Alpha Protocol is one of those games that is terribly underrated. While far from the be-all-end-all of gaming, Alpha Protocol is a solid espionage RPG that is distinctive in it's branching storyline, balanced character builds, and use of consequences to define how you influence the plot and setting.
First, the bad. Gameplay is not the absolute best, I will admit. Enemy AI is relatively weak, with guards regularly walking into ambushes and traps, not taking good cover or flanking, and generally being typical videogame morons. When you're shuffling gadgets, ammunition types, and special abilities you'll have to constantly shift between menus, which slows things down, as you can only have one ability or gadget hotkeyed at a time. Graphically, the game is competent but not perfect, and some of the environments are relatively bland. There are some clipping issues, texture pop-in, and a few characters look plastic.
All of that said, the game has an amazing, interconnected storyline and a cast of distinct characters. Treachery, deception, and secrets are commonplace, and the game demands that you explore and dig into the pasts of other characters to find the truth. Thirty Xanatos Pileup applies to this game like no other. As a spy thriller, Alpha Protocol delivers. In addition, the use of the reputation system is particularly impressive in how it influences the storyline and your own abilities.
In regard to abilities, the game is remarkably balanced. Every set of abilities has its function. If you don't put any points into a skill, you'll be terrible at that skill, and even then you'll need to figure out the niche a particular skill is most effective for. For example, pistols are most effective for stealth attacks at short range, though with enough points in them you can use them for selective long-range attacks using Chain Shot. Nearly any build is viable as long as it is reasonably sane and you know how to use it. Stealth, martial arts, technology, firearms, etc. all have their uses and figuring out how to use them most effectively is a major part of the game. And once you both know how to use a set of skills and put enough points in them, youc an turn Mike Thorton into a pure badass.
Overall, a solid and satisfying game with a great story, good gameplay, and some flaws.
Choice is Your Weapon
Alpha Protocol is one of those games that is terribly underrated. While far from the be-all-end-all of gaming, Alpha Protocol is a solid espionage RPG that is distinctive in it's branching storyline, balanced character builds, and use of consequences to define how you influence the plot and setting.
First, the bad. Gameplay is not the absolute best, I will admit. Enemy AI is relatively weak, with guards regularly walking into ambushes and traps, not taking good cover or flanking, and generally being typical videogame morons. When you're shuffling gadgets, ammunition types, and special abilities you'll have to constantly shift between menus, which slows things down, as you can only have one ability or gadget hotkeyed at a time. Graphically, the game is competent but not perfect, and some of the environments are relatively bland. There are some clipping issues, texture pop-in, and a few characters look plastic.
All of that said, the game has an amazing, interconnected storyline and a cast of distinct characters. Treachery, deception, and secrets are commonplace, and the game demands that you explore and dig into the pasts of other characters to find the truth. Thirty Xanatos Pileup applies to this game like no other. As a spy thriller, Alpha Protocol delivers. In addition, the use of the reputation system is particularly impressive in how it influences the storyline and your own abilities.
In regard to abilities, the game is remarkably balanced. Every set of abilities has its function. If you don't put any points into a skill, you'll be terrible at that skill, and even then you'll need to figure out the niche a particular skill is most effective for. For example, pistols are most effective for stealth attacks at short range, though with enough points in them you can use them for selective long-range attacks using Chain Shot. Nearly any build is viable as long as it is reasonably sane and you know how to use it. Stealth, martial arts, technology, firearms, etc. all have their uses and figuring out how to use them most effectively is a major part of the game. And once you both know how to use a set of skills and put enough points in them, youc an turn Mike Thorton into a pure badass.
Overall, a solid and satisfying game with a great story, good gameplay, and some flaws.