In the world of video games, certain characters stand out not only because of their actions or appearance but also because of their voice. One such iconic character is Corvo Attano, the main protagonist of the popular video game series Dishonored. Fans of the game might have noticed something significant between Dishonored (2012) and Dishonored 2 (2016): Corvo’s voice underwent a dramatic change.
In the first game, Corvo remains silent throughout, allowing players to project their own personalities onto him. However, in Dishonored 2, Corvo is fully voiced, with his voice adding depth to the character’s persona. This change raised many questions among fans. Why did Corvo’s voice change? What were the reasons behind this decision? In this article, we will explore the reasons for this transformation and why it matters for the story and the fans of the game.
Corvo’s Silent Presence in Dishonored (2012)
In the original Dishonored game, Corvo Attano was a silent protagonist. He never spoke, and his emotions were expressed solely through his actions. While this allowed players to immerse themselves in Corvo’s world and gave them a sense of control over his persona, it also left Corvo as somewhat of a blank slate. Players projected their own ideas and feelings onto Corvo, giving them a unique experience.
Benefits of a Silent Protagonist
Having Corvo as a silent character served several purposes:
Player Immersion: By keeping Corvo silent, the game allowed players to feel more involved in the decision-making process, as if they were the ones making all the choices.
Personal Interpretation: A silent protagonist means that the players can interpret Corvo’s personality in their own way. Whether players saw him as a vengeful assassin or a reluctant hero was up to them.
Focus on Storytelling: Without a voice, Corvo’s actions and the environment told most of the story. The game’s world was rich with lore, and having Corvo silent kept the focus on the world and the narrative.
Although Corvo’s silence had its strengths, it also had some limitations. Players lacked a deeper understanding of who Corvo was. His backstory and motivations were not as fleshed out as they could have been. The emotional impact of the story, especially in relation to other characters like Emily Kaldwin, was somewhat diluted without Corvo’s voice.
The Decision to Give Corvo a Voice in Dishonored 2
When Dishonored 2 was released in 2016, one of the most noticeable changes was that Corvo Attano now had a voice. Stephen Russell, a well-known voice actor, was cast to voice Corvo, giving the character a distinct tone and personality. This change was a significant departure from the silent Corvo of the first game.
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Why Did Corvo’s Voice Change?
Several factors contributed to the decision to give Corvo a voice in Dishonored 2:
1. Evolving Storytelling
By the time Dishonored 2 was released, the series’ storytelling had evolved. Corvo was no longer just a blank slate. He was a character with a rich history and a deeper connection to the world around him. The developers wanted to explore Corvo’s emotions, thoughts, and relationships more thoroughly.
Corvo’s voice allowed the game to delve into his relationship with his daughter, Emily Kaldwin. In Dishonored 2, players could choose to play as either Corvo or Emily, and having Corvo voiced made the dynamic between father and daughter much more poignant. With his voice, Corvo could express his love, concern, and fear for Emily, adding layers to the narrative that were not present in the first game.
2. Character Development
Corvo had grown and changed between the two games. In Dishonored 2, Corvo is an older, more seasoned man who has spent years protecting Emily and the empire. The developers wanted to show how Corvo had evolved, both as a character and as a protector. Giving him a voice was a natural way to show this development.
Through his voice, players could hear the weariness in Corvo’s tone, the burden of responsibility he carries, and the wisdom he has gained over the years. This shift in character was essential to the story, and having Corvo voice his thoughts and feelings allowed for more in-depth character exploration.
3. Meeting Fan Expectations
Another reason for Corvo’s voice change was fan expectations. As the Dishonored series grew in popularity, so did the demand for more character development. Fans wanted to know more about Corvo as a person, not just as a tool for carrying out missions. By giving Corvo a voice, the developers could meet this demand and satisfy players’ curiosity about who Corvo truly was.
4. Consistency with Modern Gaming Trends
In modern video games, fully voiced protagonists are more common. Players expect deeper character interactions and more cinematic storytelling. By giving Corvo a voice, Dishonored 2 kept pace with contemporary gaming trends, where character depth and voice acting play a crucial role in immersion and storytelling.
5. Increased Emotional Impact
One of the most significant reasons for giving Corvo a voice was to increase the emotional impact of the story. Without a voice, it was difficult to convey the full depth of Corvo’s feelings, particularly in emotionally charged moments. In Dishonored 2, with Stephen Russell’s voice acting, players could hear the pain, anger, and love in Corvo’s voice. This made certain moments in the game much more impactful.
For example, Corvo’s reaction to Emily being taken or his determination to protect her felt more real and personal because of his voice. It allowed players to connect with Corvo on a deeper emotional level.
Stephen Russell: The Voice Behind Corvo
Stephen Russell, who is known for his work in other iconic video game franchises like Thief and Fallout, was chosen to voice Corvo in Dishonored 2. His gravelly, seasoned voice fit the older, wiser version of Corvo perfectly. Russell’s voice acting brought Corvo to life in a new way, giving the character a distinct personality that was consistent with the character’s background and experiences.
Russell’s portrayal of Corvo was praised for its depth and emotional range. He was able to convey the burden of Corvo’s role as both protector and assassin, as well as his complicated feelings towards the events unfolding around him.
Fan Reactions to the Voice Change
The decision to give Corvo a voice was met with mixed reactions from fans. Some players loved the change, as it gave them a deeper understanding of Corvo and allowed for more emotional storytelling. They appreciated the insight into Corvo’s thoughts and the development of his character.
However, other fans missed the silent protagonist from the first game. They felt that the change took away from the immersive experience of playing as Corvo. For these players, the silence had allowed them to shape Corvo’s personality and choices, and the addition of a voice somewhat reduced that level of immersion.
Conclusion
Corvo’s voice change in Dishonored 2 marked a significant shift in the character’s development and the storytelling of the series. While some fans preferred the silent Corvo of the first game, the decision to give him a voice allowed for more emotional depth, better character development, and a richer narrative experience.
As the Dishonored series continued to evolve, so did Corvo Attano. His voice became an essential part of his journey, allowing players to understand him better as a character and explore the complexities of his relationships and responsibilities. Whether you prefer the silent Corvo or the voiced version, there is no denying that his character has grown, and his voice has played a crucial role in that growth.
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