Alpha Protocol - is it worth the price?

[AlexLoxate]

Ok, so I was browsing online game shopping sites and I came across Alpha Protocol for 6 Euros. My question is, is it worth the price? I've read the reviews and I'm familiar with the general opinion on it, but considering the price I guess what I want to know is, is it worth it?

 

[MisterShine]

I'll quote myself here, from a couple months ago:

First off, PC or Console version? If console, no don't bother.

If PC, read on:

1. An honest to god interactive story. Remember all those blurbs you read on the backs of other RPGs that claimed to have interactive stories and were bullshit? Yeah, AP don't play dat' shit. Your actions have consequences, change the story and the outcomes. This is super-duper true for the ending sequence. I won't spoil it though! Plus the game will tell you at the end of missions what your decisions were, and what effects might be. This makes it a bit easier in subsequent playthroughs to do things completely different.

2. The skill system is a bit wonky. You MUST specialize in some sort of gun, and at least 2 points into the tech tree (for added times on the minigames), otherwise there are points in the game that you will be F'd in the A.

3. Building off that, Stealth is broken. In the beginning it kinda sucks, near the end you are a nigh-unstoppable killing and stealth machine, except bosses, who dont care if you can stealth. Up to you whether this is good or bad.

4. The gameplay is like an odd cross between Splinter Cell, Mass Effect and an evolution of Deus Ex. Its primarily sneak oriented (though you can run and gun if you please), but you have activated abilities with cooldowns that allow you to do extra stuff either with your weapons or with special items like flashbangs or what have you.

PERSONALLY, I find it to be an excellent game and I've had a lot of fun with it (I've beaten it 3 times now), so if this sounds cool to you, I say pick it up.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

edit: Oops! Forgot to add, on the technical issues-

The reason why I ask console or PC in the beginning is because from everything I've read the console versions were marred by a lot of bugs and glitches, and Sega said no to Obsidian doing any patch support for them, so its probably still broken.

For PC, I played it on release day, and I only hit one bug, which is where if you wear certain kinds of hats with crazy hair, if you then take the hat off it will default you to the buzz cut hair, and you have to switch it back.

Only bug I hit in the whole damn thing, with 3 playthroughs.

So, keep that in mind.

 

[More Fun To Compute]

Worth a punt at that price just don't expect everything to be perfect.

 

[Casimir_Effect]

Mind if I ask where you found this deal? I've been meaning to pick this game up but keep missing every sale for one reason or another.

 

[GiantRaven]

First off, PC or Console version? If console, no don't bother.

Why? The console version, from what I can tell, has a better control system (especially with the minigames - I see far less complaining about the hacking from console users) and is less buggy (once again, I saw more major bugs from people playing on a PC).

2. The skill system is a bit wonky. You MUST specialize in some sort of gun, and at least 2 points into the tech tree (for added times on the minigames), otherwise there are points in the game that you will be F'd in the A.

Not true, you could also take the melee path.

3. Building off that, Stealth is broken. In the beginning it kinda sucks, near the end you are a nigh-unstoppable killing and stealth machine, except bosses, who dont care if you can stealth. Up to you whether this is good or bad.

You can stealth (or at the very least, cause them to lose sight of you) most bosses.

The reason why I ask console or PC in the beginning is because from everything I've read the console versions were marred by a lot of bugs and glitches, and Sega said no to Obsidian doing any patch support for them, so its probably still broken.

For PC, I played it on release day, and I only hit one bug, which is where if you wear certain kinds of hats with crazy hair, if you then take the hat off it will default you to the buzz cut hair, and you have to switch it back.

Only bug I hit in the whole damn thing, with 3 playthroughs.

So, keep that in mind.

On the Xbox, I only had one bug in 5 playthroughs, where I would get hung up on cover for a few seconds. On the PC, I've read about bigger problems [http://www.shamusyoung.com/twentysidedtale/?p=8442].

It's definitely a great game though, I just wanted to add a bit of clarification on some things.

OP, you should definitely buy it for that price, regardless of the system you're playing it on. In my experience, it isn't as buggy as people make it to be and it's great fun to play.

 

[Eclectic Dreck]

I enjoyed the game in spite of (and often because of) the common complaints. If you liked, for example, games like Vampire the Masqerade: Bloodlines or Deus Ex, you'd probably like Alpha Protocol.

 

[MisterShine]

Why? The console version, from what I can tell, has a better control system (especially with the minigames - I see far less complaining about the hacking from console users) and is less buggy (once again, I saw more major bugs from people playing on a PC).

I played the PC version and hit 1 bug in three playthroughs. Read the Escapists review of the PS3 version for the myriad issues at least that version had, along with the fact that the PC has an update and according to Kotaku, the consoles never got an update so you have to play with the vanilla issues. And Shamus is... well, he's Shamus.

Not true, you could also take the melee path.

Absolutely could, unfortunately that makes the Sigrun fight (where you can't actually reach her), and the Russian crazy-dude (who wields a shank like a mo-fo) really annoying. Its not impossible by any means, but those two areas get ridiculous if you don't at least spend SOME points in a gun.

OP, you should definitely buy it for that price, regardless of the system you're playing it on. In my experience, it isn't as buggy as people make it to be and it's great fun to play.

And judging by the review here at the Escapist and Destructoid (both of which reviewed the PS3 version), I think we can safely say either go with the Xbox or PC version.

 

[Giuglea]

Ok, so I was browsing online game shopping sites and I came across Alpha Protocol for 6 Euros. My question is, is it worth the price? I've read the reviews and I'm familiar with the general opinion on it, but considering the price I guess what I want to know is, is it worth it?

that as expensive as an pack of cigarettes...hmmm 20 cigarettes or 8 hours of senseless shooting..pretty tight..

 

[Icarion (aka Stockholm)]

For 6 euros? Thats like 9 dollars right? If so get it. I played on the Xbox and it was a fun time.

 

[The Wykydtron]

Go for full Stealth and Pistol... Anything else is unneeded except maybe a few levels in Toughness.

I got it for £10, a pretty good bargain so if you can get it as cheap as you say go for it. The role playing element is really quite good and the bugs aren't as gamebreaking as some people have said

 

[Gralian]

I really enjoyed Alpha Protocol. For once, i actually felt like a super spy / espionage agent in the vein of somewhere between James Bond and Jason Bourne. I for one really appreciated the RPG elements. You may be able to barely hit a tin can from fifty yards and creep about as silent as a large animal, but slowly these things improve. Your accuracy gets better, you move more silently, your armour is better, your guns have more add-ons, you take more gadgets. As you find "your playstyle", you watch it improve, and that's something i really appreciated. Pistols paled in comparison to a good assault rifle to begin with, but now i can pick a clean headshot from quite some distance.

The interaction, as people have said, is one of the highlights of the game. Chatting to all of the characters both friendly and not quite so definitely has its charms and has real consequences. Your treatment of every character affects how they perceive you and how the missions will play out. I personally really liked Thorton for the sarcy, suave if headstrong sod that he is. It made him more relate-able than just being another cardboard cut-out good guy out for revenge. You'll travel to Moscow, i think Italy? And some other exotic locations as you sneak about or blast your way through the game. If you can tolerate some unforgiving moments (Looking at YOU Boris, even if you are awesome enough to have "Turn Up The Radio" by Autograph in the background) then definitely give it a shot. But do go into it without too high an expectation and try to appreciate it for the tongue-in-cheek thrill ride that it is.

 

[ddq5]

I rented the 360 version and I loved it. The game was pretty objectively bad, but I still really enjoyed playing it and it kept me hooked to the end twice. I did a mostly pacifist run specializing in stealth and tranq pistols and it was like a much easier Metal Gear Solid with a less silly story. The characters are incredibly memorable, with a particularly notable performance by Nolan North of all people as Steven Heck. And consequences will never be the same actually exist; you will see the results of your choices.

The AI is utterly retarded, it's not that pretty, running/gunning is crap, and the overall story is pretty silly, but get it anyway. The characters are great, the dialog is both amazing and hilarious, and it's generally fun to play. Go for it.

 

[Googenstien]

At a discount price now its a great game and most of the main issues have been patched... I generally see it now for $29 and thats totally worth it IMO.

 

[Wrath 228]

For that price? As long as it isn't a hoax, go for it. It's a great game at that price. I really can't say anything that anybody else hasn't already said. Great conversation/interaction systems, simple minigames, and Deus Ex-eqsue choices about how to go through each scenario. You really feel like a badass spy, and, contrary to what Yahtzee and people who don't know what they're talking about say, your character doesnt ALWAYS sound like a complete d-bag (don't get me wrong, the voice actor does come across as "ponce-y" frequently, but it mostly depends on your choice of words).

One more thing, only level up pistols and assault rifles for weapons. SMGs are pointless when you've got ARs, and shotguns are only useful in CQB.

 

[Netrigan]

Assuming you're a decent fan of RPGs and shooters, I'd say yes. It's far from a perfect game and you really do need to make sure you put enough points into shooting skills (some areas are impossible to stealth past). It's one of those noble failures that does just enough right to make you wish they continue to explore the concept.

 

[octafish]

I paid $28 Australian for it and think it was a bargain. I like it and will play through again at least twice. One trying to do a no kill run and another killing everyone I can. I played it on PC and while the hacking minigame was pretty annoying I had no bugs, no crashes and no problems.

One caveat though, when I first tried it I hated it and thought it sucked, I just didn't have the right mindset I guess.

 

[Sn1P3r M98]

After reading these responses I'm kicking myself for not picking it up when it was $12 on Steam

 

[Geo Da Sponge]

Go for it. I never really understood the complaints against it, but then again I never really experienced any of the bugs people have mentioned and my I lucked out with how I made my first character.

Once you meet Steven (don't call him Steve) Heck it will definitely be worthwhile. Especially if you call in his assistance on the subway mission.

 

[AlexLoxate]

Thanks for all your replies, everyone. I think I'm going to try it out. BTW, it's the 360 version in question.

 

[RhombusHatesYou]

At 6 Euros it's worth it just for Steven Heck.