Hello peoples, this week I’m looking back to a game that was initially poorly received but has build a solid fan base that is going strong to this day. Alpha Protocol.
This RPG espionage game was bought on the PS3 and was a complete impulse buy. I actually read up on reviews for the game and was thus prepared for the worse. So, how did it go?
The best way to describe this game is a Volvo, it’s safe, secure and has exciting moments but is let down by the glitch or random mechanism. This ambitious game also turned into one of the wackiest stories I’ve witnessed in a spy game, more on that later…
Graphically speaking, this game looks standard for the generation it was made in. Character models for interactions are a highlight but the general gameplay graphics are middle of the road, not award winning but not casual EDF fodder either. The textures are kinda bland for the outdoor section but the interiors fare better, though a little dark. Weapon textures are blase but thankfully I was more of a melee kind of player.
So gameplay, where this game is truly a standout part of the spy RPG genre. Moving in this game feels a little arcade-y but is easy enough to adjust to and get around the areas you invariably find yourself in. Guns are treated very differently here, whereas in most games you aim and fire like a pro, in Alpha Protocol the time it takes you to line up a shot is directly related to how skilled you are with that weapon. In an RPG sense, the less points you have in that weapon skill, the longer it takes to line up a shot. Speaking of the RPG element, your given multiple skills that you can choose what kind of playstyle you choose. Generally they fall under Stealth, Combat and Hacker.
- Stealth was my go to option, where you sneak around avoiding or knocking people out. Playing levels without being detected nets its own rewards…
I found that the game was slightly slanted towards the sneaky approach but by no means made any other playstyle particularly difficult. - Combat, where you can take and deal damage like a Terminator. These skills are more about specialising in weapons and toughness. Generally your ability to fight people will rely on your weapons and fortifying your health and regaining your endurance.
- Hacker is a more challenging way to play, where you technical aptitude and sabotage skills impact how your progress through your levels. General offence here is grenades and hacking turrets, a major perk is exploration as the sabotage skill makes getting through locked doors and computers much easier.
In my personal playthrough, I mixed stealth with pistol and sabotage mainly, so a healthy mix. I did end up pumping a few points into technical aptitude and martial arts for my perk cooldowns and stealthy takedowns.
Moving on to the story, which is very entertaining but if thought out is completely wacky. You are Agent Thornton, who has been recruited into Alpha Protocol, an agency so secret not even Alpha Protocol knows everything about it (Yes, seriously). One bad mission and you go rogue to stop the Halbech corporation taking over the world whilst corrupting the agency. Also there is another agency called G22 are also involved and multiple playthroughs reveal that they are because they are nosy. Between wacky Russian mansions and Italian manor houses, you globe trot around the world meeting new people and hording information.
Speaking of the information, this mechanic absolutely shines through. Information gathering. This mechanic allows you gather information of individuals and organisations to unlock damage bonus’ against them and unlocks new dialogue options. As you progress through the game, your small or big choices effect just how much information you gather on people during a playthrough. This can lead to very different events in the story and a multitude of consequences, especially on the final missions.
To summarise, this game feels like a blend or James Bond and Mission Impossible and is really fun to play. That being said, if your into high octane running and gunning then this game may let you down. Would really recommend to people who prefer alternative RPG experience.
Hints and tips to be a super agent:
- The pistol skill, Marksman, is ridiculously OP move. At it’s best it can help take down multiple targets in a small window with perfect accuracy. An a must have, especially for sneaky types.
- Speaking of sneaky types, Evasion is a must have skill that can get you out of a few awkward encounters.
- Dress to impress, pick the right armor to match your playstyle.
- Dossiers are a great way to get an advantage during a mission, as well as side missions.
- EMP’s are a great way to get through doors and into computers.
- If your going for no kills, tranquilizers will take a minute to work so make sure no-one interrupts.