Alpha Protocol

This is a bold and interesting proposal, although very buggy. But it will surprise many for its freshness and freedom.

So much of the dialogue and story changes depend on your choices that it's absolutely worth revisiting at least once after the credits roll.

Rarely a game has been so varied and profound. Even if the graphics do not fit with the rest of the game, Obsidian Entertainment has managed to deliver a role playing game at its best.

Terrific, original action-RPG that shines despite its ugliness. We're as surprised as you are. [Aug 2010, p.96]

I really enjoyed Alpha Protocol, perhaps even a bit more so than its technically superior Mass Effect 2 or Dragon Age competition. All of these games have pretty much the same gameplay style and level of complexity, but what really sells it for me is that I love a good spy drama, and Alpha Protocol delivers all the action and immersion of that genre while making me the star of my own espionage movie.

Alpha Protocol threatens absurdity only on rare occasions - generally its plot is well conceived and told, particularly when you factor in the multiple narrative strands that can be followed. [July 2010, p.112]

In its own ragged way, Alpha Protocol takes a more sophisticated approach to its plot than Mass Effect or Dragon Age. [Issue#60, p.88]

Alpha Protocol succeeds at being on of the first spy-gaming RPG ever. It's not easy to love because of its poor graphics and clumsy control scheme, but as awkward as some elements feel, it's hard to not get engaged with it in just a few hours.

Despite these flaws, Alpha Protocol is still a fun and entertaining experience with a dynamic storyline and solid RPG mechanics.

The story and dialogue options are excellent and often lead towards compelling as you often feel as though the world is in the balance and your words will influence the survival of those around you. The gameplay however will try your patience now and again, but never becomes annoying enough to be called unplayable.

Alpha Protocol reminds me of old Troika RPG's: the setting and ideas are great, but the technical execution is a bit flawed. Still, if you can look past the ugly exterior it's a fun experience. [June 2010]

The problem people will have with Alpha Protocol is that it takes a lot of effort to get to see any of the good stuff. By halfway through, when you're calling in help mid-mission and can move around the map like a shadow, there really is some fun to be experienced. Clunky implementation aside, Alpha Protocol offers a glimpse of what a game based on the world of espionage could be like, and it could be good, with some hard work.

Alpha Protocol, for the most part, can be a somewhat enjoyable game. The storyline was great but the notable issues like the voice acting, less than spectacular graphics, and frustrating glitches, really bring this title down a few notches.