And even though it is its own thing, it still is inferior to thief.
Does not compute.
We have two games with wholly different focus, You might prefer one over the another, but you cannot claim how one is objectively inferior because they are trying to do different things. Imagine saying how Deus Ex (original game) is inferior to Thief because it has inferior stealth mechanics...
Thief is a masterpiece. Dishonored may have never tried to be thief, but when you see the "loot" game-play, in-game terms like "ghost" (a term originated by thief community), and the people involved in development, you see that thief is the main inspiration. Even corvo now has garrett's voice, and one final mission is a copy Thief dark project final mission. Even level progressing structure is similar to thief. Dishonored is more thief-like game-play wise, than D44M is to doom 1 and 2. Dishonored is more thief then Thiaf ever was. If you want a modern day AAA title that is the closest to thief game-play, dishonored is your bet. The difference is that with dishonored, they rewarded reckless gameplay also, which is what makes it sufficient to be classified as not thief, therefore, more accessible to players that are not fond of stealth gameplay.
Oh, and if you take arkane's history, their first game is also a ultima underworld spiritual sequel (arx fatalis).
That being said, it's is inferior to thief, and fuck the focus. Also, i stand corrected on my stance in agreeing with Morgoth:
Dishonored never was meant to be Thief.
Oh, of course not. Marketing campaings even made an effort to distance itself from thief. Also, it's more of a spiritual successor to thief than bioshock ever was to ss2. There's no denying the similarities (down to the people involved and mission design elements). And even though it is its own thing, it still is inferior to thief. I also mentioned shadows because I believe they considered that at some point in the game development.
Due to the evidence I just presented myself above, it was never meant to be thief, but surely the game really tries to be thief and actually it almost succeeded.
Oh, I'm not saying dishonored is a bad game. I liked dishonored. I'm inclined to buy dishonored 2, actually it could be a D1P, but bethesda games prices are a rip-off here in Brazil, I have money to buy but i disagree with this policy.
In any case, dishonored is not made by bethesda anyway.