Alpha Protocol [PC, 360, PS3]

"The year is 2009. Hundreds of innocent passengers and crew are killed after a commercial airliner is shot down over Eastern Europe. The culprit? A high-tech U.S. defense missile which had somehow fallen into the wrong hands. As government agent Michael Thorton, you have been chosen to find those responsible and bring them to justice."



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It's really the only other RPG I'm interested in getting this year. Obsidian (composed of some key former Black Isle guys) will finally create their first new property. Alpha Protocol is a spy themed RPG, the Bourne Identity or James Bond (reboot, not old school) of RPGs. It's also one of the handful of RPGs set in modern day so that gets my interest up alone. Seems pretty damn fresh imo (although maybe a bit shooter-y ala Mass Effect).

Anyone else looking forward to it?

First I've heard of it, though I admit the premise does sound intriguing. I'll look out for it when it's released I think... just hope Obsidian learned from the mistakes they made with Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and release a 'full' game, not one with holes in it.

Well, they have made NWN2 and two expansions since then, neither of which are cut as severely. I don't think that's something to worry about particularly.

Even so, Alpha Protocol was supposed to d�but last October, but was held back specifically to "polish it up". So I guess it can be taken as a good sign.

That annoyed me initially, but their games come off a bit buggy usually so it's all for the good.

Been watching this since I first got wind of it from GI, and I too am intrigued. What caught MY interest was the fact that you get true different responses depending on the answer you give to people...it's not just a line or two of response, and then the same text you would have gotten with any other response.

Keeps piquing my interest with each trailer that's released...I pray this won't be a stinker, because it's going to be a game I intend to stretch my finances for.

Some of the stuff they've been talking about sounds cool, but on the whole I just don't see myself being able to get into a "spy RPG". I'm much more excited for New Vegas.

I've actually been seeing commercials for Alpha Protocol during wrestling tonight. Boy do they focus on the shooting and explosions. What a sad thing for an RPG to have to do.

Is that really a bad way to advertise a game that's going to consist of at least 80% shooting people? At least it's better than all those trailers that tried to make Dragon Age look like an action game.

Not just that doomjockey and ThroneofOminous, but it's no worse than the days of FF7 which advertised little else but it's FMV sequences. I think we saw maybe...5 seconds of gameplay footage in all it's advertising?

(Oh GAWD, I'm gonna catch heat for this, I bet...lol)

Right now, I'm just hoping Obsidian doesn't announce a delay ON the current release date like they did last time...

Is that really a bad way to advertise a game that's going to consist of at least 80% shooting people? At least it's better than all those trailers that tried to make Dragon Age look like an action game.

I think I am dreading the likelihood that it could be 80% shooter and 20% RPG. I've been till now trying to trust the words of the devs who seem to be genuinely intent on avoiding a System Shock in favour of a true RPG. That commercial is kind of a faith breaker though.


Not just that doomjockey and ThroneofOminous, but it's no worse than the days of FF7 which advertised little else but it's FMV sequences. I think we saw maybe...5 seconds of gameplay footage in all it's advertising?

(Oh GAWD, I'm gonna catch heat for this, I bet...lol)

Right now, I'm just hoping Obsidian doesn't announce a delay ON the current release date like they did last time...

Well, AP's main mode of combat is shooting so it's not that bad. But it's kind of obvious they're pandering to the shooter crowd like ME2. It's a bad day to be niche.

Again, you have a point doomjockey. But it would appear that since the 'moves' you can learn can be activated, it's more RPG-ish than say...Deus Ex. And I don't think any of us have forgotten how well THAT worked out when it was released...

I guess, in conclusion, I'm just trying to say that I would trust developer videos more than the commercials. Commercials don't always show the whole story, 'cause they're trying to appeal to the widest audience. What gets our attention most? Gun battles and explosions, most often. For those TRULY interested in the mechanics, well...we've probably followed this thing from day one, so we know what's (hopefully) lurking under the surface.

Could I be wrong? Oh, hell yeah. This could turn out to be a big flop. But right now, I'm hoping for the best, until we get reviews that tell us otherwise. But I know that's pretty much what we're all doing, right? *smirk*

Man, that girl is hawt. Shades of SM Dahlia. Mmmmm.

Any idea of a possible release date or any more info released yet?

Dhalia! YES :love:

Also, don't be crushing on my honeysuckle, Neg

Chaz- Tbh, I originally brought it up cos I was surprised to see a commercial for the game at all. The game probably isn't going to be scored anything above average to ok. But y'know... like I care. As long as I like it, I'm fine. =)

Death- Australia gets it first on May 27, EU the 28th, NA the 1st of June. Damn backwards conventions.

Death- Australia gets it first on May 27, EU the 28th, NA the 1st of June. Damn backwards conventions.

Sweet! I think I'll call my nearest gamestore tomorrow and organise a pre-order for it ^^.

Thanks for the info doom

Ah, I guess I misunderstood doomjockey. But you're right, as long as you enjoy the game, that's all that counts.

Shoot, I enjoy several games that 'professional reviewers' and 'hardcore gamers' say are crap. I use the words of that military guy from Die Hard 2:

"Shut up! Shut the FUCK up!"

:D

As far as crushing on any of the women...hm, the Bond approach described in articles intrigues me(being able to seduce them all? FUCK YEAR!). Hope Obsidian used their time well...

I dunno. I might love to sort through some stuff Jack Bauer style! With plenty of "dammits" But not at the cost of the time-honoured tradition of romancing the game ladies. :naughty:

Ooooh, new trailer, "Factions (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNXrxdHx3zE)"

Now that looks like it could be worth a few plays, hopefully. I'd love to know if there's a romance option connected to each faction.

Have my copy prepaid in full. Now, just have to wait til the 27th.

Have my copy prepaid in full. Now, just have to wait til the 27th.

Frickin' Aussies.:P I know it's only 4 more days, but still...at least I'll get to hear whether it's worth keeping the hold on it before then.

And doomjockey, that's exactly what I'm talking about! Every chance I've ever had, I've always gotten with all the women, as much as possible. Call every game I have a dating simulator if you wish, but most of us normal people won't get the chance to sleep with every hot alien chick like Captain Kirk, or female enemy spies like Bond. Let us live the fantasy while we're enjoying the game, dammit!:D

Romance quests.

That's how I roll.

Be apart of it or be apart from it.

Although people tell me I go after the odd ones. I think I was the only one who focused on Jack in ME2. :cool:

Reviewers have been absolutely savaging this game for poor AI and clunky shooter mechanics. At least a (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3179545&p=37) couple (http://www.rpgamer.com/games/other/xbox2/alphaprotocol/reviews/alphaprotocolstrev1.html) of reviews have been more positive though, so maybe there is still some hope of this game being good. In any case I have way too much uni work to do at the moment so it will be a while before I give it a spin.

Yeah, that sucks.

But it makes me no less pumped to play. The fact that it has more customization and as much or more plot complexity than ME2 still makes it a must play imo. I just wish I didn't have to wait until Monday :(

I was unable to pick my copy up on the 27th (Boss conveniently forgot to add my overtime >.<) so I have to wait til this Friday to get my copy.

I've read some reviews of the game and I agree they've been rather harsh about it. However I'm not going to let their reviews stop me from getting this, playing it and forming my own opinion about it.

Dunno what version you're intending to get doomjockey, but looking over the achievements list has me raising my eyebrows: the list seems almost as extensive as Dragon Age, including the romance options. I'd appreciate hearing about it from you guys when you get your copies, too...I'm leery about 'professional' reviews, but it doesn't fill me with excitement to hear them slam it.

I'm grabbing the PC version Monday... which is a holiday... Score! Full day of uninterrupted play. :)

I'm used to the games I want suffering blunt force trauma. But as harsh as some reviews have been, most have praised the depth of features I'm eager to experience. And I'd rather put up with unpolished brilliance in place of refined banality.

Can't wait! It's like Christmas come early :D

I'm not sure what classifies as a spoiler, but I'm going to talk about the game's features, and not give away any story details. Make up your own mind, if that's spoiler free enough for you to be able to read, okay? Good.

It's an awkward game to pin down. It's so lacking in many areas, yet still strangely enjoyable despite all that.

Let's not kid ourselves though - the production values on this game are very 'rough and ready', but then that describes the game as a whole. It's not too pretty, not too deep, but ruggedly does the job.

Forget comparisons with Bioware's games, because it's much closer to things like Perfect Dark and Project Snowblind etc. That is, generally action oriented, but with some stealthing and gadget using.

But unlike those games, it's pretty hard edged stuff. Obsidian continue their trend from KOTOR 2 of making some of the darkest games around. The spy trade is deadly and murky business. The game world largely consists of vicious and/or cold hearted people ripping each other off and brutally killing each other.

They do play it up for black humour at times, but often torture and just general dastardly behaviour of all kinds is mentioned in a very matter of fact way. And that's not a criticism, because it gets across how hard nosed you have to be to be in this business.

You'll have heard all about the technical issues, so I won't belabour that point. Basically, don't expect great graphics and hardcore stealthing etc, because you won't get it.

As for the story... that's a tough one too, really. The trouble is that there are so many different choices of allies and who to trust, who to kill off etc, that each individual story choice ends up being very light on lasting depth, some scenes can feel forced etc etc.

If you've played Heavy Rain, then you'll know what to expect of the way the story is told. Like pieces of a jigsaw that don't always seem to fit quite right, but generally forming a decent whole, and slightly different each time.

The game is basically a series of mini Bond films, tied together with a piece of string called the main plot (and believe me, it's just as thin). The individual areas throw up plenty of interesring locations and baddies/allies etc, but the main plot just kind of fizzles out.

All in all, I'd say the game is worth the effort. The hard edged and generally unsentimental feel of the game's storytelling is compelling, and despite its rough production values, the game is remarkably fun to play.

It's not the prettiest game, but it's definately got that 'something' about it, that you don't get from most games these days, which are all style and no substance.

Ok.

I'm only a few hours into this game so far. Totally worth the wait. I'm loving it.

I started as a 'field agent' class that specializes in stealth. This may go a ways to explaining my confusion as to how ANYONE could think stealth is "impossible" in the game. It is not only very possible but quite possibly the easiest route. I actually got a plaque and an extra mission for doing incredibly well on the timed stealth tutorial trial. In only two tries.

Like most Obsidian games, your experiences shape you. Watch the news, chat, say the right thing and you get perks. Permanent stat bonuses independent of levelling the old-fashioned way. Love that, man.

I haven't had any trouble with shooting. Perhaps because I'm stealthy. I take time to aim properly and rarely have to run n gun it. Most of my shots are critical headshots. The thing about aiming is, just having access to a targeting reticle does not make you a perfect marksman. Early on, it requires patience to steady your shots. If you try to play it like a shooter, you will miss more often. Still, it didn't hurt my ability to defend myself.

I've done a few missions so far and I really like how you can tweak them by buying intel. I also like that I did this one mission and got optional objectives that would affect a later mission. The game is awesome that way, tying your decisions into one big bow.

Also minigames... emails... upgrades... mods... *yawn*

Ok, I'm worn. I'll finish this post after some sleep.

I don't think I'm gonna be buying this but I will definitely rent to at least see what the reviews are raging about. I mean I kinda like Obsidian anyway.

How's the AI, doomjockey? Notice anyone running around in circles, or guys with sub-machine guns running half way across the room to punch you in the face?

Haha. I haven't seen the running in circles thing, but yeah, the AI is a mixed bag.

Stealth is very rudimentary, not like a stealth-action game. If evidence of your passing is discovered (like a body or pool of blood) sometimes they often know where you are automatically, and rush you if the script tells them you're close enough to melee... which is annoying. This happens a lot in enclosed and interior spaces. But-- so far all my encounters have been arbitrarily restricted by the level structure to three or four guys at a time.

I found enemies at a distance behave more predictably, taking cover and popping shots at you.

I was ambushed once and died miserably trying to run past them. But the second time, I took cover and shot, holding them off at a distance to great success.

The game is definitely lacking fine tuning, but what's there works mostly.

The only iffy mechanic I've come across is jumping from cover to cover. That seems to be a crapshoot and I can never get it to work without leaving me standing there totally exposed.

The stealth was okay for me, as much as I did any. I'm not much a stealth person, really. I'd creep about, silent take-downing people, until I was inevitably spotted, then it was Iron Will, Shotgun time.

I know that by playing like that, I miss out on all the gadgets etc (completed the game and never used a single gadget or chucked a single grenade), but for me, nothing beats strolling about, blowing people away with the old faithful Shotgun!

By spending the lion's share of my points on Tech Aptitude (to increase Endurance), Toughness and Shotguns, modding my armour with damage resistance etc, I became utterly unstoppable, no matter how many enemies there were, or what they were packing.

Good times, good times...

*steeples fingers together* Still not what I'm wanting to hear on this game. But doomjockey and Vrykolas, you both agree that the game, though buggy, has enough depth and charm to be worth a playthrough(preferably several)?

I'm hesitant because my finances may have well dried up at this point, so I would really hate to buy a stinker of a game. Still, I'm hearing enough good things that this is still teetering between rent/buy(now, if I could just find a rental store that has it, I'd be happy...).

So skip it.

*looks at number of posters in thread*

Not like you'll feel left out.

Renting it would be a good idea, because in many ways, this is a glitchy, difficult to love game.

I liked it well enough myself, because the espionage setting is still fairly unique (games are still usually Fantasy or Futuristic), as well as the fact that there are some decent scenarios.

And as someone who loves Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark etc's mix of stealth and action adventure, I've been pining for such a game for years (I liked Metal Gear Solid 1, but the rest were poor IMO).

I just hope it gets a properly and competantly made sequel, because the idea deserves more than the generally shoddy execution it gets here.

Sadly though, it's never going to be a cult favourite in the way that games like Halo, Metal Gear Solid, Mass Effect etc are. It's better than its rough exterior suggests, but it's still a pretty sorry state at times, so a sequel doesn't seem too likely.

Just beat it last night. I went to Moscow last and faced off against Konstantin Brayko-- AWESOME encounter. Best boss fight, by far

Just got the game yesterday. Only played up to the first safehouse, but it has reminded me somewhat of Metal Gear Solid for some reason.. the sneaking part. Looks good so far, so I'll see what it's like when I play further.