So who here -likes- Alpha Protocol?

[Hisshiss]

I never got to play it, but other than some bad rumors about framerate/bug quality, it looked like a fairly fun multi-playthrough RPG.

 

[Quellist]

Like every other Obsidian game, it's a flawed gem.

Alpha Protocol is the game for the whole 'actions have consequences' thing that other games have tried to implement and fallen far short on. Obsidian actually made the consequences happen in-game rather than simply affect which cut scenes you got at the end of the game. For that alone the game should be compulsory for future game designers.

Put it perfectly, sure its clunky and has rough edges but look beyond that and you have a really well designed story system where you can actually feel your choices matter

 

[GiantRaven]

I never got to play it, but other than some bad rumors about framerate/bug quality, it looked like a fairly fun multi-playthrough RPG.

I only encountered one bug a handful of times throughout five playthroughs. I personally don't get the complaints about bugs but maybe I was just lucky.

 

[Irridium]

Like every other Obsidian game, it's a flawed gem.

Alpha Protocol is the game for the whole 'actions have consequences' thing that other games have tried to implement and fallen far short on. Obsidian actually made the consequences happen in-game rather than simply affect which cut scenes you got at the end of the game. For that alone the game should be compulsory for future game designers.

Precisely. One of the few games that actually delivers on choices having consequences. I was frequently amazed at how much the story changed through what I did. This game puts any Bioware and Bethesda game to shame when it comes to your actions affecting the story. Sadly it didn't sell well, and nobody ever seems to mention how great the choice system is.

That wouldn't be too hard, since Bethesdas choices are major, but very black and white, and Bioware only nailed dialogue options in Dragon Age.

However, I constantly hear about how good the conversation system is in Alpha Protocol.

Eh, I'm not too fond of the conversation options. Reminds me too much of the Mass Effect wheel, where I'd pick something according to the summery, and the actual dialog would be something different. Didn't happen often though, but enough to the point where it annoyed the hell out of me.

 

[Jazoni89]

I really like it, the amount of choice in the game is nothing short of phenomenal, and the gameplay mechanics are brilliant (such as the hacking minigames, perks, and levelling up system).

One thing i didn't like though is the AI. It can either be extremely smart or extremely dumb, and it affects the Gameplay a big deal. Also bosses can be extremely hard if you don't bother levelling up your gun skills.

 

[GiantRaven]

Eh, I'm not too fond of the conversation options. Reminds me too much of the Mass Effect wheel, where I'd pick something according to the summery, and the actual dialog would be something different. Didn't happen often though, but enough to the point where it annoyed the hell out of me.

I much prefer this approach. It helps to provide a character that exists independent of your own choices whilst still allowing you to provide interactive input.

In games like Dragon Age I never feel like I'm seeing the portrayal and development of an actual character. Adding in the element of surprise by not showing what is going to be said helps to restore some of that. The way the dialogue trees are laid out is really nifty as well what with the direction motifs towards specific character stances.

Also bosses can be extremely hard if you don't bother levelling up your gun skills.

The game practically assigns the punch button an 'I WIN NOW' clause if you take Melee and Toughness, even in the boss battles. Hell it's even possible to beat bosses with no points in the skills the game wants you to use (such as the aforementioned Melee character in a long-range battle).

 

[Irridium]

Eh, I'm not too fond of the conversation options. Reminds me too much of the Mass Effect wheel, where I'd pick something according to the summery, and the actual dialog would be something different. Didn't happen often though, but enough to the point where it annoyed the hell out of me.

I much prefer this approach. It helps to provide a character that exists independent of your own choices whilst still allowing you to provide interactive input.

In games like Dragon Age I never feel like I'm seeing the portrayal and development of an actual character. Adding in the element of surprise by not showing what is going to be said helps to restore some of that. The way the dialogue trees are laid out is really nifty as well what with the direction motifs towards specific character stances.

But thats the problem I have. I don't know what the character is going to say. I remember plenty of times when talking to Jacob in ME2 as femshep, quite a few of the "nice" choices were unnecessarily flirty.

I like knowing what my character is going to say.

 

[RatRace123]

I like it; the writing's top notch, the story's good, Thorton is a dick, but a likable one.
The controls are tolerable, as are the glitches and AI behavior. The game was seriously overlooked and as an RPG set in modern times with a (fairly) realistic theme, it's something that we need more of.

 

[WanderingFool]

I with you brother. Has to be one of the best RPGs Ive played in the last few years. It does have its fair share of problems (I have varying levels of hate for the AIs) but still did something not many games try.

 

[GiantRaven]

But thats the problem I have. I don't know what the character is going to say. I remember plenty of times when talking to Jacob in ME2 as femshep, quite a few of the "nice" choices were unnecessarily flirty.

I like knowing what my character is going to say.

But Shepard/Thorton aren't your character, they are characters in their own right that also act as the vessel through which you experience the game.

 

[Super Toast]

I tried to finish it, but I just couldn't. Everything felt so damn unpolished I couldn't stand it.

 

[SeanTheSheep]

I really liked the game. I thought that for all of its minor issues here and there, it was a really fun game, with good writing, clever design, a great conversation system that forced you into making choices quickly, like you'd have to in the field, which was probably the main reason I replayed it several times.
My only few issues with it are that when you specialise, you lock out nearly everything else as a viable option, when you want to remain flexible, the conversation options were sometimes misrepresentative of what your character says, and when you level up the pistol to a high level, it gets ridiculously overpowered, especially with tranquilliser rounds that are a one shot not-kill if you line up your shots.

 

[Yassen]

I've always been a bit of an Obsidian fan, just wish they could iron out their gameplay and bug fixes. The stealth section of alpha protocol was so hilariously broken. I mean, turn invisible for a full minute and then wipe out an entire area of guards? Not exactly balanced.

However, the hacking and lockpicking was fun and well balanced, leveling up skill and personal skill were both accounted for and well executed. But again, as it's been said many times before, the true diamond of Alpha protocol is the fact it genuinely fulfills it's promise of "every action has consequences".

Even doing some of the hubs in different order made changes to later missions. I played through again after my first run (basically so I could understand the plot better) made one paniced choice differently and it gave me an ending that could not have been more different to my previous one. I was quite shocked by that.

I know many people complained the plot was a miasma of confusing factions, motives and betrayals but it's A SPY STORY. Not a James Bond super hero story, a true espionage story and as such it's complicated. That's exactly how it should be. So I can't fault Obsidian for making the story complicated and it makes sense if you actually pay attention long enough.

But no OP, you're not the only person who liked Alpha Protocol, as you'll find the loudest people get the most attention. I've always liked Obsidian I just wish they could get their act together on the gameplay aspects. Oh and I wish they let me do Sis, hot goth chick? Yes please. (Kidding)

 

[Irridium]

But thats the problem I have. I don't know what the character is going to say. I remember plenty of times when talking to Jacob in ME2 as femshep, quite a few of the "nice" choices were unnecessarily flirty.

I like knowing what my character is going to say.

But Shepard/Thorton aren't your character, they are characters in their own right that also act as the vessel through which you experience the game.

Thats still not a good reason for why quite a few dialog wheel choices are much different from what the character actually says. Plenty of times I thought Shepard/Thorton would have said one thing, but said something completely different. Was a bit more of an issue with Thorton, since you just chose his tone instead of his words.

That being said, if Alpha Protocol had an "Archer" dialog choice, where everything he said he said it in a Sterling Archer-esque way, I would have gladly overlooked it all.

 

[JimJamJahar]

The story and consequences of your choices were masterfully done, but like everything else Obsidian has made, it's a flawed masterpiece. I could not stand the boss fights. Other than that, a very good game