Alpha Protocol impressions

Thanks to the early Australian release on Steam, I'm about 5-6 hours in right now, and really enjoying it.
I'm playing as a stealth/melee character, and have run a few missions now without having to fire a single bullet (well, maybe a few tranq rounds here and there, but that hardly counts :P).

The conversation options are awesome, and there seems to be a ton of grey choices everywhere - pretty much every time you talk to people.
The combat works well enough - the AI is a bit dumb but that doesn't ruin the experience. Customisation is cool, too, and the gadgets look like they can be fun (but I don't specialise in them).

As for the story, it's pretty vague right now (as you'd expect of an espionage game), but the characters are interesting enough and it seems to be setting up for something big, so I'll see how that goes.

*edit* Comparing it to other games, it doesn't really feel like a Mass Effect clone (maybe because of the stealth and lack of a party) - perhaps more like Deus Ex meets Splinter Cell, only definitely more of an RPG.

Anyone else been playing the game? Thoughts?

Also, any questions about it from those who haven't?

*edit2* Oh, another cool thing is that the game acknowledges lots of your actions, and rewards you with perks for them (there seem to be heaps, i've already got 15 or so, just for doing random things). There's also an emphasis on collecting intel on people and reading up on things - either to find out weaknesses or ways to con the enemies, or just to give you more conversation options.

I have heard this game being reffered to as this gen's "bloodlines the masquerade" in that it lacks polish but has really good RPG mechanics...would you agree with that?

I have heard this game being reffered to as this gen's "bloodlines the masquerade" in that it lacks polish but has really good RPG mechanics...would you agree with that?

cobrax25

Whether it'll be as good in the long run, I don't know yet, since I'm still only on the first lot of newbie missions. :P

Lucky you :evil:

My local retail apparently only gets AP by order basis, I've just filed my order but I won't be getting it for a few days :cry:

Sounds awesome, but based on previous Obsidian games experience I have have to ask if there are any major bugs that hinder gameplay? Or annoying graphical bugs.

Thanks to the early Australian release on Steam, I'm about 5-6 hours in right now, and really enjoying it.
I'm playing as a stealth/melee character, and have run a few missions now without having to fire a single bullet (well, maybe a few tranq rounds here and there, but that hardly counts :P).

The conversation options are awesome, and there seems to be a ton of grey choices everywhere - pretty much every time you talk to people.
The combat works well enough - the AI is a bit dumb but that doesn't ruin the experience. Customisation is cool, too, and the gadgets look like they can be fun (but I don't specialise in them).

As for the story, it's pretty vague right now (as you'd expect of an espionage game), but the characters are interesting enough and it seems to be setting up for something big, so I'll see how that goes.

*edit* Comparing it to other games, it doesn't really feel like a Mass Effect clone (maybe because of the stealth and lack of a party) - perhaps more like Deus Ex meets Splinter Cell, only definitely more of an RPG.

Anyone else been playing the game? Thoughts?

Also, any questions about it from those who haven't?

*edit2* Oh, another cool thing is that the game acknowledges lots of your actions, and rewards you with perks for them (there seem to be heaps, i've already got 15 or so, just for doing random things). There's also an emphasis on collecting intel on people and reading up on things - either to find out weaknesses or ways to con the enemies, or just to give you more conversation options.

Planeforger

Only managed to install it properly now, it got stucked!

Sounds awesome, but based on previous Obsidian games experience I have have to ask if there are any major bugs that hinder gameplay? Or annoying graphical bugs.

Gamerz1569

I haven't had any noticable bugs or crashes yet, which is probably a first for an Obsidian game. :P

As for the graphics, the opening cinematic looks awful, but other than that I haven't seen anything weird. The graphics themselves are a bit bland and the motion blur can be a bit over-the-top, but...eh...it's an RPG.

Thanks to the early Australian release on Steam, I'm about 5-6 hours in right now, and really enjoying it.
I'm playing as a stealth/melee character, and have run a few missions now without having to fire a single bullet (well, maybe a few tranq rounds here and there, but that hardly counts :P).

The conversation options are awesome, and there seems to be a ton of grey choices everywhere - pretty much every time you talk to people.
The combat works well enough - the AI is a bit dumb but that doesn't ruin the experience. Customisation is cool, too, and the gadgets look like they can be fun (but I don't specialise in them).

As for the story, it's pretty vague right now (as you'd expect of an espionage game), but the characters are interesting enough and it seems to be setting up for something big, so I'll see how that goes.

*edit* Comparing it to other games, it doesn't really feel like a Mass Effect clone (maybe because of the stealth and lack of a party) - perhaps more like Deus Ex meets Splinter Cell, only definitely more of an RPG.

Anyone else been playing the game? Thoughts?

Also, any questions about it from those who haven't?

*edit2* Oh, another cool thing is that the game acknowledges lots of your actions, and rewards you with perks for them (there seem to be heaps, i've already got 15 or so, just for doing random things). There's also an emphasis on collecting intel on people and reading up on things - either to find out weaknesses or ways to con the enemies, or just to give you more conversation options.

Planeforger

Wait a minute, a game was not only available in Australia but available early ???? That's a nice change for you guys. Enjoy the game, I hope to be as well in a few days.

I'm gonna be in Hong Kong for a few days on business but I think it doesnt come out here until June 1st anyway. I'm getting this immediately!

thanks for the post, still haven't seen a proper review yet

*edit* Comparing it to other games, it doesn't really feel like a Mass Effect clone (maybe because of the stealth and lack of a party) - perhaps more like Deus Ex meets Splinter Cell, only definitely more of an RPG.

Planeforger

that sounds like the best game ever (for me) :D

thanks for the post, still haven't seen a proper review yet

[QUOTE="Planeforger"]

*edit* Comparing it to other games, it doesn't really feel like a Mass Effect clone (maybe because of the stealth and lack of a party) - perhaps more like Deus Ex meets Splinter Cell, only definitely more of an RPG.

Macutchi

that sounds like the best game ever (for me) :D

Aww, I don't want to get your hopes up too much - the stealth mechanics aren't amazing, for example, but it's a refreshing mix anyway.

Also, the first few levels seem a little too easy, even on hard mode. Hopefully my character won't be able to just waltz up to everything later on.

I still have doubts about this game. I absolutely loved Mass Effect series and i heard Alpha Protocol advertised as "modern mass effect". is it really similar to mas effect at all??

I still have doubts about this game. I absolutely loved Mass Effect series and i heard Alpha Protocol advertised as "modern mass effect". is it really similar to mas effect at all??

chapman86

I am surprised to hear it has been that good so far. If it really is all that I might look into picking it up when it hits some independent retailers. skrat_01

The game isn't without its flaws, and I might be a little too forgiving of them (like the AI), so maybe it'd be best to wait for reviews if you're unsure.

Even so, the game has some very ambitious roleplaying mechanics, so I'll have to wait and see how they play out.

I really doubt the conversations and especially the roleplaying are better than in ME,but guess we'll find out soon.

[QUOTE="skrat_01"]I am surprised to hear it has been that good so far. If it really is all that I might look into picking it up when it hits some independent retailers. Planeforger

The game isn't without its flaws, and I might be a little too forgiving of them (like the AI), so maybe it'd be best to wait for reviews if you're unsure.

Even so, the game has some very ambitious roleplaying mechanics, so I'll have to wait and see how they play out.

keep us updated. youll have probably finished it before we see a gamespot review :D

I really doubt the conversations and especially the roleplaying are better than in ME,but guess we'll find out soon.

coreybg

Unlikely, I've got 10,400 words of assignments due in two weeks. :P

[QUOTE="dakan45"]Does it have open world? Or its just mission after mission?Macutchi

There aren't any freeroaming or open-world sections.

Also are the dated graphics justified by perfomance or its horribly optimized?dakan45

The performance is pretty good on my great computer. I've noticed some momentary slowdown when I walk between two areas, but I haven't noticed it anywhere else.

I really doubt the conversations and especially the roleplaying are better than in ME,but guess we'll find out soon.

coreybg

The way the conversations work is better:

• Unlike ME2, there aren't any interrupt options, which is a bit disappointing.
• Your choices aren't simply blue or red - they're usually far more vague, like kill/extort/set free a weapons smuggler.
• Usually, instead of choosing topics to talk about, a timer appears and you have to pick the type of response you want to take (suave, professional, joking, aggressive, rookie, etc) before they finish their sentences.
• Talking happens in real time, so you can stall bosses in conversations while you restore your health (the game encourages you to do this).
• Similarly, sometimes you'll be able to attack from a conversation, surprising the enemies.
• There's no persuasion skill, so the only way of knowing what will work is to read intel and talk to other people about them - this will also give you new conversation options.
• Losing respect with people, particularly friendly characters, can actually be beneficial in this game (unlike in Mass Effect). We're warned in the tutorial that if our bosses like us too much, their emotions might cloud their judgement on missions, so we'll see how that goes.

Does it have open world? Or its just mission after mission? Also are the dated graphics justified by perfomance or its horribly optimized?dakan45

This is my most asked question about this game, and we still haven't received a decent answer.

The TC says it performs pretty good on his pc, but doesn't bother to list what kind of pc he has.

The performance IS one of the main things that defines (for me) if the game has fun gameplay or not.

(for instance the new tomb raider on ps2, has HORRIBLE FRAME RATES, even on standard definition, it is unplayable for me) many pc games are like that now, I understand this for some pc games, but this game doesn't have state-of-the-art graphics, so what would be its excuse???!!!???!!!????

I really hope the performance is something the devs focused on, cause this is one of the games I have been looking forward to all year long.

This is my most asked question about this game, and we still haven't received a decent answer.

The TC says it performs pretty good on his pc, but doesn't bother to list what kind of pc he has.

The performance IS one of the main things that defines (for me) if the game has fun gameplay or not.

Lach0121

Sorry, okay, the game isn't open world, but you get to choose from a selection of different side-missions between each major story mission (as far as I've seen, anyway).

As for my computer, I've got a quad-core i7 with 6GB of ram, running on a Vista 64bit operating system and an HD4870 graphics card. It only lags when (I assume) it's loading new areas, and even then that's only for a second or two at best.

It seems that between each mission you get to go to your safehouse, email or chat to your contacts, buy and customise things, get intel etc, but then you select which mission on the map you'd like to do next.

There aren't any freeroaming or open-world sections.

The performance is pretty good on my great computer. I've noticed some momentary slowdown when I walk between two areas, but I haven't noticed it anywhere else.

The way the conversations work is better:

• Unlike ME2, there aren't any interrupt options, which is a bit disappointing.
• Your choices aren't simply blue or red - they're usually far more vague, like kill/extort/set free a weapons smuggler.
• Usually, instead of choosing topics to talk about, a timer appears and you have to pick the type of response you want to take (suave, professional, joking, aggressive, rookie, etc) before they finish their sentences.
• Talking happens in real time, so you can stall bosses in conversations while you restore your health (the game encourages you to do this).
• Similarly, sometimes you'll be able to attack from a conversation, surprising the enemies.
• There's no persuasion skill, so the only way of knowing what will work is to read intel and talk to other people about them - this will also give you new conversation options.
• Losing respect with people, particularly friendly characters, can actually be beneficial in this game (unlike in Mass Effect). We're warned in the tutorial that if our bosses like us too much, their emotions might cloud their judgement on missions, so we'll see how that goes.

Planeforger

I am officially HYPED!!! Im going to buy it8)

[QUOTE="Lach0121"]

This is my most asked question about this game, and we still haven't received a decent answer.

The TC says it performs pretty good on his pc, but doesn't bother to list what kind of pc he has.

The performance IS one of the main things that defines (for me) if the game has fun gameplay or not.

Planeforger

Sorry, okay, the game isn't open world, but you get to choose from a selection of different side-missions between each major story mission (as far as I've seen, anyway).

As for my computer, I've got a quad-core i7 with 6GB of ram, running on a Vista 64bit operating system and an HD4870 graphics card. It only lags when (I assume) it's loading new areas, and even then that's only for a second or two at best.

Sorry didn't mean to sound like a turd lqtm, but what resolution you playing at, and are you maxing it our, how much AA are you putting on it?

Does it slow down much while playing the game, or just loading things up like new areas?

[QUOTE="Planeforger"]

As for my computer, I've got a quad-core i7 with 6GB of ram, running on a Vista 64bit operating system and an HD4870 graphics card. It only lags when (I assume) it's loading new areas, and even then that's only for a second or two at best.

Lach0121

Sorry didn't mean to sound like a turd lqtm, but what resolution you playing at, and are you maxing it our, how much AA are you putting on it?

Does it slow down much while playing the game, or just loading things up like new areas?

Oh, I'm just running it at the default settings, entirely maxed out (except for the resolution, which is only at 1280x768 - I could try higher to test it out later).

I haven't noticed any other slowdown, it just happens sometimes when I'm walking through some locations, so I'm guessing that's when it's loading the next section of the area.

Nice! Thanks for the impressions bud! I got it preloaded and ready to play next week!

[QUOTE="Lach0121"]

[QUOTE="Planeforger"]

As for my computer, I've got a quad-core i7 with 6GB of ram, running on a Vista 64bit operating system and an HD4870 graphics card. It only lags when (I assume) it's loading new areas, and even then that's only for a second or two at best.

Planeforger

Sorry didn't mean to sound like a turd lqtm, but what resolution you playing at, and are you maxing it our, how much AA are you putting on it?

Does it slow down much while playing the game, or just loading things up like new areas?

Oh, I'm just running it at the default settings, entirely maxed out (except for the resolution, which is only at 1280x768 - I could try higher to test it out later).

I haven't noticed any other slowdown, it just happens sometimes when I'm walking through some locations, so I'm guessing that's when it's loading the next section of the area.

oh ok thanks, so Im guessing I could run it high/max 1680x1050 4xAA pretty decently then. If It scales well with SLI.

Very excited for this game, gonna pick it up tomorrow. Finally a game that's released in Europe before NA. :twisted:

I'm wondering if the kb&m controls are good or not? I don't want another Dead Space disaster... Other than that based on what you've said it looks like this game is a winner.

Okay, new non-spoilery info now that I'm 10 hours in (then I'll sleep, it's 6am here):

• The game actually does open up after the intro, giving you a number of different missions across a few different story arcs/countries, which you can do in any order.
• The enemy AI seems to get a bit better as it goes along - they're certainly more responsive to my sounds, and they can no longer be taken down easily with one hit, so things are getting harder too.
• There seem to be a ton of different factions to side with/against.
• The writing definitely gets better after the intro, too. Some laughs, more intriguing characters, much more of a plot, etc.
• Quite a few interesting choices to make, most of which don't seem to have outcomes until later in the game. Plus it's a spy game, so you *never* know who you can really trust, which makes the choices even more fun.
• It doesn't look like you can even get close to specialising in every skill, which I'm sure most RPG fans would appreciate.

So...yeah, I'm definitely warming up to the game. There are still a few kinks in the gameplay and it can get slightly repetitive, but depending on how all of these choices and options play out, this could be a very good RPG.

I'm wondering if the kb&m controls are good or not? I don't want another Dead Space disaster...

HenriH-42

You can tell that the controls were designed for the consoles, but they work well enough once you tweak the mouse sensitivity a lot. Tbh I still haven't actually got into a gunfight with anyone (or killed anyone at all, which is quite awesome, really), so I'm not sure how well the aiming works under pressure, but they're no more clunky than Mass Effect 1's.

Could you post some screenshots of the game plus a shot of the video options so we know what can be tweaked? Still going to wait for the official reviews but what I'm hearing sounds great. There hasn't been any real spy games and it's an RPG too so I hope it turns out good.spiderman120988

I could try, but it's 6am. I'll wake up early-ish in a bit and see what I can do. :P

I really was looking into it, i'm guessing an 8.0 solid score. If it gets a 9, then wow. Ill get.... Never has a review score influenced me so much!

Man gamespot gave it a 6.0 out of 10... thats pretty bad. I was really looking forward to it.

Man gamespot gave it a 6.0 out of 10... thats pretty bad. I was really looking forward to it.

Lach0121

Can you guys actually see the review? When I click it it keeps redirecting me back to the same page. :?

No, it looks like they pulled it.Gooeykat

So was the actual review ever up or just the score? If it was up did anyone see what it said?

No, it looks like they pulled it.Gooeykat

[QUOTE="Gooeykat"]No, it looks like they pulled it.dakan45

6.0? wtf?! its deus ex meets splinter cell and it gets a 6?!

well im willing to take planeforger's word over gamespot's although i will wait for some more reviews to surface before purchasing

[QUOTE="dakan45"][QUOTE="Gooeykat"]No, it looks like they pulled it.Gooeykat

[QUOTE="dakan45"][QUOTE="Gooeykat"]No, it looks like they pulled it.Gooeykat

I agree with this, its just I was expecting it to get a little bit higher score,

though it does seem like they pulled the score, because it just sends me back to the regular page.

There are many very popular games, that I don't really care anything about right now, and there are some games that I'm interested in that everyone seems to bash or hate for some reason.

Pop culture is how our system is though, and its a joke, we still have millions of people that actually don't realize they are talking about "culture/not race" when ever they talk about "race."

Ohmanohmanohmanohmanohmanohman!!!

I want this game so bad! :cry:

A question:

Does the main character looks like the douchebag I've seen on all trailers or can you customize his face like in ME2?

God, I still have to wait until June 1st. xD

Quick question: The graphics looked bad on a video I saw of the game. How well does it look on your rig and what settings are you playing on?

A question:

Does the main character looks like the douchebag I've seen on all trailers or can you customize his face like in ME2?

Masculus

Who cares about the reviews, some of my favorite games are low rated games.

The score was taken down maybe there is hope of it still getting a 7.

Doesn't matter though I'm still picking this up Obsidian may not be half as good putting off graphics and polish but they're one of the best in making stories and dialogues.