Alpha Protocol

Alpha Protocol is an espionage action thriller with a complex RPG system, set in a near future. The game has been developed by Obsidian Entertainment, also known for other RPG games, such as Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2.

Plot

In the PC, X360 and PS3 release of Alpha Protocol: The Espionage RPG, one assumes the role Michael Thorton – a secret agent working for the titular intelligence organization. Our main objective is to locate the ones responsible for the missile attack on a civilian airplane, carried out in the Middle East. As the investigation goes on, the main protagonist comes across a lead on a conspiracy that threatens the political balance of the entire world. Moreover, Michael is forced to sever ties with his agency and work on his own.

The game puts special emphasis on the deep and well-developed quest system. Very often throughout the game, one faces difficult choices, and all the decisions have their measurable effects. Depending on player’s actions, the game can end in one of three ways.

Mechanics

The key gameplay aspects are the conversations with NPCs that one can handle in three ways – professional, aggressive, and suave. The approach taken by the player has a direct effect on the interlocutors’ behavior and might result in either acquiring new friends or severing relations with a given organization.

During his investigation, Michael can assume one of the five available character classes and become, e.g. a soldier or a high-end tech expert. The skill tree is built from nine different categories, fifteen skills each.

Skills have been divided into passive and active (the latter ones have to be activated manually by players). Additionally, each achievement is rewarded with a perk, which offers i.a. statistical bonuses and additional experience points. Another key aspect of the game is the equipment comprising armors, weapons, and gadgets one can find during missions or purchase at hideouts.

Players get to observe the real-time action from a third-person perspective. Developers ensured multiple ways one can approach a mission – a player can choose the “blazing guns” approach, or go in quietly. The PC, X360 and PS3 release of Alpha Protocol: The Espionage RPG is enriched with simple minigames, in which one has to trace and match specified text strings.

On their way, players have to face a number of enemies, including regular units and bosses, who are significantly more resistant.

Technical aspects

During his investigation, Michael Thorton gets to visit i.a. Moscow, Rome, and Taipei. The locations’ diversity is worth noticing, as they feature places like mafia villas, slums, luxurious yachts, military airfields, and various hideouts. The missions take place during different parts of the day – this may either make the assignment easier or more difficult.

Last updated on 26 April 2010