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    Alpha Protocol

    Game » consists of 11 releases. Released May 27, 2010

    Control rogue agent Michael Thorton as he tries to unearth an international conspiracy in the near future (where everybody seems to have a hidden agenda or two) in this third-person action RPG.

    mercanis's Alpha Protocol (PC) review

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    Ambition Over Technical Execution

    Alpha Protocol is not a game without problems. Graphical hitches, awkward animation, and an annoying checkpoint system constantly interfere with the globe-trotting, espionage experience. Ultimately, these and other issues remain relegated to mere interruptions to what is otherwise an excellent role-playing game. 
     

     Many Useful Skills to Choose
     Many Useful Skills to Choose
    The cornerstone to Alpha Protocol's success is its obsession with presenting the player with choices and more importantly, recognizing and rewarding the player for whatever choice they make. The most exciting of these rewards are perks: hidden achievements that, once unlocked, provide the player with permanent bonuses. Prefer the nonlethal approach? Tend to be honest in conversations? Alpha Protocol seems to watch and reward every aspect of a given play style. 
     
    The reward system isn't just limited to perks. Depending on player decisions, the game's diverse cast of characters may offer or refuse aid in future missions. They also interact with each other, creating a web of intrigue with far-reaching consequences. Some of these consequences are felt immediately. Some are more subtle with effects that won't be realized until hours later into the game. The complexity of the game's relationship with player choice is nothing short of brilliant. 
     
    These choices are often made in conversations. Dialog trees typically branch into three categories. All three feel natural, and switching between them in the same conversation doesn't make the player sound like a bipolar fool. This design extends to the rest of the game; approaching missions guns blazing or from the shadows aren't mutually exclusive options. Additionally, choices never boil down to the ridiculous "feed the puppy, kick the puppy" moral systems of other games.  
     
    Outside the more plot-centric choices of Alpha Protocol, the game also boasts a skill tree that constantly rewards the player with new and improved techniques as well as an economy that forces the player to make tough choices concerning equipment and intelligence. 
     
     Sneaking Looks Wierd But Practical
     Sneaking Looks Wierd But Practical
    Weaknesses of a less technical nature do exist, however. Too often boss fights devolve into simple shootouts, including cliché battles with helicopters. The story can get a bit convoluted, but mission summaries are effective in reminding the player why a mission was important and what were the outcomes. Despite the mission summaries, the plethora of femme fatales and double crosses can be hard to track, and the game's conclusion fails to tie up some loose ends. 
     
    In the end, Alpha Protocol is a rewarding experience to be enjoyed by anyone looking for a variable action RPG with the heft to make that variety feel worthwhile.

    Other reviews for Alpha Protocol (PC)

      Alpha Protocol 0

      Review at a Glance  2.5 / 5       : Overall     3 / 5       : Story     1 / 5       : Controls     4 / 5       : Music/Sfx     2 / 5       : Voice Over 2.5 / 5       : Replay Value      3 / 5      : OriginalityIn Depth ReviewOverall:  Alpha Protocol is just so frustrating, well the little bit you get to play between load-screens.  It rewards you with just enough to keep you playing, but after you finish you wonder why you put yourself through all that.  It has some good aspects to it, but you ha...

      7 out of 8 found this review helpful.

      A game of interesting choices 0

      First I'll get the bad out of the way: I had to restart a mission once due to a broke in-mission checkpoint. Sometimes the conversation options are deceptive. The bosses are very frustrating and violate the importance of choice. The game has about 3 too many characters and primary conspiracy is both bland and confusing. The visual character customization options consist of hat and/or beard. Okay, those are the things that are wrong.  But, Alpha Protocol is a game that does one thing extremely ri...

      4 out of 4 found this review helpful.

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