Alpha Protocol Interview
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GB: How are the game's missions structured? Will we be able to choose which mission we'd like to tackle each time or are they all set up in a linear progression? Ryan: The game starts off pretty linear. This is where we introduce the player the use of their abilities, equipment, and the dialogue system However, after the first few missions when the story begins to really unfold we start to unlock missions in different hubs.
The player then can choose whatever mission they want to in any location that has been unlocked. Some of the missions are completely optional but if the player finishes the story related missions, then certain other missions become available sometimes in new areas of the world.
Basically, it is up to the player where and when they want to do their missions. All of them reveal more information on the story, even the optional ones. It is up to the player if they want to head into a mission with little or no intel, or if they would prefer to gather as much information as possible, giving them bonuses in the mission.
Since we have about a bajillion conditionals, whenever you talk to folks, they will react according to the missions you have completed and how you went about completing them.
GB: Will NPC dialogue change as the game progresses and certain events have occurred? For example, will some of our previous actions - as honorable or unscrupulous as they may be - be referenced during conversations with NPCs?
Ryan: They will absolutely respond to your actions. Some of the characters you communicate with prefer certain actions over others so if you went to the local orphanage and decided to blow it up, you can definitely expect the NPCs to mention it.
GB: Tell us more about Mr. Thorton's love interests in Alpha Protocol. Are the game's romances entirely optional? Will there be any game- or story-related benefits to pursuing or rejecting any such romances?
Chris: They are entirely optional, but as with all things romantic, they will convey gameplay benefits in the form of reputation, reactivity, and in some cases, gameplay bonuses known as "perks". Love is a gift, and Alpha Protocol will prove it.
GB: Will Alpha Protocol make use of a point-based NPC influence system similar to what we saw in Star Wars: KotOR II and Neverwinter Nights 2?
Chris: Many of the named characters in Alpha Protocol will have an opinion of you, reflected in "reputation," and how you treat them (as well as certain things you do on missions) can modify this reputation up and down... it's similar to influence in some respects. As you'll discover, there's benefits to both negative and positive reputation, so don't think that pissing someone off is bad - far from it. Sometimes you'll see the benefits immediately, other times it may take a little longer to cook before you experience the results.
GB: Alpha Protocol is currently scheduled for release on the PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. What steps have you taken to ensure that the PC version doesn't simply feel like a console port? Will the game feature standard PC conventions like a hotkey bar and proper interface-scaling for varying resolutions?
Ryan: When making the interface we made sure to take PC into consideration. The interface is currently set up at 16:9 so that is you support that resolution it will look perfect. If you only have a 4:3 display the screens are still at 16:9 but will scale down to fit. On the lower resolutions you will have the black bars on the top and bottom of the screen as if you were watching a widescreen movie on a standard definition TV.
When in the UI itself everything can be mouse driven which makes it a lot easier to navigate compared to console controllers. I am personally a big fan of PC games so I will make sure that it is the best it can be.
GB: Are there any plans to offer downloadable content for Alpha Protocol following its release? If so, what sort of DLC would you consider offering and would it be released for all three platforms simultaneously?
Ryan: We can't give out any information on downloadable content at this time. Personally, I want to put in a mission with this Russian Thug boss. Purely for greedy reasons, because he was modeled after me when I had my head shaved. The model turned out so ugly they made me grow out my hair and punched me in the face.
Thanks guys!
