Temporal Mechanics: Redefining Gameplay in Dishonored 2's A Crack in the Slab

In Dishonored 2, the experience of traversing through different time periods showcases the innovative design capabilities of Arkane Studios. One of the standout levels, A Crack in the Slab, allows players to move between the past and the present, which adds a unique twist to the gameplay as they work to achieve their goals.

Designer Thomas Boucher shared with PCGamer that A Crack in the Slab drew inspiration from a particular moment in Bioshock 2. The idea of transitioning through time was intriguing, and for this level, the team aimed to enhance that concept and incorporate it as an active gameplay feature. They explored what unique offerings they could provide to players through this mechanic that hadn’t been successfully achieved in other titles.

Unlike Bioshock 2, which does not enable direct transitions between timeframes, A Crack in the Slab uniquely allows players to experience two distinct environments simultaneously. This design creates a seamless flow, giving the impression of being in a single location across different time periods, enriching the overall gaming experience.