Alpha protocol is a third-person role playing video game based on espionage. The developers of the game are Obsidian Entertainment and it has been published by well-known brand Sega. The game revolves around its protagonist Michael Thorton, who is a field agent, and his adventures. The game was scheduled to be released on 27th October, 2009, but its launch was later shifted to 27th Ma, 2010 in Australia, 28th May,2010 in Europe, and 1st June, 2010 in North America.
The game designed by Chris Parker (project designer) and Chris Avellone (lead animator), was released for Microsoft Windows, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 and uses the unreal engine 3 game engine.
COMBAT
Alpha Protocol is a third person game, therefore it allows the player to see the main character and his surroundings. Thorton being a CIA operative, the players get to use a wide range of fire arms and melee combat using a martial art form known as Kenpo, along with many spy gadgets.
In addition to the elements of action , the players earn certain points , known as advancement points which can be used for upgrading skills from a choice of ten skills, for example one the skills allows the player to scan group of hostiles in slow motion, before dashing out of his cover and blasting them with his gun, much faster than he normally does.
DIALOGUE SYSTEM
The game features numerous non playing characters with whom the players can interact.
The conversations which take place in real time allow a limited time frame for the players to respond at decision points, during the conversations which are important for the storyline and the players character. The dialogue system of the game allows the player to choose from 3 options, which are loosely based on characters like James Bond (suave), Jason Bourne (professional), and Jack Bauer (aggressive), sometimes a fourth option is also available , which terminates the conversation in between, and each NPC responds differently to these options. Since each conversation occurs once per playthrough, a number of playthrough will be required to experience them all.
CUSTOMIZATION
The game allows the players to customize Thornton’s looks by editing facial hear, head wear, eye wear, eye colour etc. The weapons and gadgets are also customizable with options like adding silencers, bigger magazines, etc.
RECEPTION
The game, priced at $52-$64, (depending upon the country where it is being sold), got average reception from gamers and gaming sites over the world.
The game bagged 7/10 from Eurogamer, which said the game lacked finishing and polish.
Other less forgiving game review sites such as Destructoid gave it 2/10. The game received 6/10 from Metacritic. The story line of the game is very impressive but the gameplay and combat is not appealing enough, and thus, the game is recommended only for RPG fanatics, who like to explore the intricacies of the game rather than its gameplay.
