunting mission — you can play it alone or with friends.
That’s all for the best Arkane Studios games for now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Play Dishonored Games in Order?
The Dishonored franchise comprises two main games, a pair of downloadable content (DLCs) and an extra standalone narrative. To ensure you experience the story as intended, here’s the sequence you should follow: Dishonored (2012), The Knife of Dunwall (Dishonored DLC), The Brigmore Witches (Dishonored DLC), Dishonored 2 (2016), and finally, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017).
Is Deathloop Also a Sequel to Dishonored?
While Deathloop shares the same universe as Dishonored, it’s a different game with a unique narrative. Yes, there are nods to Deathloop in the Dishonored series and vice versa. However, Deathloop follows a separate timeline that strays quite a bit from the original series.
Will There Be a Prey 2 or Even 3?
As for the future of the widely celebrated Prey in Arkane Studios’ game lineup, it could look better. The development of Prey 2 has been halted not once but twice. Plus, there’s a rumour that Bethesda, the publisher for Arkane Studios, isn’t keen on continuing with the Prey franchise. But we believe Arkane Studios games list will have the Prey 2 one day.
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