Alpha Protocol Reviews
-
Category: News ArchiveHits: 1656
Alpha Protocol does one thing really well, and it may be the absolute best game in the genre for what it does. The fluid and engaging plot is designed in such a way that you can have completely different and surprising outcomes to a lot of plotlines. The writing is sometimes a bit unpolished but does the job, and while Michael Thorton can be a complete ass much of the time, there's something about him that is oddly likable. Unfortunately, aside from the one thing that it does really well, everything else in the game ranges from mediocre to broken. Almost all of the RPG mechanics are badly designed, the level design is linear and straightforward to a fault, the graphics are mediocre, and the voice acting ranges between good and awful. If you enjoy the one thing that Alpha Protocol does well enough, you'll probably be able to overlook its downsides. There is little else to recommend Alpha Protocol, so if the idea of the fluid story line doesn't get you excited, then this game isn't for you.
D+PAD gives it a 3/5:
What Obsidian has crafted is a decent first attempt that shamelessly borrows elements from some heavy-hitting titles in an attempt to make them its own. While we refrain from using the term unique' in any capacity, somehow the result feels fresh enough to warrant at least a single playthrough. The tutorial is cack-handed and off-putting, motivations can be tough to follow and the shooting is some of the worst we've seen in recent times until sufficiently levelled-up. On the basis of such hefty criticism based on so many development mistakes, Alpha Protocol may sound like a title to avoid, yet there's something about it be it in the pacing of the middle stages or in the tale itself, which escalates as choices made begin to unravel that results in a troubled experience positively bursting with sequel potential. Flawed yet fun, Alpha Protocol is a choice-based shooter with enough appeal for the story-driven gamer. Everyone else should choose to rent, even if it's just to watch Thorton mince.
Softpedia gives it a 9/10:
The creators of Alpha Protocol are not afraid to actually focus on the strength of their branching narrative and of their characters while raiding other genres for mechanics suited for the espionage world. It does not work as well as it should but there are definitely more features Alpha Protocol gets right than it gets wrong. It's an engaging experience ready for several replays and can keep a gamer occupied until the next Obsidian title, Fallout: New Vegas, a more mainstream offering, comes along. Until then Alpha Protocol remains one of the most ambitious role playing efforts of the last few years.
And Crush! Frag! Review! gives it a "Research It" verdict:
Alpha Protocol, echoing its apparently troubled development cycle, seems very much like a child of a dysfunctional home. Sharp edges and disciplinary problems on the surface, but a fundamentally good kid underneath who just needs a little patience and understanding. The technical glitches are the only thing keeping me from pushing this one just over the line into (Recommended) territory. A post-release patch would be great, but I'm not holding my breath on it. Still, it's worth checking out if you know what you're getting yourself into.
